After hearing story after story of folks whos essential baggage (guns, bows etc.) didn't make it to their destination at the same time as the hunter. Is there any additional insureance a fellow can purchase that will "guarantee" that his items don't get lost/delayed during air travel?

Unless you are flying general aviation, there are no guarantees available.

George

Only way is not to go...
Been 13 times never lost but delayed a couple of times. Ins won't gaurantee the bags are not lost it will just pay you if they are.

First, make sure that each bag has a permanent, sturdy tag which clearly identifies you as the owner along with name, address, email, and preferably the phone number of the cell phone yoiu are carrying.

Next, be sure to double check the destination tags the baggage agent puts on each bag to assure it is to the right destination and any inter-line or transfer tags are properly attached. Don't be anal-retentive with the baggage agent, but do inquire politely about things like tranfer tags and where and when the baggage will change flights. Research before hand to know if the airlines you are using have baggage agreements or whether you will have to claim and recheck your bags somewhere along the way. If there is a baggage agreement between all carriers, check your bags all the way through to your final destination.

If you'll think about it for a moment, the last thing we want the airlines to start doing is treating baggage as two (or more) different classes -- that on which a premium has been paid to assure it reaches the destination at the same time as its owner, and the "other stuff" which gets there whenever chance allows. Every piece of baggage for every traveler should be expected to arrive on the same plane as its owner.

A couple of more things to do to improve the odds of arrival is try and not make very tight connecting flights - if first is delayed arriving for any reason and you have to run to connecting gate the bags may not make it.

Once at the connecting gate or if you have to get another boarding pass, ask the airline agent to confirm that your bags are "in the system" and will make it to the plane - this is ESPECIALLY important if you are changing airlines i.e. Delta to SAA or any other combination.

Also, make sure you put some kind of a mark on your claim ticket to identify your gun case(s) from regular checked luggage. Coming back to the states, when you check bags in with the foreigner carrier they don't have you sign and date the little red "Unloaded Weapon" card and put it in your gun case(s). But, once you make a connecting flight with a US carrier and you check to make sure your bags are going to make the connection the US carrier MAY have you sign the card and either hang it on the outside of your case or retrieve the case and have you put it in yourself (happened to us last year transiting through Frankfurt from Air Namibia.

Here are a couple of other tips:

Put copies of your 4457's, color copy of your passport and airline schedule and a spare set of locks (keyed like the originals) in the case. If going to Namibia or RSA you can also have a copy of the Namibia Temp Gun Import permit filled out and signed and dated for the date of your (expected) arrival. Can also do this with the RSA SAPS 520 just don't sign or date. Also, carry copies on your person as well and at least one set of extra keys. If all goes well and the guns arrive, you just pull the forms out the gun case and hand them to the Police already completed - you might even go to the front of the line!

All good tips here!

I always tape an envelope to the OUTSIDE of the rifle case containing my entire itinerary. [I also use this to send to family and friends as neede] And I mark the envelope very clearly "ITINERARY".

Also, take photos of your bags prior to departing, using the camera or phone that you will have with you [with a smart phone you can likely email them a photo to use if needed.]

I know it can be a PIA but physically receiving you luggage between flights and checking it onto the next flight yourself can save some serious heartburn. If your going through JNB on your way to Zim, Zambia or whatever I highly recommend you do not check your bags all the way through.

Mark

fly first class- they never seem to have lost luggage! must be the bright orange priority handling tag they put on it.

Never had a problen with luggage going through Frankfurt. They even tell you your luggage, guns are on the Air Namibia plane your getting on.

Get your own private plane ...

Travel only with carry on bags. No gun case, no other checked bag, works everytime!! Every PH/outfit I have ever hunted with can have a rifle waiting for you, clothes done up everyday, etc. Not saying this is how I always go, or recommending it to anyone, just answers the question asked by the poster.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member