Does Emirates transfer bags (and guns) to SA Airlink? I am told the flights from DFW to BUQ can be put on the same reservation via a travel agent. I can't find many airlines that I can book a flight all on one ticket to BUQ. Looking to avoid claiming bags in JNB, want to just check them through to BUQ.

Since SAA has a code-share agreement with Emirates I believe you're ok. I've checked my bags and guns through to Beira next week with with Airlink Via Air Canada.

Airlink requires no less than 3 days notice before your flight that you will be checking firearms. This needs to be done over the phone, not email, and you need to call during business hours in South Africa. In the past when I've booked my own tickets I could call Airlink myself. This year I used a travel agent and Airlink told me the travel agent needed to call.

Hope this helps.

Sevens,
Please let me know your route as I may want to use it in the future.

Can you board Emirates at DFW and go to Joberg via Dubai?

quote:

Can you board Emirates at DFW and go to Joberg via Dubai?

Lane, yes you can go DFW to Joburg on Emirates, we've done it several times and it is an easy flight. 13-14 hours to Dubai and then a layover in Dubai, several choices from about 3 hours to almost 24 hours, then on to Joburg, another 8 hour flight. Emirates has "different" firearms carriage rules, not complicated you just have to comply with their rules and they absolutely have the best ticket counter staff I've ever encountered.

You can go directly to Harare and skip JNB altogether.

What about Vic Falls?

Does Emirates fly into Vic Falls?

quote:

Originally posted by K Evans:

quote:

Can you board Emirates at DFW and go to Joberg via Dubai?

Lane, yes you can go DFW to Joburg on Emirates, we've done it several times and it is an easy flight. 13-14 hours to Dubai and then a layover in Dubai, several choices from about 3 hours to almost 24 hours, then on to Joburg, another 8 hour flight. Emirates has "different" firearms carriage rules, not complicated you just have to comply with their rules and they absolutely have the best ticket counter staff I've ever encountered.

Have you done the gun transfer like Sevens is speaking about to use Airlink to get into Bulawayo?

I did the Emirates to SA Airlink twice this year from Joberg to Bulawayo, and had zero issues. Didn't have to clam bags until we arrived in Zim.

Lane,

As of last November there were only six or eight flights per day into Vic falls. One British Air, one SAA, and the rest air ZIm. Big modern terminal with no flights

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Garcia:
I did the Emirates to SA Airlink twice this year from Joberg to Bulawayo, and had zero issues. Didn't have to clam bags until we arrived in Zim.

Robert,

Are you doing the flight that lands from DXB into JNB at 5:30AM then taking a direct connection on SA Airlink to BUQ at 10:40AM the same day?

That's the flight I am looking at. Did you have your rifle(s) transfer as well? That's my concern, just want to make sure my rifle will check through to BUQ.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
What about Vic Falls?

Does Emirates fly into Vic Falls?

No, just Harare.

quote:

Originally posted by Sevens:

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Garcia:
I did the Emirates to SA Airlink twice this year from Joberg to Bulawayo, and had zero issues. Didn't have to clam bags until we arrived in Zim.

Robert,

Are you doing the flight that lands from DXB into JNB at 5:30AM then taking a direct connection on SA Airlink to BUQ at 10:40AM the same day?

That's the flight I am looking at. Did you have your rifle(s) transfer as well? That's my concern, just want to make sure my rifle will check through to BUQ.

Yes, that is the exact flight I took. I brought my rifle, and Emirates tagged and transferred it through to BUQ with zero issues.