I bought a Tuffpak with the intent of using not only for my rifle, but all my clothes as well. I thought this would work out very nicely so that I would not have to check any luggage other than my tuffpak. Well, now it seems(and maybe this has been this way for some time and I misread it)that SAA will not allow ammo in the same case as the rifle, so I have to check my tuffpak and a nearly empty suitcase. Is it acceptable for me to put my ammo in one of my travel companion's suitcase? They are both renting rifles so won't have to worry about them carrying over the limit, I just wondered if the airline is going to give one of them a six pack of shit for not having a gun but having ammo?

Technically, you're not allowed to do that and probably the easy way out is for you to just put your ammo into a separate locked metal case and check that in as a separate item.

I think Steve is referring to the JNB SAP rules. Airlines don't care, providing you pack the ammo in accordance with IATA and their personal rules & regulations. So, IMO, it would be perfectly fine to pack your ammo in another's suitcase. SAPs might have a concern, but I think you could easily explain it.

Some airlines do allow ammo in the guncase and, while TSA says it is OK, most airlines want it in a separate bag. I always pack mine in a separate bag. I've also divided it between myself and my wife without problems.

No, not referring to SA laws in particular. I was referring to airline constraints as per the Air Navigation Order, Carriage of Dangerous Goods Act.

It's actually a grey area for a few reasons, but mostly, if you check in separately, they shouldn't allow it but if the group pooled their check in, they should. Note the words should and shouldn't rather than will or won't. Most check in agents don't know which way is up when it comes to firearms, but if you bump into one that does or one that is an anti hunter, you might have an ergument on your hands.

You don't lose anything by checking it in as a separate item and by doing so, you won't have to risk any arguments with the check in agents.

I personally try to adopt the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) primciple when travelling and by doing it absolutely the right way, you won't have any hassles.

I feel terribly narrowsighted Steve, I never even considered just checking a lock box, but I think that will do the trick, have to have one for the ammo anyhow. Thanks-now I just have to hope that the airline gods shine down on me and allow me to get both my gun and my ammo

Well since we're on the ammo/travel subject..

There seem's to be different versions of "Airline Aproved" ammo packaging..
What is the real deal??

I've used slip top boxes with no problems, but it was mentioned once that it wasn't correct..

Btw.. I've alway's packed my ammo with my rifles... Thats wrong??

Mike, ammo with rifles is up to the airline, and since they are constantly changing their rules I think there is no hard and fast rule on this. My understanding of packaging requires that there is no way for two rounds to make contact, no loose ammo kind of idea, but I have been told that the little slip cover type we all like can cause problems with the wrong bureaucrat so I just saved some old winchester boxes witht the stryofoam holders inside and am placing my handloads in there. Then locking them all in a small box, which it sounds like I will be checking all by itself. FWIW I think SAA did not prohibit ammo and gun together until recently, or at least their regs I could find online didn't express this until recently.

You gotta remember the aforementioned Air Navigation Order, Carriage of Dangerous Goods Act (which is law for ALL commercial airlines) and also individual airline rules.

The order, says that all ammo must be either in the manufacturers packaging or in a container that keeps every round separated from every other round. The plastic MTM boxes are fine for this. According to the law, you can pack this into your suitcase.

However, many airlines now have the additional requirement that the ammo then be packed into a lockable (sometimes metal) box and checked in as an individual item. The fact that by packing it so is bloody dangerous and ridiculous, doesn't matter. Some idiot dreamed it up as a rule and that ain't gonna change.

Note carriage of ANY black powder, black powder substitute and/or primers etc is strictly forbidden on ANY commercial aircraft.

Hope that helps

I should add that the issue of ammo in or out of the rifle case varies not only by airline but also by airport......... largely to make it easier for the baggage handlers.

just cause it will fit into the case doesn't mean to put it in there. remember the weight limits

I take a tuffpak and a suitcase. I could do without the suitcase, but I usually end up taking a few things my PH needs and bringing back souvenirs for the kids/wife. I just put my ammo box in the suitcase and don't worry about it (padlocked of course!). I use a Pelican 1450 case that has foam inserts that are precut. I can get six boxes of ammo in the one case. When I am hunting, I just leave it on the truck.

for what it is worth,
I flew to Namibia last year and packed my ammo with my guns(same case). Flew united/SAA no problems either way.

I plan on doing the same next week! I usally take cheap lockable plastic box in my checked bag just in case I have a run-in with a dipshit airline agent. On the return flight, I use the box if I buy soming that needs little more protecting or leave it behind.

The tuff pak is one case and your rifle in a softcase is another... The tufsack is a third... Lay ammo on top of tufsack and it will be all the way in the bottom of the bag...

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by quickshot:
for what it is worth,
I flew to Namibia last year and packed my ammo with my guns(same case). Flew united/SAA no problems either way.

I plan on doing the same next week! I usally take cheap lockable plastic box in my checked bag just in case I have a run-in with a dipshit airline agent. On the return flight, I use the box if I buy soming that needs little more protecting or leave it behind.

FWIW, and I have posted this many times before, if you have your rifle and ammo in the same bag, it is in direct violation of INTERNATIONAL ATA rules. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO DOMESTIC US FLIGHTS. Someone might do it a dozen, or a hundred times, and get away with it, but if for some reason it was discovered, it could easily cost the traveler his ammo, a connection, and therefore a day's hunting, or worse. Why do it when it is so easy to do it the right way? See the case pictured above.

I'm not for obeying stupid rules or laws just because they are rules or laws, but I obey them when the potential cost of disobeying is worse than the cost of obeying them.