I've been booked on AA to South Africa in July. I've heard they are hard to deal with when traveling with firearms. Any comments to make life easier? I'm used to Delta and never had even a yawn.

Are you flying through London?

D.Nelson

American Airlines does not fly into South Africa. Are you traveling to London Heathrow on AA and on to JNB by way of British Airways?

Do you have a printed copy of AA's firearm policy to carry with you?

http://www.aa.com/aa/pubcontent/en_US/travelInformation/baggage/firearms.jsp

Have you read this:
Effective with tickets purchased on/after September 24, 2007, American Airlines will no longer accept firearms in checked baggage to/from the United Kingdom (except for military/government personnel with proper documentation).

I'm flying American from Orland to Dulles and then South African to J'berg via Dakar.
Years ago I had trouble with America out of Orlando and have only flown Delta since. I don't have a choice of carriers now.
I havv a copy of the regulations on American's web page but they don't give all the international restrictions they might require even though the flight is technically still within the US. I have the TSA regs.

I changed carriers from United out of Dallas to Dulles, SAA from Dulles to Joberg and had no problems what so ever, its just hit or miss as far as problems go. Had no problems at Tambo either, got my weapon within 30 minutes, from the S.A. police firearms control section...maybe just got lucky.

In that case you will be alright. I ain't saying you won't have trouble with an individual agent in Orlando but the rules and the law are on your side. You might want to call and talk with an AA representative if you have any doubts. Ask to see a supervisor if you do not get any satisfaction and check in early. I am a pilot for American Airlines and traveled last year to Maine on a bear hunt with no gun problems what so ever. I am traveling May 7th from DFW on AA for a SAA flight leaving on the 8th to JNB.

Have you had prior firearm issues out of Orlando with American or was it some other problem?

The only airline I ever had trouble with was American and In Orlando. I always flew Delta after that and I guress it was the agent. Delta agents in the south and west don't even blink at firearms in my experience. They just say "Wait for TSA" now.
Thanks for the input. I always get there an hour before everybody else and get in line first.
Thanks again.