I am confused by the SAA web site. Going from USA to Johannesburg in June, flying economy class.

I THINK it says:

1. Two rifles in a case are free if total weighs 50# or less.

2. I can check one extra bag that weighs 50# or less.

3. I can carry on a bag 23x52x40cm., or 115cm. total. 8kg. Problem: American bags tend to be a little longer but thinner, but still within 115cm. Is that OK?

4. I can take a briefcase as long as it holds stuff like cameras, binoculars, reading matter.

5. If any particular bag is over the 50#, they will charge me $25.

6. I THINK ammo must be in a locked metal box in the the suitcase, not the rifle case, but that is unclear. (In factory boxes of course.)

7. I am taking 300 Wby and a 6.5x54mm ammo. I lack one factory box for the latter, so I'm going to put 20 rounds in a 300 Wby. box with some tissue paper. Write 6.5x54mm on the outside of the 300 Wby box. OK?

The ammo must be secured in the checked baggage but does not have to be in a locked metal case, but do have a lock on the baggage zippers. The ammo can be packed in an MTM case and labeled with a sharpie or a handmade label, which is a hell of a lot better than a cardboard factory box anyway. They may check the headstamp on the ammo and they may weigh it too as they did mine. I was 1 pound over but made it real clear that I was'nt leaving any there. Do not pack ammo of one kind into a box marked something differently as they may think you are trying to hide something and you will be there for hours explaining your intent. Not all of the airline people are idiots so don't take anything for granted. Make sure you take a copy of the airline regs. with you so you can dispute any bs you get.

Their website gives no specific guidance on how to transport the ammo. I had a SAA ticket agent at Jo'burg (on my way to Zim) make me take my ammo out of my luggage (it was inside a locked pistol case) and put it in my guncase. When checking in the guncase with security (after my baggage had already gone), they told me the ammo couldn't be in my guncase.

Last month, I emailed SAA and asked them about this. The reply was, well unintelligible, they didn't answer my question.

Since there are no specific written rules about ammo on SAA's website, the best I can tell you is to plan for all contingencies.

Start with your ammo in locked case (metal cash box, plastic pistol case, etc.) inside your luggage. If you have to, you can always move it to your guncase.

I wouldn't use the Weatherby box, get a plastic ammo box for it and print a label and tape it on.

Regards,

Terry

P.S.
#3. Yes, as long as the total dimensions are 115cm or less.

If you're connecting to the departure city on a domestic airline, odds are slim and none that you will have a problem with SAA by checking the bags straight through to joburg. Once in the system they are not gonna weigh each of the bags from 400 passangers before they get loaded on the flight. Since the general rule today is 70 pounds for international flights and your ticket clearly shows you're connecting to a SAA flight they will honour the 70 pounds at check in and the bags will go straight through to Joburg. Coming back is going to be a different story as the SAA flight will be the first segment. Even so the 25 bucks is just the way it's going to be for the future I suppose. I'll pay the 25 bucks I suppose it's just the cost of doing business. In 2007 I figure Delta will be the carrier of choice for me anyway.

Anyone know if the Delta schedule is still a go?

JJ,

Delta is at 50 pounds as well. American Airlines is 50 pounds.

I'm afraid the 70 pound limit per bag is no more.

Regards,

Terry

Right. I was dunned by American and Air Canada last week for overweight @ 60 lbs. Can you say revenue enhancer?

I checked BA last week and they were still listed at 70. Maybe not for long if everyone else is going to 50.

JJ

Delta is showing flights and competitive prices on their internet reservation system for dates after December. I have not tried to pay for one yet though.

It certainly looks like they are going ahead.

Now that SAA is reducing their US originated flights by 4 per week their should be demand for some Delta flights!

Les

New SAA rules

Please be advised that effective IMMEDIATELY South African Airways will be enforcing a new baggage allowance policy:

Please notify your traveling companions in case we do not have email addresses for them , or if you are the group leader.

Free checked baggage allowance:

First and Business classes remain the same at 2 pieces at 32kg (70lb) with maximum dimensions of 158 cm(62 inches) per piece.

Economy class: 2 pieces with 23kg (50lb) each with maximum dimensions of 158 cm (62inches).

(To obtain total dimension add the length, breadth and depth of the luggage.)

Children and infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare are entitled to the same allowance as adults.

Infants not entitled to a seat shall be permitted 1 checked piece 10 kg (22lb) with maximum dimensions of 115 cm(45 inches) and one collapsible stroller.

Cabin baggage will be limited to 1 piece not exceeding 115 cm (45 inches) and weight up to 8kg (18lb)


Excess Weight Policy

In case of excess weight, passengers will be charged a flat fee of $25.00 for the first or second bag weighing up to 32kg (70 lb).

Normal excess baggage rates will apply for additional pieces.

Star Alliance Gold members, including Voyager Gold, Platinum and Lifetime Platinum will be entitled to an additional 20kg of free baggage, or one additional piece. This will allow them to carry 3 pieces instead of 2.

Based on my recent travels - it appears 50lbs is pretty much the norm -- however -- if you are going to be over the 50lb mark -- might as well go way over but not to exceed the maximum - which may be different for each airline as the overweight cost is the same -- one must check the maximum allowable weight for baggage when exceeding the 50lb amount but then might as well use the available amount to the max