I just got back last night. Both going and coming through LA it took about two and one half hours just to clear the rifles through. We had a 4 hour difference between flights and we needed it it all.

We had just about the same experience at Brisbane where the terminals for domestic and international fligts are separated. Arriving on an international flight then changing to a domestic was quite a scramble. We had a two hour layover and just barely caught the flight to Darwin.

The people were friendly and helpful both places however they checked everything from ammo to rifles to paperwork.

The letter from Mr. Willouby, export license etc. etc. were all scrutinized.

That is good info to know,, especially since I only have just over 3 hours to make the connection in La to Brisbane Friday night. How was the hunt?

drwes,
The hunt was great we saw well over a hundred buff per day (bulls, cows and calfs) and each of us shot one the first day and one each the second day. After that we just spent our time stalking up close and taking pictures.





I will post a report here hopefully tomorrow.

My travel agent is suggesting that I check my guns all the way through to Gove.If I do this I will not be checking them in at LAX or Brisbane.Right?

Eyedoc

You need to clear Australia Customs in Brisbane so you will be required to collect them in Brisbane on arrival, clear customs, and then hand them back in to Qantas for the onward flight to Cairns and Gove.

In LAX, though you will not be picking up your baggage/firearms, it is important you check in at the Qantas counter and make sure they have received your firearms and loaded onto the onward flight. This is where the letter from Mr Willouby comes handy too!

Thanks Steve-Hopefully this will help us avoid some of the hassle , at least in LA>

What can Qantas at LAX do if they havent been delivered to them?? This can be a problem if you are flying with a different code within USA - depends who you fly with eh!! If it is AA then you should be OK checking them right through.

eyedoc - you can check the guns all the way through to Gove if you want (from LAX or wherever) but you will get your guns in hand in Brisbane regardless - to clear them through customs. It is easier if they are tagged all the way through but BE CAREFUL in LAX... they are bastards!!!

Who do you fly to LA with??

Matt, eyedoc and I are flying American which is a code share partner,, but that and $2.50 will get you a small bottle of water when you make it through security

Thanks to all for the info and advice.Tomorrow is the day we start the long journey into Australia. Will report back as soon as we get home.

Australia may never be the same! Wooo Hooo!

eyedoc,
You are going to have a lot of fun. We look forward to hearing about it.

Palmer, you were right about needing plenty of time in LA and Brisbane! We made it but anyone going need to have over 3 hours between flights,, we had 4 hours and it was still close on having enough time without running throught the terminal, etc. The trip was brutal,, the hunt outstanding,,