I‘m quite shocked because yesterday my Krieghoff Classic Big Five double got lost on a flight from Zuerich to Cape Town via Dubai. Right before boarding at Dubai an Emirates official approached me asking strange questions regarding my firearm. It sounded very odd to me because the Krieghoff was loaded at Zuerich not at Dubai. I immediately smelled something wrong. "No no, everything is fine", the official said. I didn‘t believe him. Well, where is my beloved 9.3?

That is absolutely no good
Holding thumbs it gets sorted asap.

That is bad, hope it gets sorted quickly. I was delayed boarding once in Fubai while the gate agent verified my rifle case had been loaded on the plane, mine made it to Joburg OK.

air tags are the way to go.

quote:

Originally posted by eny:
air tags are the way to go.

My wife has one on her dog’s collar. Never thought about putting one in the rifle case…but that is a damn good idea!

Uggh what a nightmare!

I make a point of checking in at the gate and telling the agent that I am travelling with a firearm the first instance they arrive to ensure I don't get delayed.

quote:

Originally posted by eny:
air tags are the way to go.

Yes they are


Sitting on the plane and knowing you bags are aboard is really nice.

Apparently the rifle is with the police at OT airport. Now they want me to fly from Cape Town to Jo‘burg in order to collect it there. However the rifle was supposed to be offloaded at Cape Town… What a shit story!

did you use anyone for your permit and if you did I would get them involved and tell the airline to handle it

You need Bruce's cell number!!

quote:

Originally posted by hydehunter:
did you use anyone for your permit and if you did I would get them involved and tell the airline to handle it

100% correct! Not your fault.
Sorry for your trouble, puts a big damper on what is supposed to be a really good time.

quote:

Originally posted by hydehunter:
did you use anyone for your permit and if you did I would get them involved and tell the airline to handle it

No I did not because I‘m a SA resident. I travelled often with my firearms, now it‘s the first time that this happened.

It would be interesting to find out why it got lost. What Emirates had to say. Have flown both them and Qatar several times, in the belief that keeping track of firearms was their strong suit.
I too have a double that I really don’t want lost.

Maybe not their strong suit….

I'd discuss what plane they were paying for so I could go get it.

I know, a hassle,,, time yadda-yadda.
but it's your Kreighoff.

I mean if it's too much trouble I could probably borrow/scrape up enough money to go pick it up.
my deer hunt starts Monday, but I'd be willing to forego it.

Sunshine, any update on this?

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Sunshine, any update on this?

Yes, indeed. The rifle is now with the airport police at Joburg. The flight from Zuerich to Jo‘burg was done by Emirates, the one from Jo‘burg to Cape Town was Airlink. However I only have one ticket: the one from Emirates. Emirates did book my Airlink flight. Emirats‘ duty was getting my baggage to Cape Town no matter how.

The police is refusing to forward the gun to Cape Town, they want me to collect it in Jo‘burg! Which means I have to buy a return ticket Cape Town Jo‘burg Cape Town. I‘m trying to get the money for that ticket from Emirates, they had given me permission to put the gun case on board for the entire flight: Zuerich to Cape Town.

What an inconvenience and with our silly gun laws you will have to fetch it yourself.

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Sunshine, any update on this?

Yes, indeed. The rifle is now with the airport police at Joburg. The flight from Zuerich to Jo‘burg was done by Emirates, the one from Jo‘burg to Cape Town was Airlink. However I only have one ticket: the one from Emirates. Emirates did book my Airlink flight. Emirats‘ duty was getting my baggage to Cape Town no matter how.

The police is refusing to forward the gun to Cape Town, they want me to collect it in Jo‘burg! Which means I have to buy a return ticket Cape Town Jo‘burg Cape Town. I‘m trying to get the money for that ticket from Emirates, they had given me permission to put the gun case on board for the entire flight: Zuerich to Cape Town.

Very sorry to hear this, it makes me frustrated hearing stories like this.

When you filled out your export permit, which point of exit did you fill in? OR TAMBO or Cape Town International. If your export permit says OR Tambo/JHB you would have to clear your gun first irrespective if checked all the way through to CT. If CT is listed as exit then they were supposed to send the firearm to CT SAPS to clear.

