Last year there was some informed speculation that Ethiopian Airlines would soon be compromised by a proposed union with some lesser African carriers.

I'm flying to Dar es Salaam before too long and the price on Ethiopian is much less, the schedule better and you don't have the AMS gun permit issue (unless you need to do something in Addis Ababa?)

Comments? Suggestions? Experiences?

I flew Ethiopian Airlines to Lusaka last month. The flight was okay. They don't serve cocktails in coach (beer and wine only) and the movie selection is not nearly as good as Delta or SAA. They also weigh your carry ons and will make you gate check just about anything that is larger than a handbag or small backpack.

My biggest concern is that they don't seem to be all that knowlegeable about transporting firearms. I was advised by the gate agent in Dulles that my firearm case might be pulled aside until I could produce my Zambian firearms permit. The problem was, my PH had my permit waiting for me in Lusaka. Luckily they just transferred my gun case without issue. Then, on my return, Addis Ababa security pulled me out of the boarding gate just before departure, took me down into the bowels of the airport and asked to inspect my firearms case and see my firearms permit. Of course I don't have a US firearms permit and they were not interested in seeing my 4457. They looked over my Zambian firearms permit (luckily I kept a copy) and it seemed all was in order but it still took quite a while for the superiors to say it was ok to load my firearm onto the plane. I very nearly missed my flight.

My suggestions: have all your firearms permits in hand before departing the US and be prepared to present them to whoever up until you arrive home, and use someone like Steve Turner with Travel With Guns and be prepared to call him if you have any problems along the way.

Thanks. I guess Delta/KLM is the way to go. Never had a problem going to Dar in several trips and why change horses, I reckon.

I consider to fly with Ethiopian to Tanzania this Year. How about Gun Travel. Please post your experiences with them. Thanks

See above.