In spite of its nasty reputation for gun related travel, Heathrow can work. Consider
1) you must check your guns through to their final destination - because unless you have a UK import permit, there is no way for you to take the guns through UK Customs and re-check for your connecting flight!
2) If you need to change airport in the UK, you'll have to go through the hassle of employing a gun carrier to arrange the firearms transfer for you.
3) Things would be a lot easier if your incoming and outgoing flights from Heathrow share terminal. I'm not sure if guns are transferred from one terminal to the next without the services of a gun carrier? Inside the same terminal, no gun carrier is required.
4) Changing flights in Heathrow will require a LOT longer than what one normally needs (3 hours, or so). The BA website has quite a bit of information via this page:
http://www.britishairways.com/...agsport/public/en_gb E.g. gun related info:
quote:
Notify us before you fly
All firearms (including replica and decommissioned) and ammunition are restricted under UK law and you must notify us at least 72 hours before you travel to ensure compliance with UK government (or other local government) embargoes and restrictions. You must ensure you have the required documentation and licences for your firearms and ammunition. This includes export/import licences and authorisation from local and national authorities.
Please note: If you are planning to make a booking on ba.com that includes a flight operated by an airline other than British Airways, please contact us before booking to check that the other airline is able to carry your firearm.
Contact us
Check-in times
When you travel with firearms and/or ammunition you must be at check-in at least 2 hours before your flight, to allow sufficient time to process the paperwork prior to clearing security.
Checking in at London Heathrow
To check in, proceed to the Assistance Desks located at the end of Zones B/C/D/F/G in Terminal 5 or in Zone G at Terminal 3. Customers in First, Club World and Club Europe should continue to use the respective First and Club check-in zones in Terminals 3 and 5.
Transferring through London
If you are transferring through London you require a minimum connecting time of 3 hours.
Handling charge
Each case containing firearms and/or ammunition is subject to a £50 each way charge at check-in. Firearms and ammunition are handled by a specialist third party agent on our behalf; this charge covers their costs.
Packing firearms
Firearms and/or ammunition will be accepted provided they are packed in an appropriate carriage case, or if this is not possible, packed securely inside a suitcase with your personal effects. If the firearm and/or ammunition is carried in addition to your free checked baggage allowance, extra bag charges will also apply.
Note when travelling to/from countries that do not allow transportation of firearms and ammunition in the hold baggage
If you are travelling to or from South Africa or Italy you cannot pack your firearms or ammunition in your checked hold baggage with your personal effects. The firearms and/or ammunition must be packed in separate locked bags or containers. In this instance you will not be charged for the extra bag(s) but will be subject to the appropriate handling fee(s).
Preparing firearms for travel
each firearm carried must be accompanied by the appropriate firearms certificate
the firearm must be unloaded
if possible the firearm should be dismantled
the total weight of the ammunition (including shell) must not exceed the allowance of 5kg (11lbs) per passenger per bag
sharing weight allowance between passengers is not allowed
there will be no additional cost for the carriage of ammunition packed with the firearm*
ammunition must be packed in either its original packaging or in a suitable container that prevents movement between shells or cartridges, i.e. loose ammunition is not permitted
bags with ammunition must not bear 'explosives' labels
the Heavy Bag Charge will apply to all bags over 23kg
*If ammunition is carried on its own without a firearm, the £50 charge will still apply as special handling for the item is still required.
- mike
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The rifle is a noble weapon... It entices its bearer into primeval forests, into mountains and deserts untenanted by man. - Horace Kephart