Does Airlink carry firearms?

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
Does Airlink carry firearms?

Yes, but they charge a handling fee.

quote:

Originally posted by MD375:

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Sunshine, any update on this?

Yes, indeed. The rifle is now with the airport police at Joburg. The flight from Zuerich to Jo‘burg was done by Emirates, the one from Jo‘burg to Cape Town was Airlink. However I only have one ticket: the one from Emirates. Emirates did book my Airlink flight. Emirats‘ duty was getting my baggage to Cape Town no matter how.

The police is refusing to forward the gun to Cape Town, they want me to collect it in Jo‘burg! Which means I have to buy a return ticket Cape Town Jo‘burg Cape Town. I‘m trying to get the money for that ticket from Emirates, they had given me permission to put the gun case on board for the entire flight: Zuerich to Cape Town.

Very sorry to hear this, it makes me frustrated hearing stories like this.

When you filled out your export permit, which point of exit did you fill in? OR TAMBO or Cape Town International. If your export permit says OR Tambo/JHB you would have to clear your gun first irrespective if checked all the way through to CT. If CT is listed as exit then they were supposed to send the firearm to CT SAPS to clear.

PORT OF EXIT: CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


There is nothing I can do. Even the local DFO told me: It‘s your rifle, we are unable to assist.

Is Emirates at least paying for your flight to Joberg and back to Cape Town? That's the least they can do.

you might be able to hire a bonding agent and havae him ship it to you

quote:

Originally posted by Labman:
Is Emirates at least paying for your flight to Joberg and back to Cape Town? That's the least they can do.

They won‘t, at least I haven‘t received such offer although I asked for it. Well, never flying Emirates again. Will tell all our clients stay away from that dishonest airline!

The TICKET & RECEIPT clearly states: Johannesburg Cape Town: Baggage 2Piece ( 1 suitcase + 1 gun case)

quote:

Originally posted by MD375:

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Sunshine, any update on this?

Yes, indeed. The rifle is now with the airport police at Joburg. The flight from Zuerich to Jo‘burg was done by Emirates, the one from Jo‘burg to Cape Town was Airlink. However I only have one ticket: the one from Emirates. Emirates did book my Airlink flight. Emirats‘ duty was getting my baggage to Cape Town no matter how.

The police is refusing to forward the gun to Cape Town, they want me to collect it in Jo‘burg! Which means I have to buy a return ticket Cape Town Jo‘burg Cape Town. I‘m trying to get the money for that ticket from Emirates, they had given me permission to put the gun case on board for the entire flight: Zuerich to Cape Town.

Very sorry to hear this, it makes me frustrated hearing stories like this.

When you filled out your export permit, which point of exit did you fill in? OR TAMBO or Cape Town International. If your export permit says OR Tambo/JHB you would have to clear your gun first irrespective if checked all the way through to CT. If CT is listed as exit then they were supposed to send the firearm to CT SAPS to clear.

PORT OF EXIT: CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


There is nothing I can do. Even the local DFO told me: It‘s your rifle, we are unable to assist.

quote:

Originally posted by MD375:

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Sunshine, any update on this?

Yes, indeed. The rifle is now with the airport police at Joburg. The flight from Zuerich to Jo‘burg was done by Emirates, the one from Jo‘burg to Cape Town was Airlink. However I only have one ticket: the one from Emirates. Emirates did book my Airlink flight. Emirats‘ duty was getting my baggage to Cape Town no matter how.

The police is refusing to forward the gun to Cape Town, they want me to collect it in Jo‘burg! Which means I have to buy a return ticket Cape Town Jo‘burg Cape Town. I‘m trying to get the money for that ticket from Emirates, they had given me permission to put the gun case on board for the entire flight: Zuerich to Cape Town.

Very sorry to hear this, it makes me frustrated hearing stories like this.

When you filled out your export permit, which point of exit did you fill in? OR TAMBO or Cape Town International. If your export permit says OR Tambo/JHB you would have to clear your gun first irrespective if checked all the way through to CT. If CT is listed as exit then they were supposed to send the firearm to CT SAPS to clear.

PORT OF EXIT: CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


There is nothing I can do. Even the local DFO told me: It‘s your rifle, we are unable to assist.

