I'm leaving in a couple of weeks for a buffalo hunt in Australia. I've checked the American and Quantas websites for packaging of ammunition. I couldn't find anything on Quantas and American's said that all ammuniton must be in the original packaging. I have loaded my own ammunition and have it packed in 20 round MTM Case-Gard cases. Is this sufficient or do I need to have factory boxes for my ammuniton?

First call Quantas and ask them to telex a message to the airport that you got "preapproval" for gun and ammunition. It actually says that you must get "preapproval" on their website, but nobody at Quantas reads that, so tell them, it definately makes things easier. They PROBABLY will take your ammo out to "see if it is packed securely" and possibly weigh it. You are allowed 11#'s, but I wouldn't come to close to that. It would definately be better if you have factory boxes and that those be secured together in some stout packaging. Read the airline statements VERY carefully and print them out, highlighting the important parts and take them with you. If you don't have factory boxes I would get a lockable metal box to put the MTM cases in AND pack that inside another bag. Be aware that right after you go through this with the airline, you may have to go through it again with TSA, so keep the keys handy!

1. Phone the Qantas manager responsible for providing the permission to transport sporting firearms and sporting ammunition in your checked luggage.

I have put up the contact information at the following link: Flying with Qantas - carrying firearms and ammunition in checked luggage

Once arranged it is pretty hassle free and they will fax (maybe email) you a permission letter to carry with you. They will tell you the requirement

2. The regulations basically are 5 kgs of ammunition per person, in a separate bag from the one carrying your firearms in approved packaging. This can be original ammunition boxes or MTM style containers. The main requirement is each round must be separated from the next (ie by the cardboard or plastic inserts). The bag containing the ammunition must be locked. It is NOT necessary to use original factory ammunition boxes.

I usually put the ammo boxes in a lightweight plastic tool box as well which I lock.

3. You will also need to arrange import permits for your firearms AND ammunition. If you are using an outfitter they can help you with these permits and other permits and licences required.

NitroX,as covered it,i email Qantas last week,name of outfitter,numbers of firearms i will be taking,flights numbers,my N.Z firearms licence number and said i will be taking less 5kg of ammo and 3 hours later they emailed me my letter of approval,which you must have with you the whole time.
I have always found Qantas very good to deal with flying in OZ or New Zealand.
Good luck on the Buff leave some for me and Scruffy

cfore, if you are flying on American to LA or SF for your Quantas flight, they will be the important one for the ammunition. Quantas won't check until your return flight. I've had no problems with Quantas, they've never checked my guns or ammo, but then I don't go through SIDNEY airport. American may very likely make you open your bag and show them your ammunition, Delta ALWAYS makes me. It may not be necessary to have factory boxes, however if you do its something that they cannot argue with, since it clearly states that that is OK in their regulations. One of my Aussie mates DID have a problem with Quantas, he had 9#'s of ammo or 4 kilos, well under the limit and the bitch at the counter said SHE was not going to allow it, because it was just to close to the limit! He had to discard a box of .416RM or not get on the flight.

Thanks for the information. I will email them as soon as I get my permit. I should have it any day.

quote:

Originally posted by loboga:
One of my Aussie mates DID have a problem with Quantas, he had 9#'s of ammo or 4 kilos, well under the limit and the bitch at the counter said SHE was not going to allow it, because it was just to close to the limit! He had to discard a box of .416RM or not get on the flight.

Was he over the weight limit with his checked luggage as well?

Did he arrange the transport of ammunition prior to the checking in for the flight?

Just wondering as I have never heard of anyone having that problem before. They have been helpful even when I didn't have the permission letter in the year they first introduced it.

NitroX,
I am flying to Nth Queensland next Tuesday with a rifle & ammo. Basically what you have said is in line with what I`ve been told with just one variation or maybe I`m reading your reply wrongly.
The Qantas dangerous goods officer, a very nice chap by the name of Laurie Willoughby told me over the phone, that I could carry the 5kg of ammo in my baggage provided the baggage was locked.
I explained that my bag was only a canvas RM Williams type & that I could probably lock it with a small padlock through the zipper tab & a leather loop at the end of the zipper.
I have 3 MTM style case guards, 50 rds each .300 Win mag weighing 4.7 kg in total.
I hope I don`t strike the same woman that Lobogas mate did.
I found out today the baggage weight limit on Qantas is 20 kg per person. My mates rifle is in my double gun case along with mine, bothh Ruger M77.
I did a quick estimate of the weight of the rifles in the case & the ammunition.
The total was a surprising 19 kg all up.
That leaves me with 1 kg worth of clothes etc.
This will be a very interesting checkin at mascot I can assure you.

Should I put the MTM boxes inside another container & then into my baggage ?

Suggestions ?

Thanks & Regards
Morton

He was right on everything, she just decided to give him a bad time. I personally have never had a problem.