I've got a plains game hunt in Namibia this June and I'm looking at flying S. African airways from JFK to OR Tambo to Windhoek. Two things.

First, if I check my bags through to Windhoek, I don't need to collect them at OR Tambo and recheck them through to Namibia, correct? I believe last time (2014), I just moved myself through an abbreviated customs/security point, moving from one terminal to another.

Two, any changes to the US customs forms for firearms? I literally just got off the phone with a US customs officer at JFK, and he was unable to confirm or deny anything past the usual 4457 form. He was polite, but about as useful as tits on a bull. I've got a 4457 for the rifle I'm taking with me, but I think I've had that one since 2007.

Appreciate any current experiences and suggestions.

That is correct as long as you fly out the same day.

Look at your 4457
Government control date
upper right corner

These DO NOT EXPIRE
However
you may get a very hard time with the TAMBO officers

If the Date is less than the 2019 date

https://www.cbp.gov/sites/defa...%20Form%204457_0.pdf

I'll have to check it when I get home. Won't be a problem to get a new one, so maybe I'll just do it anyway. Since I only travel every few years, I want to make sure I'm not missing any new changes.

I did that same flight last year without any problems. As others have said your check your bags/rifle in at JFK and pick them up in Namibia. You didn't mention what connecting flight you're booked on from JNB to Namibia. If it's the flight that leaves about 1.5 hours after you land I'd be concerned about my luggage making the connecting flight to Namibia. I took the next later flight which resulted in a longer layover in JNB.

When dealing with SAA, keep these facts in mind: SAA is owned by the RSA government. The government is corrupt, incompetent, racist and Communist. Think Barack Obama without the Ivy League degree. They lose over $1 Billion US a year, and cut corners wherever they can. The South African Police are worse, plus they have the power to arrest you on trumped up charges. For these reasons, I used camp rifles on my last two trips through Tambo to Windhoek, and packed all my clothing in my Red Oxx carryon, thus defeating the infamous baggage thieves at Tambo. An added plus is I don’t have to deal with the TSA slugs in the USA.

I do have the 1.5 hour layover flight booked. SAA's website didn't have anything else going out until much later in the evening. I really want to take my own rifle, but if I don't, I can pack everything in a carry-on and there would be no concerns. It's a tough call.

I did the flight last year and doing it this year also. My guns and all bags made it even though it was only 1 1/2 hours between flight. Things can happen but I will only go if I take my own guns.

35- If your flight is just off by 20-30 minutes you have a problem. Many recommend the overnight which causes a host of other variables to pop up. Lots on this forum about that. How about considering one of the directs into Windhoek?

I am flying into Windhoek next week with Ethiopian Airlines. Admittedly not out of JFK but they do have a large network. Worth taking a look at anyway. Gun friendly also.
The price was also very attractive.
Into Addis Ababa, 41/2 hour layover and straight into Windhoek.
It avoids our usual route of Heathrow and O.Tambo.