For reasons I won't go into because it's a long story, I am going to find myself in AMS arriving from Kilimanjaro with no guaranteed seat back to the states. I'll have three rifles with me. Will there be a problem laying over in Amsterdam for a day or two waiting on a seat to the states? Anyone know the story on what the customs people will have to say about the guns?

This situation has really gotten screwed up and I'm bearing the brunt of others' mistakes. I'll deal with it, but could use some educated advice.

Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by jetdrvr:
For reasons I won't go into because it's a long story, I am going to find myself in AMS arriving from Kilimanjaro with no guaranteed seat back to the states. I'll have three rifles with me. Will there be a problem laying over in Amsterdam for a day or two waiting on a seat to the states? Anyone know the story on what the customs people will have to say about the guns?

This situation has really gotten screwed up and I'm bearing the brunt of others' mistakes. I'll deal with it, but could use some educated advice.

Thanks.

A day or two "lay-over" in Amsterdam?
I reckon there's quite a few whom I know certainly wouldn't mind

Check it out, Fulvio...I am looking forward to doing a day or two in AMS, particularly after an 11 hour coach center-seat ballbuster from Kili. The question I have is what will be the story on bringing three guns with me on a permit that was issued for another flight? I called the Dutch, but it seems that they're closed on Sunday. I'll just wait until tomorrow and maybe I can get some answers out of them. Just trying to get a leg up on the situation.

quote:

Originally posted by jetdrvr:
Check it out, Fulvio...I am looking forward to doing a day or two in AMS, particularly after an 11 hour coach center-seat ballbuster from Kili. The question I have is what will be the story on bringing three guns with me on a permit that was issued for another flight? I called the Dutch, but it seems that they're closed on Sunday. I'll just wait until tomorrow and maybe I can get some answers out of them. Just trying to get a leg up on the situation.

JD,
I'll make some inquiries on the firearms issue with KLM/DAR first thing in the morning.
I wouldn't let it worry you too much as you still have the hunt days in which this will get sorted out.

What if the firearms continue their journey to the US on the same flight? You may not have a seat
but the cargo hold will still be able to accommodate the guns and you will find them waiting for you.

quote:

Originally posted by kibokolambogo:
What if the firearms continue their journey to the US on the same flight? You may not have a seat
but the cargo hold will still be able to accommodate the guns and you will find them waiting for you.

The airlines are forbidden by law to allow any checked bags to travel before the passenger. They could however be sent by cargo but that would need additional paperwork.

Here's what I've found through another source. Coming from the States, at least, if you want to layover in AMS you can do so for max 72 hours. You check your bags to AMS.

Then you hit the baggage service desk and ask for the duty manager. He will make the arrangements to store the firearms and ammo. Ammo has to be separate.

Then, when you check in for your outbound leg, your guns will be loaded for your destination. I would imagine it works the same way coming out, also. I'm going to check with Gracy tomorrow. They should know.

Thanks to everyone for the input.

Driver:

Just take a couple of deep breaths and relax. Stuff happens, as you know, but you have been in about every airport and country in the darn world. You have "fixed" problems that were unsolvable in 20 languages. This, too, will pass.

You are going to have a great safari and kill a 44" buffalo and we both will kill a big buck in South Carolian in October.... and drink some good whiskey (or, at least, I will.. and smoke some good cigars, too.)

Trust me. I know about these things. It is all because you are are a southpaw.

quote:

Originally posted by jetdrvr:
Here's what I've found through another source. Coming from the States, at least, if you want to layover in AMS you can do so for max 72 hours. You check your bags to AMS.

Then you hit the baggage service desk and ask for the duty manager. He will make the arrangements to store the firearms and ammo. Ammo has to be separate.

Then, when you check in for your outbound leg, your guns will be loaded for your destination. I would imagine it works the same way coming out, also. I'm going to check with Gracy tomorrow. They should know.

Thanks to everyone for the input.

"Then you hit the baggage service desk and ask for the duty manager. He will make the arrangements to store the firearms and ammo. Ammo has to be separate".

Now that makes sense! I have done so in the past (though I didn't have ammo) and it worked just fine, in fact I left the guns
in airport secure storage for almost 3 weeks. (It wasn't Amsterdam though )

As the Judge said: "Take a couple of deep breaths and relax"

Jetdrvr,

Call me.
I can help

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JudgeG:
Driver:

Just take a couple of deep breaths and relax. Stuff happens, as you know, but you have been in about every airport and country in the darn world. You have "fixed" problems that were unsolvable in 20 languages. This, too, will pass.

You are going to have a great safari and kill a 44" buffalo and we both will kill a big buck in South Carolian in October.... and drink some good whiskey (or, at least, I will.. and smoke some good cigars, too.)

Trust me. I know about these things. It is all because you are are a southpaw. [/QUOTE

Yes.

You have no idea what has happened during the last 72 hours. I guess I'll die of alzheimers, because if I was going to have a heart attack, it would have happened already.

I take it you have your transit forms all filled out properly? If so, you should be ok if you follow the procedure that Kibokol outlined above. They will hold the Guns and Ammo for you. The ammo has to be in a separate bag and some have said it has to be by itself, although they let me put it in another bag with "stuff" that I left with the baggage folks. When you finally get to the airport to leave, they will call down from the check in desk and have the guns and ammo bag checked directly on to your flight. BTW, while in Amsterdam....enjoy. For a great Italian meal, try Casa di David. It is fantastic.

Thanks, everyone. And I'll try to check out Casa di David. I appreciate everyone's input.

It's all worked out. Leaving the 18th for Kili, one night at Mt. Meru and up to the crater rim for three days, then out to camp, where the serious work begins. Wish you were going, Judge. I'd like that .450 backing up my little .375 when we prowl the buffalo of Kitiangare. Kibo, who knows them personally, has impressed me with their potential for creating havoc.

quote:

Originally posted by Kathi:
Jetdrvr,

Call me.
I can help

Thanks, Kathi. I found some documentation from my last TZ hunt and it spelled it out.

"If all else fails, read the instructions."