I an going to Arusha in December via Istanbul on Turkish air. Steve Turner was able to book it using my United miles on a saver award for my wife and I in Business.
Has anyone else gone this way and used them ??

NOt yet, but I will in May, also in business. I'll let you know how they were.

Turkish Airlines: New Planes, Friendly Staff, Best DO&CO Food, Cheap Tickets what can you wish more. Business Class Lounge in Istanbul is according to a friend outstanding. Flew Arusha and Dar with Turkish and was very satisfied with them.

Ironically probably the only airline which is hassle-free on firearm transportation (for now).
The only pain in the derriere, for American clients in particular, is that they have to pick this flight up in Istanbul.

I found the airport in Istanbul one of the most pleasant I've ever been in. I flew TA to Bishkek in '09. The 737 was pretty crowded, and there was a bit of BO present, but the flight was otherwise OK.

Thanks, Did you all stop over with guns in Istanbul or did you just transfer on to Tanzania ??

I hate to be the naysayer in the bunch but, Turkish Airlines has been one of the only airlines that I have had problems with concerning my firearms. I flew through Istanbul also in '09, both ways to and from africa. My firearms made it to africa on the way there but on the way back they unloaded them off the plane for a plane change in Istanbul and placed them somewhere else. It took 6 full weeks to get a response and to get them back. Other than that, it was ok. I would make sure I had insurance.