KLM offers by far the least expensive and most direct connections for me to Windhoek (one stop from Houston and about half the money as the next cheapest carrier). I realize that the Dutch have some very strict requirements for pre-authorization to transit Schiphol with firearms and am prepared to jump through those hoops. However, I'd like some help with interpreting these instructions on the KLM website:

Firearms must be unloaded and safely packed in a suitcase or other case. The cartridges must be packed safely, preferably in a suitcase.
Rifles must be transported separately from the ammunition. Firearms and ammunition should be packed separately from other personal belongings.

It is clear that rifles and the ammunition for them must be in separate cases. But does the last sentence indicate that you can't pack your underwear or shirts in the same suitcase as the ammunition? So, do you have to have a checked bag containing nothing but <5 kilograms of ammunition? Perhaps someone who has transited Amsterdam can enlighten me.

I've flown through AMS three times, at least.

All flights originated in the US, on Delta, with my locked ammo box packed inside of my checked bag with clothes, etc. No problems.

At least once, and maybe twice, on the return, KLM made us remove the ammo boxes from the checked bag and it was tagged as a separate piece of baggage all the way home. That gave us three pieces of checked luggage, but there were no extra charges.

I've also had KLM leave the ammo box in the checked bag.

I'd be prepared for the possibility that the ammo box comes out of your checked bag and gets tagged as a separate piece of luggage.

We used locked ammo boxes inside regular luggage without issue as well but it would have been easy to pull out if needed.

quote:

Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
I've flown through AMS three times, at least.

All flights originated in the US, on Delta, with my locked ammo box packed inside of my checked bag with clothes, etc. No problems.

At least once, and maybe twice, on the return, KLM made us remove the ammo boxes from the checked bag and it was tagged as a separate piece of baggage all the way home. That gave us three pieces of checked luggage, but there were no extra charges.

I've also had KLM leave the ammo box in the checked bag.

I'd be prepared for the possibility that the ammo box comes out of your checked bag and gets tagged as a separate piece of luggage.

Same experience. No problem with the trip over (Houston origin, KLM check-in, ammo in locked case inside another bag full of clothes), but on the way back it was separated - but no charge.

When I used to do the Joburg route, I would pack my locked ammo case in my luggage, but it would also be inside a small, light duffel bag with a name tag. On the connecting flights from RSA, it always had to be checked separately. Easy to pull out and do when already bagged and tagged.

Since Zim is generally my destination, Emirates is the best thing going - Houston to Dubai, Dubai to Harare.

One thing I did do on the Amsterdam route was to tape the Netherlands Consent Form, in a clear, tough plastic folder that could opened without removing, to the outside of the gun case.

Unless things have changed, you'll get one for going and one for the return. It was not "one does all" the last time I went that route.

We flew klm from Houston through Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro in July, we had to check the ammo in separate containers, outside of the suitcases. That started giving me some crap about the weight.....that wanted to include the weight of th ammo case in with the weight of the ammo. I botched enough that they weighed the ammo without the case and I was good to go.

.

I know 3 individuals who have lost their rifles flying on KLM to different destinations in Africa, connecting from the US.

Lost. No sign of them and no one was able to help.

Apparently fingers were pointed at destinations in the US as rifles went back.

I am sorry I have no further details, but all three gentlemen said the same thing.

Just for your information.

Thanks for the experiences and advice.

quote:

One thing I did do on the Amsterdam route was to tape the Netherlands Consent Form, in a clear, tough plastic folder that could opened without removing, to the outside of the gun case.

Unless things have changed, you'll get one for going and one for the return. It was not "one does all" the last time I went that route.

The form now has a box to check that makes it good for both the outbound and inbound trips: Do you also return the goods (weapons and/or ammunition) to the consignment country? If so, tick ‘Yes’ at vice versa. This way, you will only apply for 1 consent which is valid for both the outward journey and the return journey.

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:
Thanks for the experiences and advice.

quote:

One thing I did do on the Amsterdam route was to tape the Netherlands Consent Form, in a clear, tough plastic folder that could opened without removing, to the outside of the gun case.

Unless things have changed, you'll get one for going and one for the return. It was not "one does all" the last time I went that route.

The form now has a box to check that makes it good for both the outbound and inbound trips: Do you also return the goods (weapons and/or ammunition) to the consignment country? If so, tick ‘Yes’ at vice versa. This way, you will only apply for 1 consent which is valid for both the outward journey and the return journey.

That's correct - I now have one of these forms stamped and returned for use in two weeks in a trip to Romania. Fairly easy to do on line and returned very quickly.


Whether everything works as its supposed to is still out to lunch ……. two weeks time I will know!!

Kuwinda: Be sure to post on return from your trip, both to tell us how the travel experience went and, more importantly, how your hunt went!

By the way, how do you plan to carry your ammunition?

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:
Kuwinda: Be sure to post on return from your trip, both to tell us how the travel experience went and, more importantly, how your hunt went!

By the way, how do you plan to carry your ammunition?

I'll try and post on return - not the greatest at taking photos!!

I'll be carrying my ammo as I always do in a locked steel cash box (with my rifle bolt) in my checked bag - they always mark this "ammunition". I think I will also tape a copy of the consent form on the outside of the gun case.

I'm only taking my own rifle because its a driven hunt and for me at least the sight and the sight picture is crucial - as well as familiarity with the gun. A few years back a friend ended up with a hire gun with an 8x56 scope - useless for driven hunts. I have a 2.5-15 Z6i on my 308.

Ian, is Jan going with you? He seems to spend more time hunting than I do- and I am retired! I am jealous. Have a great trip!

quote:

Originally posted by jdollar:
Ian, is Jan going with you? He seems to spend more time hunting than I do- and I am retired! I am jealous. Have a great trip!

No Jerry, just Anders and a few others - its a small hunt - be interesting to see how this works out. Never been to Romania before.


Anyway - he's just back from Wyoming - but you're right he never stops.

You will need a Dutch firearms permit even though you are just transiting. A quirk of going through Amsterdam. It takes 4-6 weeks to get. I'd use Steve Turner with Travel with Guns. He'll charge you a small fee, but well worth it and he's always delivered.

Oh, the weight of the ammo does not include the box. Don't let them snow you on that. Factory ammo boxes yes, but not the lock box.

I flew KLM from Paris through Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam and had the unfortunate experience of having my rifle arrive a day later in Dar. One could get the impression that there are anti-hunting people in customs and/or baggage handling personnel. Another person on the same flight, but coming from a different starting location, had their rifle arrive on time. Results seem to be variable, which is not reassuring.

quote:

Originally posted by lavaca:
You will need a Dutch firearms permit even though you are just transiting. A quirk of going through Amsterdam. It takes 4-6 weeks to get. I'd use Steve Turner with Travel with Guns. He'll charge you a small fee, but well worth it and he's always delivered.

Sorry to say but that's nonsense - it is available online and mine took a week to come back. What actually happened was that I had failed to attach certain information (my fault entirely) and they sent me an email requesting it. It so happened that I was sitting at my laptop when it arrived and I sent this back immediately - within 5 minutes. Five minutes later the stamped signed form appeared in my inbox - as if they were saying "we're more efficient than you!".


Cost - zero.


It remains to be seen if it all works - you tend to find its the things you haven't foreseen that trip you up.