Keep us updated and let us know when you have the double in your physical possession. And, any further updates on getting some financial remumeration from the negligent party! I once had Delta Airlines lose my brand new double rifle during a flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta and then on to Jo'burg. After an all night battle in the Atlanta airport, some threats about contacting BATFE and a cluster f--k fiasco between Delta employees, they found that the double rifle had been sent on to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They finally put it on a plane back to Atlanta early that next morning and I received the rifle an hour before we boarded to go on to Jo'burg.

As I understand the rifle is not lost.

And Emirates cannot be held responsible for Airlinks negligence.

Emirates only flies to Joberg, and they delivered it there.

Once it is there, it is no longer their responsibility.

Let us be realistic, and call a spade a spade.

I agree with Saeed, it appears Emirates did their part, it seems the problem is with SAAirlink. I’m sure they want their R500-600 “handling” fee before they forward the rifle to final destination. Had that experience earlier this year on a flight where luggage on another airline was checked thru to final destination, “Handling fee” payment solved that problem.

The rifle is with me again. Yesterday I flew to Johannesburg and collected it there.I disagree with Saeed, the fault is with Emirates because they handled all my bookings right from the beginning. Emirates booked Airliink on my behalf, Emirates chose the flights. And that’s where they had made the big mistake:

Emirates booked for me a so called ILLEGAL CONNECTION, a term worldwide known amongst the airlines. It’s a connection which doesn’t provide time to clear baggage, in my case clear the rifke with the airport police before boarding the flight to Cape Town. I went to the police but the rifle wan’t there yet. And I had to run in order to get onto the next flight. The matter is now with my attorney.

South African Airways said that Emirates wasn’t allowed to book that connection, therefore it’s an illegal connection.

quote:

Originally posted by MD375:

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Sunshine, any update on this?

Yes, indeed. The rifle is now with the airport police at Joburg. The flight from Zuerich to Jo‘burg was done by Emirates, the one from Jo‘burg to Cape Town was Airlink. However I only have one ticket: the one from Emirates. Emirates did book my Airlink flight. Emirats‘ duty was getting my baggage to Cape Town no matter how.

The police is refusing to forward the gun to Cape Town, they want me to collect it in Jo‘burg! Which means I have to buy a return ticket Cape Town Jo‘burg Cape Town. I‘m trying to get the money for that ticket from Emirates, they had given me permission to put the gun case on board for the entire flight: Zuerich to Cape Town.

Very sorry to hear this, it makes me frustrated hearing stories like this.

When you filled out your export permit, which point of exit did you fill in? OR TAMBO or Cape Town International. If your export permit says OR Tambo/JHB you would have to clear your gun first irrespective if checked all the way through to CT. If CT is listed as exit then they were supposed to send the firearm to CT SAPS to clear.

PORT OF EXIT: CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


There is nothing I can do. Even the local DFO told me: It‘s your rifle, we are unable to assist.

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:

quote:

Originally posted by MD375:

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Sunshine, any update on this?

Yes, indeed. The rifle is now with the airport police at Joburg. The flight from Zuerich to Jo‘burg was done by Emirates, the one from Jo‘burg to Cape Town was Airlink. However I only have one ticket: the one from Emirates. Emirates did book my Airlink flight. Emirats‘ duty was getting my baggage to Cape Town no matter how.

The police is refusing to forward the gun to Cape Town, they want me to collect it in Jo‘burg! Which means I have to buy a return ticket Cape Town Jo‘burg Cape Town. I‘m trying to get the money for that ticket from Emirates, they had given me permission to put the gun case on board for the entire flight: Zuerich to Cape Town.

Very sorry to hear this, it makes me frustrated hearing stories like this.

When you filled out your export permit, which point of exit did you fill in? OR TAMBO or Cape Town International. If your export permit says OR Tambo/JHB you would have to clear your gun first irrespective if checked all the way through to CT. If CT is listed as exit then they were supposed to send the firearm to CT SAPS to clear.

PORT OF EXIT: CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


There is nothing I can do. Even the local DFO told me: It‘s your rifle, we are unable to assist.

Sorry had meant port of entry, it happened to me a few years ago, I declared the wrong point of entry, had to fly back the next day and collect my rifle and ammo.

