Anyone on BA 288 to London from Phoenix September 10th?

I know it is too late to change your routing, but .

That's what I was thinking..

I know its the long way, but I am flying first class on miles and have never had any problems with BA at all. As a matter of fact, Shawn at Gracy who has more experience than all of us...says BA has the least problems of all the carriers used to get to Africa.

So there!

All I know is I'll be there in Africa, hunting for 14 days for ele and buff...

robncolorado

You'll love it. First or business class on BA is super. I recommend BA to my clients and have used them a dozen times myself. Nobody has had any gun or luggage issues.

Mark

I hope Mark's correct but I have heard nothing but bad news about BA when it comes to firearms.
Maybe 1st class makes the difference.

Leopardtrack- I hear ya- I think alot of BA's bad name on guns etc came from a while ago when they didnt have their act together on it. You know how it is, one oh shit wipes out ten attaboys!

I took Shawn at Gracy's word pretty serious as they deal with all of us who use them on a regular basis and they know what airlines have the tendencies for lost bags, guns etc. I also was told by a greeter in Zambia who has Lusaka airport wired, that of all the airlines, BA rarely loses a bag or gives her clients a bad time . She did say however, that SAA loses bags regularly. Anyways,I dont know if you have flown them, but I have had good experiences with them and I am hopeful you have not had a bad go with them and are just sharing what you have heard. All the best.
Rob

robncolorado, just curious> are you traveling with a gun? The reason i ask is, I have enough miles on American (code share with BA) to go to africa 1st class but they told me I had to take AA to London and they will not allow you to check a gun to London. I live in PHX and would gladly take the BA flight.

Yes, with a gun and BA is fine as long as you follow the rules. Gracy is well versed in doing exactly that.

Yes, BA flies a daily 747 out of PHX to London, leaves at 7:20PM. I'll be there the whole day prior to leaving, ring me up and we can have a beer at the hotel I am staying at by the hotel if you want. PM me for number.

leftcoast,

AA is the buggaboo in you mileage plan. They do NOT carry guns to the UK. This is strictly their deal. BA is more than happy to carry your guns. Call Gracy Travel and let them help you. You'll thank your self later.

Mark

just back from zam on BA - they will charge you $45 for your gun, they put it in 1 mans hands who hand carries it to a specific locker in the plane, and then it comes out the same way. leaves about a zero chance of some *#&$% going through the luggage & stealing

What class were you flying? I am curious if flying first makes that charge go away. Also, when did you book yoru ticket?

AND- tell us about your hunt!!! Details, Pics??

Rob

yes, flying first class makes all luggage charges go away.

We have a rifle export going out to Lusaka tomorrow He is travelling first will let you know if he gets charged
If you are going onto Zim best not to say anything at the check in desk LHR embargo on all firearms going to Zim & they won't let you take them
Margarita

Go get 'em Rob. Have a great trip and let me know how it goes.

I will Jim! Thanks for the earlier info, all is in order it seems.

My client flying back to Lusaka was not charged extra for his two firearms. I had pre warned him but the check in guy didn't know about the charge. Obviously depends on how upto speed the person who check you in
Margarit

Back from Zim on BA- Had absolutely no problems other than AVOD issues. All bags and gun cases made it. I flew 1st on the way down to Joberg and was not charged for the firearms. However, I was charged $40 for a gun handling fee in Joberg on my way out. I was flying Business at this point. I will say this. I fly BA because of miles and the ability to fly first/biz on those miles, but this was my 3rd time doing it and I think I will fly Delta next time simply because of the amount of time it takes to get to Joberg via London. This is assuming I am going to fly from Joberg to the final place to hunt. If I was going to Tanzania, Zambia, etc. I might still fly through London as I don't think it adds that much time.

Neither myself or my client was charged anyhting extra by BA for our guns on the trip we just completed. Air Botswana charged us about the equivalent of $40 US for firearms handling though?????

Mark

Here is the latest information on traveling with sporting weapons and ammunition as it appears on British Airways website. Reading this - once could expect to pay GBP 50.00 at check-in, each way. Like some of you have experienced it all depends on the check-in person!

the website address is : http://www.britishairways.com/...agsport/public/en_us

All firearms (including replica and decommissioned) and ammunition are restricted under UK law and you must notify us at least 72 hours before you travel to ensure compliance with UK government (or other local government) embargoes and restrictions. You must ensure you have the required documentation and licences for your firearms and ammunition. This includes export/import licences and authorisation from local and national authorities.

When you travel with firearms you must be at check-in at least 2 hours before your flight, to allow sufficient time to process the paperwork prior to clearing security.

If you are transferring through London you require a minimum connecting time of 3 hours.

Each case containing firearms is subject to a £50 each way charge at check-in. Firearms are handled by a specialist third party agent on our behalf, this charge covers their costs.

Firearms will be accepted provided they are packed in an appropriate carriage case, or if this is not possible, packed securely inside a suitcase.

Please note: if you are travelling to or from South Africa you cannot pack your firearms or ammunition in your checked baggage with your personal effects. The firearm and ammunition must be packed in separate locked bags or containers. You will not be charged for the extra bag.

Preparing firearms for travel:

each firearm carried must be accompanied by the appropriate firearms certificate
the firearm must be unloaded
if possible the firearm should be dismantled
the total weight of the ammunition (including shell) must not exceed the allowance of 5kg (11lbs) per passenger per bag
sharing weight allowance between passengers is not allowed
there will be no additional cost for ammunition packed in your checked baggage, or in a separate compartment in the gun case
if ammunition is carried separately you will be charged for the extra bag
the Heavy Bag Charge will apply to all bags over 23kgs
ammunition must be packed in either its original packaging or in a suitable container that prevents movement between shells or cartridges, i.e. loose ammunition is not permitted
bags with ammunition must not bear 'explosives' labels