I just returned from Namibia, and, found that even though I had baggage tags all the way to my final destination (San Francisco) they were not honored for forwarding at JFK. I had to take my firearms and go to the domestic check in counter. I flew SAA from Windhoek and was transferring to Virgin.

Check in at Virgin was easy, although the airport police (not TSA) take down the serial numbers, driver's license and phone numbers.

When I went outbound, the firearms were checked on Delta from SFO with the JFK connection to SAA and passed right through and popped up in Windhoek.

Just a little tip for planning if you happen to clear at JFK on the way back.

You have to clear customs in the first port of entry into the U.S..

Just like you have to clear customs at Jo'berg as the first port of entry in RSA, even if you are flying to the East Cape or KZN.

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
You have to clear customs in the first port of entry into the U.S..

+1
The young guy at JFK I dealt with was wide-eyed and clueless. But the way he smiled and fondled my rifles, I was very happy he wasn't checking my wife back into the States.

I had no complaints.

I've flown to/from Africa several times out of JFK and never had any problems with TSA/Customs. On one return trip the customs guy had my gun case laying open on a bench. I was standing behind the rifle and the customs guy was standing in front of the muzzle when he asked me to pick up the rifle and bring it to a desk. I asked him to step aside and he gave me a funny lock and said "why".

I then informed him that there was no way I could pick up the gun without pointing it directly at him. He got a shocked look on his face and then said "I never thought of that."

I hope he learned something about gun safety that day.

Handguns ? In the past NYC enforced their own rules -NO handguns in NYC. I assume that's still the same ?

quote:

Originally posted by mete:
Handguns ? In the past NYC enforced their own rules -NO handguns in NYC. I assume that's still the same ?

NYC rules don't apply in the secure area of the airport.

My concern about going through NY or NJ is what if you miss a flight and have to take your luggage to a hotel overnight, including your rifle case. I heard about a hunter that was prosecuted.

There have been issues at JFK and Gracy Travel does not recommend going that route.

Mark

I depart from and return to JFK each time I go to Africa. Haven't had an issue. Zambia this summer will be number 16.

I have traveled through JFK at least 12 times with firearms, not a single problem. Slow but no problems. If you must leave JFK such as missed flight, overnight etc, there is bonded storage there in the airport for $15/day.

Last time I went through JFK we went the night before spent the night in a local airport hotel with our rifles, was told by Steve at Steve's Travel with guns not a problem got to the airport early checked everything in with the port authority hassle free.

As I remember the last time I went through JFK once I cleared customs TSA rechecked my firearm and it went on the belt with the rest of the luggage did not have to recheck with the connecting airline . First time 2006 had to drag the gun and my luggage to the next terminal 2 miles away on the tram with bullets to check in with the domestic airline . After dragging my firearm all over the airport when I checked in with the connecting airline 2 big burly police men took position of the key to my case and escorted me for the short walk to to the TSA ,go figure . I shutter to think what would happen if I was stopped by the police in rout with a 375 HH and ammo including solids. I try to avoid JFK if I can but if your scheduled dictates I would not worry to much about it.