Good lesson here. If you are going through JNB then leave yourself enough time to transfer your weapon. Its a simple process and there are plenty of companies in JNB that will assist you. A number of hunters overnight and make sure everything catches up to them and then take an onward flight the next day.

While some folks get lucky I believe when they see a gun case coming off a plane it gets sent to the Police for clearance and not sent onward to the next flight. Especially Airlink as they want a fee

I'm with Saeed on this, this is not Emirates fault. Not sure what the legal transfer time in JNB is but it sounds like there was plenty of time if one did not have a rifle. I once cleared a rifle and made my Cape Town flight with time to spare thanks to Anne at Air 2000. In this case the plane was late and my connection time shrank to 1.5 hours.

I would have stayed at the Police counter until my weapon cleared and then made the plane wait or Emirates get me another flight onward. Actually would not have booked my tickets so that I risked that happening.

If my clients are transiting ORT I always recommend they receive their guns and kits upon arrival in JNB and physically recheck them to their final destination. Yes! It's an added hassle but it provides piece of mind. At least you know the luggage is between ORT and your final destination and not on the tarmac in East Overshoe.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by MD375:

Sorry had meant port of entry, it happened to me a few years ago, I declared the wrong point of entry, had to fly back the next day and collect my rifle and ammo.

Both port of exit and port of entry where Cape Town. The only problem was lack of enough time for clearance.

quote:

Originally posted by MD375:

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Sunshine, any update on this?

Yes, indeed. The rifle is now with the airport police at Joburg. The flight from Zuerich to Jo‘burg was done by Emirates, the one from Jo‘burg to Cape Town was Airlink. However I only have one ticket: the one from Emirates. Emirates did book my Airlink flight. Emirats‘ duty was getting my baggage to Cape Town no matter how.

The police is refusing to forward the gun to Cape Town, they want me to collect it in Jo‘burg! Which means I have to buy a return ticket Cape Town Jo‘burg Cape Town. I‘m trying to get the money for that ticket from Emirates, they had given me permission to put the gun case on board for the entire flight: Zuerich to Cape Town.

Very sorry to hear this, it makes me frustrated hearing stories like this.

When you filled out your export permit, which point of exit did you fill in? OR TAMBO or Cape Town International. If your export permit says OR Tambo/JHB you would have to clear your gun first irrespective if checked all the way through to CT. If CT is listed as exit then they were supposed to send the firearm to CT SAPS to clear.

PORT OF EXIT: CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


There is nothing I can do. Even the local DFO told me: It‘s your rifle, we are unable to assist.

One must pay close attention to connection/layover times when traveling, especially when traveling with firearms. It seems that a short layover time was the problem here. A good travel agent earns his fee by avoiding that problem.

One should avoid short layovers and ensure a minimum of at least 2hrs between connecting flights.

Another setback which can result in short-landed baggage is checking in early as your baggage will be loaded first and unloaded last.

quote:

Originally posted by MD375:

quote:

Originally posted by Sunshine:

quote:

Originally posted by Balule:
Sunshine, any update on this?

Yes, indeed. The rifle is now with the airport police at Joburg. The flight from Zuerich to Jo‘burg was done by Emirates, the one from Jo‘burg to Cape Town was Airlink. However I only have one ticket: the one from Emirates. Emirates did book my Airlink flight. Emirats‘ duty was getting my baggage to Cape Town no matter how.

The police is refusing to forward the gun to Cape Town, they want me to collect it in Jo‘burg! Which means I have to buy a return ticket Cape Town Jo‘burg Cape Town. I‘m trying to get the money for that ticket from Emirates, they had given me permission to put the gun case on board for the entire flight: Zuerich to Cape Town.

Very sorry to hear this, it makes me frustrated hearing stories like this.

When you filled out your export permit, which point of exit did you fill in? OR TAMBO or Cape Town International. If your export permit says OR Tambo/JHB you would have to clear your gun first irrespective if checked all the way through to CT. If CT is listed as exit then they were supposed to send the firearm to CT SAPS to clear.

PORT OF EXIT: CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


There is nothing I can do. Even the local DFO told me: It‘s your rifle, we are unable to assist.

I suppose Airlink is the problem, they want payment to fly your rifle.