As a follow up to a post I made a couple of weeks ago, I received the following release from British Airways:For immediate release:

South Africa: Transportation of firearms on BA/Comair/Kulula Flights

Please be advised that with effect from 1 March 2013, Comair will no longer be accepting firearms for carriage on any domestic or regional flight operated by both the British Airways and kulula brands. This includes all hunting rifles, or any weapon requiring special handling, that may not be carried as either hand luggage or checked baggage.

Passengers who hold bookings on any BA/Comair or kulula flight after this date will need to make alternative flight bookings. Please note, this information only applies to southern African flights and does not apply to British Airways international flights between London and South Africa.

Released by: Comair Limited

Didn't say anything about refunding fares for flights already booked.

That sure limits how one gets himself and rifle to Zimbabwe, doesn't it!

Idiots!

Am Iright to understand that this is due to policy change by Comair, rather than BA?

Be cause it only affects the code share flights from South Africa.

quote:

southern African flights and does not apply to British Airways international flights between London and South Africa.

I read this as perhaps Comair and Kulula do not have their shit together to handle firearms. I guess SAA will just get more hunter business out of O.R. Tembo.

Mark

How about BA from ORT to Wind Hoek?

The BA flight from Joberg to Windhoek is actually operated by Comair as are all BA flights originating in South Africa and heading to other African destinations without London as the final destination for the flight.

I've been without internet for 3 weeks but FWIW, I'd guess it's almost certainly a case of Comair etc OR the handling company have failed to renew their local licences or probably more likely, the SAPS CFR have failed to issue the licences in a timely manner.

So... I have a flight from JNB to Port Elizabeth in May.

I am guessing that is bunked up now, and will will I be able to get to PLZ on SAA.

Will COmair be willing to refund the two tickets or are we going to be out of luck?

Anybody have any contact information, it sure would be appreciated!!!

I need to make altenative plans now...

THANKS!!!

quote:

Originally posted by G D F:
Gonna be serious trouble for operators in North Cameroon. Only one flight there by Comair.

I believe this effects flights by Comair in SA. Cameroon flights are on CamAir.

A copy of am email I received from Comair:
Hi John


Thanks for your email.


Unfortunately, Comair Limited which is a franchise partner for British Airways international will no longer be transporting firearms as of the 28 February 2013. This includes all of our routes and thus we will not be able to accept your firearm on our Windhoek flights.


The only airline in South Africa that does allow for firearms is South African Airways.


Kind regards




Leanne Siebrits

Customer Relations Team Leader

Bob Bixby, probably comes down to did you declare or have a note in the reservation that you would be carrying firearms. If so you should have no problem receiving a refund.

Do you have an international ticket of which the Joberg to Port Elizabeth is one leg or do you have a completely seperate ticket for the Joberg to Port Elizabeth leg?

I'd also suggest printing off a copy of BA's current firearms policy from their website which indicates that they still will carry firearms (This is the BA website which would apply if you are ticketed on BA throughout).

I'd also suggest printing off a copy of Comair's current policy which also indicates, as of today, that they may still take firearms on selected flights. You can find that at www.comair.co.za look at the bottom of the web page for their link to conditions of carriage. It's about a 38 page document so that should give you some more ammo as far as a refund goes.

If you have a completely seperate ticket from Joberg to Port Elizabeth and you did not indicate that you would be carrying firearms you might be out of luck although I would certainly push the point as they changed their policy after you booked. If Comair is no help I would look at contacting your credit card company and pursuing a refund for the Comair portion of the flight through the credit card company.

If the airline(s) involved were aware that you would be travelling with firearms you should have no trouble changing your ticket. That will probably involve cancelling and getting a refund for the Comair flight and then rebooking on SAA as Comair is unlikely to do the rebooking for you. That will involve clearing guns through SAPS although I believe that is the case anyway if transiting Joberg on BA.

SAA has several flights a day from Joberg to Port Elizabeth so that shouldn't be an issue.

I travel a fair bit so feel free to PM me if you want to discuss your situation in more detail.

Best of luck with an unfortunate situation but don't let it spoil your hunt.

Jason

Received an email this morning regarding refunds by BA, BA will issue full refunds for tickets purchased, but it may take up to 6 weeks.

Karl

I'll bet SAA is happy...

Another reason to avoid RSA if in transit. If hunting in South Africa better get used to the idea of borrowed/rented guns. The alternative is a lot of road time. I have done the long road travel and it gets old. It can be fun but you have to allow for a lot of extra time. I personally would go elsewhere these days. My apologies to all my great RSA friends. I know it isn't your fault and you folks are no happier than us. When it becomes too much of a pia though, I go elsewhere.

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I'll bet SAA is happy...

They are so screwed up at the moment, the board in disarray, CEOs lining up to resign or be fired, so over staffed that a profit is never going to happen. YiiiHaaarrr! Africa!

quote:

Originally posted by bigguy458:
Received an email this morning regarding refunds by BA, BA will issue full refunds for tickets purchased, but it may take up to 6 weeks.

Karl

I received my refund via CC credit last night...a LOT longer than 6 weeks, also, was told that no refunds would be forthcoming to those who booked after 4/19/13. Nice.

Karl

hello this is your airlines (fill in name) calling. We have decided to invent 3 new ways for screw you. Press 1, 2, or 3 to find out which way will cause you the most grief.