I notice that Qatar Airways has one-stop service from several American airports to Windhoek, and currently at attractive prices (less than $1,200 RT from some locations). Non-stop to Doha, then non-stop to WDH. The airline's website simply says that they must be pre-notified to carry sporting guns and that all licenses must be in order.

Anyone have experience with this carrier?

The prices are great but the 36 hours isn't so great and it's not exactly non-stop.

ATL - Doha - JNB - WH

Depart ALT 7:25p and arrive WDH two days later at 2:00p on Comair from JNB. Not sure Comair's current firearm policy. But the prices are very attractive especially for their business class.

Just had a look, from LA to Windhoek with a stopover in Doha is $2,700 round trip in business, definitely worth a look. From Qatar's website looks like they have a direct Doha - Windhoek flight on a 787, no stopover in JNB so no problems with Comair (They do not carry firearms).

quote:

Originally posted by Jaglav:
From Qatar's website looks like they have a direct Doha - Windhoek flight on a 787, no stopover in JNB so no problems with Comair (They do not carry firearms).

Correct. If you go on the right date you can get a non-stop from Doha to WDH. Qatar claims to have "the youngest fleet in the business".

Guys,
I have flown on Qatar several times now on long haul flights. Absolutely first rate airline and the most modern fleet of planes as well! Price is untouchable as they are attempting to build market share.
I haven't as yet travelled with firearms with them, but would suspect a similar thing as per Emirates.

Cheers

Nick

I can't even find Windhoek listed as an African destination on their website.

I flew them last trip home from BKK to Chicago, then changed to an American carrier to Columbus.
I had problems with the meals on every leg of the flight both out going and return. I booked 3 months ahead, have my profile and ticket marked 'kosher food'. I spoke to the lead attendant on every flight and they said they would get the next flight to fix the problem, however, it was never handled.
The second problem was an overage charge for an extra suitcase. The airline from the USA wanted to charge a fee ($250.) and Quatar Air had a lower fee ($145). I ended up having to pay the 0higher fee and they did not do anything to help. They should have been able to help as the ticket was booked with them, not the US airline.
I would not fly them again. I usually use Cathay Pacific or Korean Air and get much better service.
Not a trip to Africa here, but I am positive the attitude and lack of service will be the same.
How a Moslem airline with food restrictions could fail so badly on another religion with food restrictions is beyond me.

No guns on Comair