Trying to decide whether to get a Tuffpak or a Storm case for my rifle for my trip to Namibia. But either solution gives me between a 74" and 77" overall dimension, which is over the 62" that United allows. Costs an extra $100 if they nail me with an extra assessment for being over the limit.

Historically, is this a problem? Other than a breakdown case, I honestly don't see any cases that will fall under this limit. But do most carriers really check/measure and assess these fees? Any ideas on how one might get around/avoid, or lessen the chances of, being nailed for this?

quote:

Originally posted by JohnCrighton:
Trying to decide whether to get a Tuffpak or a Storm case for my rifle for my trip to Namibia. But either solution gives me between a 74" and 77" overall dimension, which is over the 62" that United allows. Costs an extra $100 if they nail me with an extra assessment for being over the limit.

Historically, is this a problem? Other than a breakdown case, I honestly don't see any cases that will fall under this limit. But do most carriers really check/measure and assess these fees? Any ideas on how one might get around/avoid, or lessen the chances of, being nailed for this?

I usually ask my travel agent these kinds of questions.

quote:

Originally posted by Charles_Helm:

quote:

Originally posted by JohnCrighton:
Trying to decide whether to get a Tuffpak or a Storm case for my rifle for my trip to Namibia. But either solution gives me between a 74" and 77" overall dimension, which is over the 62" that United allows. Costs an extra $100 if they nail me with an extra assessment for being over the limit.

Historically, is this a problem? Other than a breakdown case, I honestly don't see any cases that will fall under this limit. But do most carriers really check/measure and assess these fees? Any ideas on how one might get around/avoid, or lessen the chances of, being nailed for this?

I usually ask my travel agent these kinds of questions.

My travel agent is one person. Here there are many with varying opinions and ideas. I never rely on ONE person's opinion when it comes to something that is important to me.

grit your teeth and just pay them it sucks but beats worry.

John,
To date I have never had to pay the Oversize fee for large gun cases...provided they met the 50lb limit. I did have a SKB 2 gun case measured once, and it was over the limit. Since it met the weight requirement they let me go. That was years ago, but my advice is to make sure you stay below 50 lbs and not worry about the Tuff pack. Keep in mind that all this will be pointless once you get home and have a shipping company screw you on the trophy shipment to get the horns and capes home! That extra $100 will seem like a bargin

ROFL- good point. I guess as long as I am nice, pleasant, and flash my pearly-whites to the counter person, I can probably get by with it. In my experience, attitude and kindness seem to go a long way. And even if they charge extra, so what - I guess just one more minor expense in the grand schem of things. And it appears that unless I go with a take-down case, all of the cases out there are over the 62" limit.

quote:

Originally posted by ROSCOE:
John,
To date I have never had to pay the Oversize fee for large gun cases...provided they met the 50lb limit. I did have a SKB 2 gun case measured once, and it was over the limit. Since it met the weight requirement they let me go. That was years ago, but my advice is to make sure you stay below 50 lbs and not worry about the Tuff pack. Keep in mind that all this will be pointless once you get home and have a shipping company screw you on the trophy shipment to get the horns and capes home! That extra $100 will seem like a bargin

John

I have made several flights with a Tuff-Pac, many domestic, and 3 trips to Zim. On my last trip to Zim my wife and I had 2 standard Tuff Paks, and one take down Tuff Pak.

I have not paid any oversize fees. I have however paid overweight fees... several times.

Even if you have to pay an oversize fee, in the overall cost of your trip, it is a small amount.

John.
The way I have been told by Lufthansa and Air France is that the size limits dosn´t include rifle cases, colf bags, bicycles and so on.
Thats because such baggage are special baggage and are eighter paid for extra as such (Lufthansa), or included by weight in your checked in baggage.

I have never been charged according to size limits flying with guns.

Flying tourist class from Europe, we usually have a free limit of 20 kg wich include the rifle case.
In addition between 8 and 12 kilos cabin luggage depending on air carrier.

Not much to brag about, bu one learn to travel light

The following is taken directly from the NWA baggage policy as published on their website:

"Northwest accepts handguns, BB guns, rifles, and shotguns as checked luggage, with certain limitations and requirements.

