I'm planning a trip to Namibia in June and plan on flying from Los Angeles to London on Air New Zealand (On one ticket), then British Airways from London to Joberg then Windhoek (On another ticket). This routing makes more sense to me than some more direct flights as I will be able to use miles to do the trip in business and first.

My questions are:

I will probably not be able to check my guns straight through from LAX to WDH as Air New Zealand and British are members of different alliances (I've called Air New Zealand and they say it shouldn't be a problem but as there will be two seperate tickets it is at the discretion of the manager in LAX).

I've heard of companies that arrange for gun transit in the UK but can't remember the names of any of them. I've heard they're pricey but would prefer to have the peace of mind of not having problems when transiting from Terminal 1 to Terminal 5 at Heathrow. Can anyone help with the names or other suggestions?

I would expect that the problem will arise on the way back as well, particularly when checking the bags in Windhoek.

The other question is I plan on checking the guns through from London to Windhoek. Is there any need to worry about South African Gun Import laws? I will have about a 5 hour layover in Joberg before heading to Windhoek and plan on staying in the airport.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

For help with transiting airports in the UK, use this chap. Very good service.
http://www.gunrunner.cc/

My understanding is that you only require firearms bondsman in the UK if you must transfer between London Gatwick and Heathrow or if you layover and leave in transit status. I used PDQ Freight.

I do not believe Gunrunner (Richard Whiteley) handles airport transfers any longer since his “airside pass” expired. PDQ freight is the one you would want to speak with as already mentioned:

PDQ Freight: http://www.pdq.uk.com

PDQ are very experienced with firearms transits, and are based very close to Heathrow.

Phone number is : +44 - 1784 - 243695 Email: info@pdq.uk.com

Thanks for the information. Gunrunner is no longer clearing firearms in the UK but PDQ still is. Even though I won't be leaving Heathrow, transiting from terminal 1 to terminal 5 requires clearing customs if you pick up your baggage to recheck.

Jaglav,

One advantage in enlisting PDQ is that you'll see your bags get transferred to BA and they'll be in good hands as far as JNB. I also would physically recheck my bags onto your WDH flight if if were me. There are services that can assist with this at O.R. Tembo.

Mark

Mark,

Thanks for the suggestion. I've been leaning toward clearing firearms in Joberg and then checking them to Windhoek as there seems to be some confusion regarding international transfers in Joberg. I called British Air to inform them that I was travelling with firearms and ammunition from London Heathrow via Joberg to Windhoek.

I went over the itinerary in great detail and the British Air agent (very helpful and polite) read to me their policy which stated that passengers with an onward international connection need NOT clear customs and could proceed through the international transit lanes. According to British
Air, a company called G4S will secure and transport the firearms to the onward flight.

In communicating with Anne from Air 2000/Hunters' Support she stated that British Air had a policy in which firearms had to be cleared through the first international point of entry and that she had confirmed this through the Duty Manager at OR Tambo. I recall seeing a post on this site recounting problems with firearms being checked through to other international destinations however I am unable to find the post now even though I just read it the other day.

One of the issues may be that apparently the British Air flight from Joberg to Windhoek departs from the domestic terminal at Joberg as my itinerary lists the SLOW lounge in the domestic terminal as the available lounge.

If anyone has any further information I would appreciate it although at the end of the day I will probably just arrange to clear the firearms in Joberg to eliminate any potential problems.