https://safariclub.org/south-a...JjhIODwY6LjJWlVidor8

Hunters planning to travel to South Africa this safari season should be aware that South African Airlines (SAA) is not accepting firearms as checked baggage. Also, while the airline is flying within South Africa and to other countries on the African continent, it is not flying overseas.

SAA had suspended all operations when it declared bankruptcy in 2020. It resumed operations recently, but only flying regionally, within South Africa and the African continent. More significantly for hunters, is that in addition to dropping its transcontinental routes, SAA has also dropped the carriage of firearms.

Inside sources say the airline simply has not renewed its contract with the security company licensed to handle firearms, as required by South African law. What’s more, those sources say SAA, has no intention of renewing that contract. Regardless the reasons, it means hunters traveling with firearms must avoid this airline.

The good news is that South African Airlink has secured the required security services to handle firearms on all of its flights. Airlink does not fly overseas either, but it will get hunters from South Africa to other popular hunting destinations on the African continent as well as areas within South Africa. Airlink requires at least a three-day notice to accept firearms. The policies are posted on the airline’s website at https://www.flyairlink.com/baggage-sporting-equipment. Read more about these developments in the May 2022 issue of Safari Times.

With all of the changes to airline routes and policies, it is advisable for hunters to use a travel agent who specializes in traveling with firearms. SCI members may contact SCI’s Hunter Hotline for a list of such travel agents and assistance with other hunting travel issues.

Didn't Airlink refuse firearms before?

Now they see a new window opening?

I seriously doubt that SAA can be a meaningful player in any market ever again.

I have been going to Africa for so many years.

Everyone I had the pleasure of being with has been very hard working, and honest.

Which leads me to the simple fact that the rot is at the top.

A sad shame really.

With all its resources, Africa as a continent can give Europe a run for their money of run properly!

Hold the funeral, they're dead.

How awful. SAA was once a pleasure to fly. So much better than Delta.

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
How awful. SAA was once a pleasure to fly. So much better than Delta.

This is like saying feasting on a week old dead skunk is better than feasting on a 10 day old dead skunk!

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:
I have been going to Africa for so many years.

Everyone I had the pleasure of being with has been very hard working, and honest.

Which leads me to the simple fact that the rot is at the top.

A sad shame really.

With all its resources, Africa as a continent can give Europe a run for their money of run properly!

My experience as well. Poor performance is always due to bad management.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Aspen Hill Adventures:
How awful. SAA was once a pleasure to fly. So much better than Delta.

This is like saying feasting on a week old dead skunk is better than feasting on a 10 day old dead skunk!