I'm leaving in a week for Zim. I'm flying Delta to Joberg, and due to Delta's new stupid baggage policy, can't stay in transit and have my bags (with rifles) checked through to the SAA flight to Harare. This is causing me to get my bags and overnight in Joberg, as I won't be able to make my connecting flight in the 2 1/2 hour layover at Tembo. I'll have to do the SAPS thing only to fly out the next day.
While a pain, I'm working under the assumption that it will be straightforward.
Are there any glitches that have been experienced with the process? My flight to Harare is at 1040 the next morning. How early should I get to the airport?
I'm staying at Afton, and I am sure they will direct me well, just trying to anticipate any issues that may arise.
I'd have flown SAA in the first place, but Delta changed their policy after I bought my tickets. Damn them.

Marty,

The upside to your situation is that you'll physically know your kit was checked onto the Harare flight. I actually recommend clients receive their luggage at O.R. Tembo and check it onto their Zim flight. At least this way if it does not arrive in Zim you have some idea where to start looking for it.

If you've enlisted Afton House to help you they should make everything seamless and you'll not need to worry about anything.

Mark

Why did not you book SAA all the way? That way you could have checked your luggage and guns all the way to Harare and avoid the hassle of dealing with SAP 520 cluster and the over night in Joberg.

I booked with Delta for their economy comfort class, with my 6'3" frame. When I bought the seats last year, Delta hadn't yet changed their baggage policy, so I got screwed.

Sorry tough break I am trying air emeritus in May to Harare

Marty - What is the baggage change you mentioned with Delta? Will be going over to Moz later and was just wondering. Thanks.

Larry Sellers

quote:

Originally posted by Marty:
I booked with Delta for their economy comfort class, with my 6'3" frame. When I bought the seats last year, Delta hadn't yet changed their baggage policy, so I got screwed.

Larry-
As of a few months ago, if you are changing airlines, Delta won't check your bags through, you need to get them and recheck them for your connecting flight. I don't know if that applies on domestic flights, but since I am connecting with SAA to Harare, I have to do it. As I understand it, that means you have to clear South African customs, including the SAPS routine, just to recheck your bags. So, instead of having 2 1/2 hours to buy some cigars at the duty free, and get on the connecting flight, there isn't enough time to get the job done, meaning an overnight in Joberg, and dealing with the SAPS people again the next morning.
Kathi tells me that SAA will check through to Delta on the return trip.
If you used a travel agent, check with them.

You are correct on the Delta baggage change. They will no longer check bags through on non-partner airlines without connected tickets. Pain in the ass. Even as a long time Diamond Medallion with them I am going to have to start flying United for some of my trips. I wrote Delta and got the "tough sh#t" response. You have to wonder sometimes.

Don

Thanks Marty - I will be going to Moz via JB in a few months so will have my travel agent check the details. Last time I went via SAA, checked bags/guns all the way to Beira from Abuquerque. If I use Delta to JB, then will have the same situation as you have, since the Beira flight is run by SAA.

We had no problem checking all the way through. Checked with SAPS on arrival in JB to see if all bags/guns arrived. They did and SA
PS kept them overnight, locked in their facility and sent them to our AM flight to Beira the next morning. Will see which airline/schedule is best in a month or so. Thanks again for the update.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by Marty:
Larry-
As of a few months ago, if you are changing airlines, Delta won't check your bags through, you need to get them and recheck them for your connecting flight. I don't know if that applies on domestic flights, but since I am connecting with SAA to Harare, I have to do it. As I understand it, that means you have to clear South African customs, including the SAPS routine, just to recheck your bags. So, instead of having 2 1/2 hours to buy some cigars at the duty free, and get on the connecting flight, there isn't enough time to get the job done, meaning an overnight in Joberg, and dealing with the SAPS people again the next morning.
Kathi tells me that SAA will check through to Delta on the return trip.
If you used a travel agent, check with them.