Gentlemen,

I'm a bit confused. I've read in more than one place and on more than one occasion that one has to declare the intention to transport firearms and ammunition at least 2 weeks before leaving on an Air France flight, have to fill out a form, etc. I spoke with an Air France representative today who says he spoke with a couple of supervisors who said there is not only no such form but also no such requirement.

I'm thinking someone doesn't know their rectum from a hole in the ground. Does anyone have any personal recent experience in these matters? My plan is to:

1. Have my 2 firearms and ammumition packed in a single hard sided case which will meet the standard dimensions and weight for checked baggage.

2. I will have a rifle and a handgun.

3. My ammunition will be packed with the guns in it's separate locked hard case. Inside said hard case, the ammunition will be in "factory packaging."

Yes, similar experience as recently as last week. I am still "forcing" them to have something in the record locator, to the fact that I have advised them, and sent the form (that's on their website BTW).

Just have the print outs with you, and hopefully all should be well.

Cheers
Orvar

Flew AF to Camaroon a few weeks ago. Had to inform them in advance of firearms info- serial number, caliber, etc. also, the amount of ammo.

quote:

Originally posted by Orvar:
Yes, similar experience as recently as last week. I am still "forcing" them to have something in the record locator, to the fact that I have advised them, and sent the form (that's on their website BTW).

Just have the print outs with you, and hopefully all should be well.

Cheers
Orvar

Do you happen to have a link to the form you're referring to? The only form I found was one similar to that of other airlines promising the gun isn't loaded with no place to enter rounds of ammunition, etc.

G - not for nothin' - but this is why having a travel agent with a lot of experience booking international hunters is a good idea!

Every airline has its own rules, and the agent's job is to know them and make sure you follow them so that nothing goes wrong.

IMHO, their fees are well worth the savings in aggravation!

Grumulkin,

When I used Air France I definitely had to let them know ahead I was carrying guns. You need to talk to a different AF rep. I as Mike suggested always use an agent versed in traveling with guns as they are on top of these things.

Mark

My experience was the same as Mark's. I used Shawn at Gracy who took care of the paperwork for me with Air France.

Ditto. Use a travel agent.

By the way, Shawn had to get that document first translated as she and I did not speak Francais.

If I recall the details from the Air France website (do speak and read French), not only must you notify that you are traveling with firearms and ammuntion, but you must receive explicit Air France confirmation that you may do so.

Then, to be sure, you call before the flight day and ask the Air France agent if your record locator reflects permission to board firearms AND ammunition.

Regards

Tim: I believe that you are correct. That is also what Shawn told me. When I went to the boarding area at JFK, I was called out in order to verify that I was the one flying with the guns and ammo.

I got the straight stuff from Kathi who is very good. You have to notify Air France of both the firearms and the ammunition but this is apparently done and confirmed by phone; i.e., there is no form for the passenger to fill out.

How ammunition is to be carried is a bit confusing. The Air France web site would lead one to believe that the ammunition must be packed with the firearms when, in fact, it must not be packed with the guns.