Northwest accepts one of the following in lieu of one piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance:

One (1) rifle case containing no more than four (4) rifles/shotguns, one (1) shooting mat, one (1) noise suppressor and tools.
Two (2) rifle cases containing a combined maximum total of four (4) rifles/shotguns is considered as one (1) item.
One (1) pistol case containing no more than five (5) handguns, one (1) scope, one (1) noise suppressor and tools.
When checked piece containing guns is in excess of free weight allowance, appropriate excess charges apply. Checked piece may be larger than standard 62 inch size restriction."

Thus the 62 inch size limitation does not apply to gun cases, but weight limitations do. I suspect many airlines follow similar policies.

I've never been charged for the overage diminsions on rifle cases and have traveled with both an SKB and a Tuffpack.

quote:

Originally posted by Arild Iversen:
John.
...Flying tourist class from Europe, we usually have a free limit of 20 kg wich include the rifle case.
In addition between 8 and 12 kilos cabin luggage depending on air carrier.

Not much to brag about, bu one learn to travel light

Arild Iversen makes a good point. Lufthansa's and Air Namibia's regulations limit you to 44 lbs. I was able to get my SKB with two rifles to fall under this limit, but I think it might be a little tough with the Tuffpack (we generally have to work to keep it under 50 lbs. for domestic flights). 44 lbs should not be a problem with your other checked bag. You really don't need many changes of clothes and you will want to save some room for souvenirs.

I could always "go native" and wear just a loincloth and sandals. Yeah, that'll help keep the weight down!

I think by starting and ending your trip in the USA and assuming you will be using one continuous ticket over and back. You will be able to carry 2 checked bags of 50lbs each. As well as a carry-on bag of 15-16lbs+/-.

This is plenty of capacity. You will have space/weight left over if you pack prudently and follow the packing guidelines mentioned here on AR and elsewhere.

If you are taking two rifles, that will pretty much max out the rifle case weight after some padding is added.

The spare scope will need to be in the rifle case as well. Most airlines will not let you carry it on. SAA has also told me it should not be in the unlocked checked bag either - that leaves the rifle case!

Les

Thanks, Les. I look forward to checking out that Tuffpak of yours, too. I'm just bringing one rifle, but two scopes just in case. I don't have heavy jackets or clothing, and I'll be wearing my boots anyways, so hopefully I'll be very underweight on everything, and even less weight when the hunt is done as I am planning on leaving all my ammo and the metal cash box it will be stored in with the PH.

quote:

Originally posted by LHowell:
I think by starting and ending your trip in the USA and assuming you will be using one continuous ticket over and back. You will be able to carry 2 checked bags of 50lbs each. As well as a carry-on bag of 15-16lbs+/-.

This is plenty of capacity. You will have space/weight left over if you pack prudently and follow the packing guidelines mentioned here on AR and elsewhere.

If you are taking two rifles, that will pretty much max out the rifle case weight after some padding is added.

The spare scope will need to be in the rifle case as well. Most airlines will not let you carry it on. SAA has also told me it should not be in the unlocked checked bag either - that leaves the rifle case!

Les

You will have a lot of extra room in the Tuff pak with only one rifle. You may run into trouble getting enough padding in there...remember the Tuff Pak is only a plastic shell. Inside there is nothing for padding other than what you add around the rifle. Hell throw in a bolt action 22 for some fun shooting.

Hmm - just what would I be shooting with the .22LR? I'd have to buy one, as mine are all semi-autos (one has a suppressor, too).

quote:

Originally posted by ROSCOE:
You will have a lot of extra room in the Tuff pak with only one rifle. You may run into trouble getting enough padding in there...remember the Tuff Pak is only a plastic shell. Inside there is nothing for padding other than what you add around the rifle. Hell throw in a bolt action 22 for some fun shooting.

22 can be alot of fun. the PH usually will have one, but bring him some ammo is greatly appreciated. Last trip we shot spur winged geese, francolins, and guineas, another trip we shot cane rats, an yet another a genet cat