Qatar Airways - US to JNB

31 January 2018, 23:48

T.J.

Anyone have any experience traveling from the US to JNB with firearms on Qatar Airways? I'm looking at the sale they are having on business class and wondering if it's something we should lock in for a June departure date.

Looks like connection through Doha in Qatar and JNB from there.

01 February 2018, 00:00

Opus1

I fly Qatar Air regularly from ATL to Africa. The food and service is great plus they are flying one of the youngest fleets in the industry. They are firearm friendly and those who travel with firearms have reported no hassles whatsoever. Always best to contact your departure city to review how they want everything packed. You check your bags and firearm through to your destination.

I generally book cattle class and then upgrade to business. The upgrade is generally $300 to $400 per leg so you get out cheaper than booking business class.

Also, the Doha Airport Hotel is about 100 yards from security as you are entering the country. Very comfortable but a little pricey. The transit lounge is also very comfortable. One of the best airports in the world. Lots of restaurants.

01 February 2018, 04:49

Icafrica

Opus, +1

01 February 2018, 18:38

Bama15

32 hours from Atlanta to Joburg compared to 16 with Delta. Just go ahead and put me out of my misery.

01 February 2018, 20:05

Poyntman

quote:
Originally posted by Bama15:
32 hours from Atlanta to Joburg compared to 16 with Delta. Just go ahead and put me out of my misery.

I hate to say It (because I don't want to insult anyone)but I totally agree...I honestly don't understand how folks fly these 32-41 hr itineraries for multiple reasons.
I confirmed my Delta flights this week. They came back to $2,400 in July and $1,660 in August.
But..to each their own...

01 February 2018, 20:21

Opus1

I fly from Atlanta to Windhoek and no matter how I get there, it still takes me 33 hours.

01 February 2018, 20:46

Scott Powell

quote:
Originally posted by Poyntman:
quote:
Originally posted by Bama15:
32 hours from Atlanta to Joburg compared to 16 with Delta. Just go ahead and put me out of my misery.

I hate to say It (because I don't want to insult anyone)but I totally agree...I honestly don't understand how folks fly these 32-41 hr itineraries for multiple reasons.
I confirmed my Delta flights this week. They came back to $2,400 in July and $1,660 in August.
But..to each their own...

Same here.. When by myself it is SAA from IAD to JNB. One big cut and it's over.. Honestly, I've never had an issue with exit rows seats on SAA or any gun transport issues. I am lucky that I leave directly from Dulles, no domestic connecting flights..

If my wife is with me, its usually Emirates with a 2 day stopover in Dubai to rest and enjoy the city - but also direct from IAD...

"At least once every human being should have to run for his life - to teach him that milk does not come from the supermarket, that safety does not come from policemen, and that news is not something that happens to other people." - Robert Heinlein

02 February 2018, 21:28

jdollar

quote:
Originally posted by Opus1:
I fly Qatar Air regularly from ATL to Africa. The food and service is great plus they are flying one of the youngest fleets in the industry. They are firearm friendly and those who travel with firearms have reported no hassles whatsoever. Always best to contact your departure city to review how they want everything packed. You check your bags and firearm through to your destination.

I generally book cattle class and then upgrade to business. The upgrade is generally $300 to $400 per leg so you get out cheaper than booking business class.

Also, the Doha Airport Hotel is about 100 yards from security as you are entering the country. Very comfortable but a little pricey. The transit lounge is also very comfortable. One of the best airports in the world. Lots of restaurants.

How far out are you allowed to upgrade? In other words, once you book in coach, how soon can you upgrade?

02 February 2018, 21:43

Opus1

I always get an e-mail notification 7 days or so before the flight. If there are still seats available, you can upgrade when you check in but that is generally only on the US to Doha leg.