Well I've been able to figure out that for some reason that leaving out of Phoenix is a problem for the return leg when using FF miles. So I've been able to get an acceptable alternative. LAX to Frankfurt, arriving at 10:20 in the morning. We'd then transfer to a SAA flight leaving out later that evening to JNB. But I had a few thoughts and concerns.

1. Fees for handling guns on Lufthansa. I read here on AR where there was as much as $300 per leg, making it a $600 ordeal. I also had a travel agent today confirm that. But when I went to Lufthansa's website and after calling them, it seems that so long as the gun case is not overweight or over dimensions (62" total when you add up length, width and height), there is no charge. Can someone let me know what their recent experience with this was?

2. Transfer of rifle case from Lufthansa to SAA in Frankfurt, is there anything to be concerned about here?

3. With a roughly 10 hour layover in Frankfurt, is it easy to leave and return to the airport and make a day of it in town?

Thanks for your replies.

I had a similar flight when I went last year except I flew from Chicago instead of Los Angeles. I can't speak for the fees since the flight was switched last minute due to an aircraft issue, but I might be able to help with your second two questions.

Lufthansa did want to know the make and serial number of my rifle ahead of time. I imagine your travel agent can help you with this.

Upon landing in Frankfurt, I did not reclaim my baggage (I had the rifle and another suitcase checked through). I did have to exit the terminal, go to the main lobby and wait there until a few hours before my flight to get my tickets to get back into the terminal. They confirmed my bags at the ticket counter (keep your ticket stubs handy) and onward I went. The were safely transferred to SAA in Frankfurt and, again, transferred to my final destination of Beira, Mozambique. Lufthansa, SAA, United and several other airlines all belong to the same "group," although the name escapes me. Those airlines have contracts with each other to work with each other (from needing to change flights between airlines to just needing to swap bags between airlines).

As to going out to visit the city. There were plenty of people who did on my flight, but I didn't. My internal clock thought it was 2 in the morning or there about, so all I wanted to do was sleep. Hopefully someone will know if you need a day visa or something along those lines.

Hope that helps.

I've flown out of Denver to Frankfurt 3 times now on my way to Joberg and have always checked my baggage/rifles through to my destination without a hitch and have never had any extra charges on my firearms or luggage. That being said, my baggage has not been over the weight limit they specify either. As for the layover, I have never left the airport and a 10 hour layover is BORING. You can walk through the shopping/eating areas only so many times. The business class lounge has snacks and drinks and a shower so I usually spend most of my time in there.