Dulles used to be a "breeze" coming home, but lately they are a PAIN, so wanted to know how Atlanta compares.

Thanks

Atlanta is easy, in my opinion. I've come through ATL at least 15 times with rifles. Aside from a time or two when the gun case didn't arrive, I've never had a hiccup. Customs usually checks the serial numbers against the 4457s and escorts you to the exit where you recheck your bags.

I’ve done Dulles over 10 times but went Atlanta last trip . Neither seemed 100% they knew what was going on but I will give the edge to Atlanta. They seemed somewhat better organized than Dulles.

Atlanta isn't too bad but make sure you have plenty of time between connections.

With long lines you might spend at least an hour clearing your guns, ammo, and boots.

BH63

OK, thanks.

At least Dulles does not seem to "care" about boots and if you have been on a farm. They are just understaffed more than anything.

Took us over 2 1/2 hours to get cleared last time, and missed our connecting flights, but United did what they could to help us.

I’ve done both several times. Luck of the draw w either. Dulles is more convenient for me so I give it the nod if all things equal.

Been awhile since I went through Dulles, but remember it being a breeze. Atlanta was also not too bad just be prepaid for a lot of hurry up and wait. As others have stated, leave 3 hours of layover as they’ll bring your rifles out, then make you wait forever for someone official who can clear them.

Couple of tricks with ATL.
1. Have global entry so you can get through customs quick to be first in line for your rifle.
2. The rifles arrive in a glass room on the left side as your enter baggage claim. The entrance to the glass room is on the far side, the door along the long wall (not the door that says ring buzzer for assistance - that would be too logical). Get in line quickly to be in front.
3. Have your hunting boots with you - they want to spray them with something.

Also, if you have never been through ATL, it’s big and you will most likely need to use the trams to get anywhere. It’s not an airport where you can clear customs than run to your gate.

It's been four+ years ago I returned from Namibia via Atlanta
It was around 2 P.M. and not a lot of hunters at Customs. The holdup was Delta getting our firearms to Customs. While we waited, Customs suggested we disinfect our boots. This was not required. Officers were very friendly and that helped a lot.
After firearms arrived, it went very fast and everyone was on their way with no problems.

Mauser

Haven’t been to Dulles, but Atlanta has been the slowest of all the ones I’ve been to.

The guys do their job, but often DL 201 seems to get there before they start shift and we have been waiting a while. More a staffing issue than anything else now.

The boot thing I had a chat with them about- I have no issues with it, but the official quote edition is “livestock” which for the most part I have no contact with... they need to be more specific in what they want. It sounds like now they want to spray everyone with a gun’s boots, and they don’t bother with anyone else, even though the photo safari guys and even casual tourists probably have as much crap that can pass to our ag system. They acknowledge that fact, but still treat hunters differently than the rest.