Looking to go on a trip to Spain in November. Any airlines that should be avoided when flying with a firearm? thanks

Avoid any flights that transit thru New York state and the UK...

I have flown the direct Delta flight ATL - BCN many times on business. Haven't taken guns to Spain but have taken them on Delta without issue.

I think I would rather fly into Barcelona with guns rather than Madrid if I had a choice...

Delta / Air France are easy with guns

British Air is to be avoided if at all possible. Also avoid transiting through Amsterdam as well! If you are checked through, UK is not a problem.

I was hunting in Portland years ago. Flying with rifle. Started from Prague to JFK New York and from JFK to Portland. Gun checked at JFK, no problem. Customs were pretty nice, when asked "What caliber is this?" I replied: "375" and he said "no elephants here"

Way back ok first to Amsterdam Schiphol. But you need transfer permission from Dutch customs prior to trip.

Al flights by Delta (flight back by KML under Delta).

I would avoid British airlines and London Heathrow transfer. They are crazy even of knives.

Jiri

Avoid British airline. Not very friendly with gun travelers. Also if possible avoid Amsterdam transit. Good luck with your spanish hunt!

Yep, if possible avoid London (british ariways) & Amsterdam.
Seems like the permit in Amsterdam for US-hunters are a big problem.

I had never any issues in Paris (AirFrance).

thanks for the info guys.

How about American Airlines? Looks like I can do Fresno > Dallas > Madrid. Which is a pretty good route. Have done it in the past but not with a firearm.

Was hoping they offered premium economy but no luck.

Bobby

When landing in Spain You have to collect your rifle in a special office. You'll be asked to
Provide proof of ownership for getting sort of a permit. On your way back, once again you have to show your rifle
and give your "permit" back. A minor hindrance, they are very professional, just wasting about 20 minutes.

I second with brit airports being fastidious. Not so with Amsterdam airport Schipol
I used it 6 times and just as in France,
No problem at all.

Good luck

Bobby,

Your outfitter will need to arrange your permits for you in advance and will need to be present when arriving and departing the country.

At least that is what happens when we go in and out of Barcelona for our hunting trips.

As for flights, the UK is easy if you have the paperwork done in advance. With the wrong paperwork there are few places you can travel to and not expect some problems...

Rgds,
K

quote:

Originally posted by bobby7321:
thanks for the info guys.

How about American Airlines? Looks like I can do Fresno > Dallas > Madrid. Which is a pretty good route. Have done it in the past but not with a firearm.

Was hoping they offered premium economy but no luck.

i take it you I've in the Fresno area, as do i( at least in the foothills east of town). the early AM AA flight to Dallas is always a good option as you can get damn near anywhere from Dallas via AA or its partners. as far as premium economy seats go, once a reservation is made, the seat selection window opens up and you can pick your seat for free. for an extra $12-15/leg you can pick seats with more leg room or a better location in coach. i am not sure if this applies on the international legs but i think it does( probably a costs more, though).

BA from Dallas has premium economy seats, and virginout of Dulles is also a good option.

However a direct flight to Madrid with anyone but Iberia would be the best choice IMO

K

quote:

Originally posted by jbderunz:
Bobby

When landing in Spain You have to collect your rifle in a special office. You'll be asked to
Provide proof of ownership for getting sort of a permit. On your way back, once again you have to show your rifle
and give your "permit" back. A minor hindrance, they are very professional, just wasting about 20 minutes.

I second with brit airports being fastidious. Not so with Amsterdam airport Schipol
I used it 6 times and just as in France,
No problem at all.

Good luck

Jean,
my understanding is that american hunters need a special permit to transit in Amsterdam.
For us (europeans) it is fairly easy to travel through Amesterdam, because no paperwork is required.

Dennis

you are correct. even when the gun is checked through to the final destination and you never see it, you still have to have a special permit for it to move through the airport. what a PITA!

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:

quote:

Originally posted by bobby7321:
thanks for the info guys.

How about American Airlines? Looks like I can do Fresno > Dallas > Madrid. Which is a pretty good route. Have done it in the past but not with a firearm.

Was hoping they offered premium economy but no luck.

i take it you I've in the Fresno area, as do i( at least in the foothills east of town). the early AM AA flight to Dallas is always a good option as you can get damn near anywhere from Dallas via AA or its partners. as far as premium economy seats go, once a reservation is made, the seat selection window opens up and you can pick your seat for free. for an extra $12-15/leg you can pick seats with more leg room or a better location in coach. i am not sure if this applies on the international legs but i think it does( probably a costs more, though).

yup, I'm down here in Visalia. thanks for the info. this is exactly what I did. cost me about $1500 round trip with the seat upgrades. which seem to be their version of premium economy. so I think it will be just what I was looking for. the DFW to Madrid leg was $130 to upgrade to the premium seats, not bad at all. looks like no extra width but about more leg room and seats recline a good bit more. this way I'll avoid anything on the east coast or any connections in Europe.

I think I've got the paperwork covered to go into the country. I've got all the info from the consulate, and happen to have two cousins who work in Madrid as police and guardia civil. one is stationed in the airport they've agreed to meet me there just to help things move along.

not using an outfitter. i'll provide more details about that when I return. sort of a little test on how to use my resources (aka family) in Spain to get things done DIY style.

looking forward to the report. i would be interested to doing something like this( DIY).

Caracal:

No. Paperwork is required at Schiphol for Europeans too, at least when I came back from USA (Portland OR to Schiphol, Schiphol to Prague). It required prior transfer permission from Dutch customs. (traveled by Delta)

Jiri