From all I've been reading, I'm thiniing that emirates is looking to be the best choice for us for next May.
I tried using their website to set all our arrangements, but it's not cooperating.. we will need to go from either JFK or IAD to Dubai, to JNB to BFN then BFN to CPT then back to wherever we started.. Looks like i may need a travel agent..

What travel agent have you guys used when booking with Emirates... two of our in country flights will have to be with SAA

Thanks

Frank,

Call Shawn Kennedy at Gracy Travel and let her connect all the dots for you. 1-800-299-8558.

Mark

I'm flying Emirates thru Dubai to Harare in 2 weeks. I used Steve Turner, and he has been very helpful.

I'm flying Emirates to Joberg next Wednesday - Steve Turner has been great!

I did Emirates myself 3 years ago. However, air travel with firearms has become so difficult IMO, that after doing my own booking for 20 years, I will be using Steve at Travel With Guns for all future bookings.

Rent your Gus. Life is easier...

Another Emirates question... Any permits required by UAE for transporting through Dubai?

Emirates via Dubai is quite easy.
Call your local Emirates office and tell them what you want to do.
They will send you a form, you need to fill out. Scan your rifle licence and letter of invitation (from outfitter or guide).
Send all three to them by mail.
If you are transiting through dubai, emirates will request permission from uae customs.

Takes 15minutes in total. Emirates hotline is very helpful if you have more questions.


I travel with guns several times every year and have never used an agent. I have no idea what the problem is, normally it takes less then 15minutes to get it sorted. Most airlines run good hotlines so what's the magic about it?

Or you could call Steve at travel with guns and have them take care of it. In my opinion well worth the $150 you would save by booking it your self

The procedure for us from the UAE is a bit different.

We have to obtain the police clearance to travel with our rifles and ammo.

I did that last wee, then emailed the permit to Emirates Security who deal with it in the morning.

A few minutes later the permit was in my mail box.

In October that will be my third time to fly Emirates in the last two years to Harare. Steve Turner has handled all of the reservations. Steve and Susan know the Emirates process very well.

Sitting at the Emirates gate at Dulles - security was a breeze! Emirates and TSA checked my gun case and we were thru security in 15 minutes..

Third time thru Dulles and all three have been smooth sailing.. The Emirates check in staff was absolutely great!

In Dubai now... The flight from Dulles:

In coach...

USB and 110 volt power in the seats, more food that you could eat (and it was great). The plane was half empty which made it that much better..

Super clean, awesome flight attendants.. I'm glad I did not spring for business class - coach was just as good!!!

Looks like the flight into Joberg isn't full either :-)

Great way to star off a hunt!!!!

Flight home: As great as the flight over!

The JNB to Dubai leg was fairly full but still a nice flight. Check in at JNB was smooth - firearms check in was easy and no issues. Dubai airport is interesting.. You do have to go back thru security but it is easy. Flight from Dubai to Dulles was empty - I had an entire row to lay down in. The crew said that flight is rarely full....

The only complaint was the long wait in the customs secondary line to have my guns S/Ns verified against my 4457 - which was the first time I ever had that done.. The guys were nice and once it was my turn it took 5 minutes..

Overall - Emirates gets a 5+ Star rating from me!