We have 4 hrs between flights in JoBerg. Does a person need assistance getting firearms permitts etc? Last time I was there we had no problems but the outfitter suggest useing Air 2000/ Hunter Support. I hate paying $300 for something if I can do it myself!!!!

Hawkeye47

Are you taking a domestic flight in RSA or flying on to another country with bags checked through to final destination?

If the latter, assistance companies can't help as SAPS and customs aren't involved as you don't ever leave the international concourse. In the past, Air2000, etc., could actually go on the ramp and make sure your bags were taken off of the arriving a/c and put in the departing a/c, but no more.

If you are re-checking domestically after customs/SAPS, the big help would be if your plane is late arriving at Tambo, particularly if your plane is full of hunters with firearms. Once, arriving from Dullas on SAA and about 80 hunters on board, it took over 2 hours for the unfortunate last guy to get his permit and that time could be critical. (I got to watch this because my gun case was still en route.) Assistance and pre-permiting could mean the difference in making your plane or not.

If you are using Gracy for tickets they are now also providing a prearranged permit for a little less $ than some others. This, combined with their man on the ground at JNB, Bruce, make the transition pretty efficient.

We arrived on a Monday with very few other hunters, we were the only ones in the SAPS office and all three of us were done in less than ten minutes.

With Bruce's help we were able to make our connecting flight with much time to spare, and we had less than three hours total connection time to start with.

Your 4 hours should be plenty but, as JudgeG points out, if your flight has a lot of hunters getting permits, it could get stressful!

Les

It's worth the money just to avoid the stress!

Judge G,
We are flying into JoBerg on Delta and then on to Port Elizabeth on SAA the same evening. Probably a good idea to hire the expediters and rest easy
before the hunt.

Hawkeye47

Since 2005 I have always used Air 2000. I would not under any circumstances go it on your own. You might get by, you might not, and you will most likely miss your flights. I have spent many hours in SAP!

Minutes with Air 2000 or other permit agency! Last year it was about a $150 or less!

Michael

Hawkeye,

That is the same schedule we used [but we flew SAA all the way].

You have just 2.5 hours between flights, assuming you arrive on time![ we got in early - due to a huge tailwind? not something you can count on.]

Whoever you use for your pre arranged permits, be sure the service includes "meet and greet" and assistance to your outgoing flight to PE!

As you need to recheck your bags and guns and make your way through the terminals, the escort/guide is very helpful.

Les

Hawkeye47--I have done Atlanta to Joberg to Port Elizabeth twice, using both Delta and SAA.

BELIEVE ME when I say that you DON'T want to do it without Air 2000. The thing people overlook is that the flight from Joberg to Port Elizabeth leaves from a completely different terminal, and it is between 4 and 500 yards from the terminal where you arrive to the terminal that your flight to Port Elizabeth departs from.

You have to clear the SAPS process, THEN get yourself and your baggage to the other terminal AND CHECK IN for the last flight. 2.5 hours can be a tight fit under good circumstances. I know I could not have done it without Air 2000 and the very helpful fellow that got a cart and wheeled my guncase and luggage from one terminal to the other. In April of 2008 there was quite a bit of construction going on at the airport, and navigation between the two was a bit tricky. Spend the hundred fifty bucks and don't look back. Miss your flight and it will cost you a lot more than that.

Thanks for the good input!!! We are going next April and will use Air/2000. I don't want my hunt ruined over trying to save $165.

Hawkeye47

Hawkeye,
Just got back this week from SA. Joberg is a freakin' mess with all the freeway construction and the elevated train. Next year, during the World Cup will be a real challenge.

Trophyman

quote:

Originally posted by Hawkeye47:
Thanks for the good input!!! We are going next April and will use Air/2000. I don't want my hunt ruined over trying to save $165.

Hawkeye47

That's the right answer. By the way, on the way BACK from P.E. on domestic, getting to the international departures, here's some great advice. Look for and be prepared to tip well the guy(s) waiting to chat you up and porter your stuff. They have some sort of "uniform" and perhaps an i.d. tag so you don't get stuck with a rube, even though strictly NOT airport employees. Of course, if it is just you and a pull-along "safari" duffel/guncase on wheels you might not be looking for help.