Has anyone traveled to Africa since they are measuring baggage? I have a tuffpak and want to take it and want to know if they are going to charge me for oversize baggage.
Thanks
Rick

Depends on the Airline and agent but likely.

Traveled with my Tuffpack in Sept of 2012 on Jet Blue and South African Airways no problems.
One note I put about 2" of closed cell foam in the bottom of my TuffPack to lessen the shock to the rifles if the case is dropped on it's end. My gunsmith recommended this as a stock may crack or break from a direct blow to the ends of the barrels. If you notice there are not many soft gun slips no matter how padded they are on the sides have padding on the end.
My packed case weighed in at 50lbs even.

Thanks,
I also have padded the bottom of my case and can make it hold a lot more. I get 70 lbs per bag but don't need to take that much stuff. I'm gonna try it and if they charge me, I guess they just charge me. I bought it to use so might as well.

Is Delta doing this?

I'm flying United. and they have on their website a combined measurement of I believe 62 or 63" Length+width+depth. The Tuffpack isn't going to make the minimum size but looks so convenient. A 200 fee if it is oversize.

I just bought a Tuffpak. I am going over in July. I have read lots of posts about Tuffpak and guncases. I am under the impression that a guncase falls under the receational sporting equip. category. It should not be extra. I have traveled a lot in the past with a SKB and never have been charged.

Weight will be the issue these days with the 50 lb. limit for coach/economy. Two guns and scabbards is close to the 50 limit. Dimensions are not a problem, at least on Delta or SAA.

Airline miles are wonderful..... I'm flying first class and the weight limit is 70 lbs per bag.

I took my Tuffpak last July and August. No problems with the size as long as the weight is within limits.

Well, this will be a good test. I'm taking the tuffpak and will be adding another lock to the case like Judge G did.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Well, this will be a good test. I'm taking the tuffpak and will be adding another lock to the case like Judge G did.

Would you elaborate on the lock part. I can't find the post where JudgeG talks about the lock.

I will try. Inside the case, it appeared that he riveted a sturdy piece of metal and bent it up toward the lid. Then He cut a matching slot in the top of the case so when he put the top on, the piece of metal sticks through the top. He drilled a hole through it so he can put a padlock on the outside of the case. I think it can be done with flush mounted bolts on the outsided and nuts/washers on the inside. Just some added security.

I would just ask for a TSA agent to inspect the case. He will ask for your key to unlock and relock and you will be good to go. He will put a decal of inspected on it and it is gone.
I also put a label on top with Cell # to call if problem. No need to put an additional lock.
I now ask if all my luggage is on board before plane leaves airport. It will be scanned.

Mike

RAR60
I just got done putting the extra lock on my Tuffpak. A simple job requiring a flat piece of metal, a drill, some rivets and a little elbow grease. Solid as a rock and just a little more protection. If you want, I'll try and post a picture this afternoon.

The only problems that I have heard encountered with TuffPaks is when there is an air charter to your final destination. Depending on the size of the plane it will not physically fit so the Tuffpak is left and the rifles are stowed in their soft cases.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Has anyone traveled to Africa since they are measuring baggage? I have a tuffpak and want to take it and want to know if they are going to charge me for oversize baggage.
Thanks
Rick

Rick - I travelled on SAA from Dulles to Harare and back in late March / mid April, and they never looked twice at my Tuffpak.

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
RAR60
I just got done putting the extra lock on my Tuffpak. A simple job requiring a flat piece of metal, a drill, some rivets and a little elbow grease. Solid as a rock and just a little more protection. If you want, I'll try and post a picture this afternoon.

That would be good. Thanks for the help!

That's good to know Dave. I sorta like the way that Judge did his and copied it and it definitely makes it almost impossible to get into. At least quickly.
RAR I will try to do that sometime over the weekend, I have to teach a concealed carry course today and will be occupied until late. But I will.

I went to Lowe's and bought a small aluminum flat plate about 1 1/2" by 10". I drilled four holes in it, three for rivets and one for the lock. I rounded the edges, riveted it in place and used a hand-held circular saw to cut a hole in the top of the TuffPac. There is no need to bend the aluminum. Just make sure the cover/top will slid over the rivets (as does the original TuffPac system ... which can be seen in the top picture, btw).

I left the TSA lock in place and have my cake and eat it too when not traveling with firearms. BTW, I've found that a cable type lock works best on the new system since it will lie flat on the top and be protected somewhat by the ridges on the top of the TuffPac.

I have over 20 trips to Africa and no telling how many in the States and Canada with this system.... and no problems whatsoever.

Thanks Judge for posting that. I got mine done and am going to try it out in 24 more days!

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
That's good to know Dave. I sorta like the way that Judge did his and copied it and it definitely makes it almost impossible to get into. At least quickly.
RAR I will try to do that sometime over the weekend, I have to teach a concealed carry course today and will be occupied until late. But I will.

Thanks to you and JudgeG for all the info. I have one other question? The Tuffpak I just got has the Non-TSA lock. Is this just for the Tuffpak owners w/TSA lock?

Nope. Mine has the non TSA lock as well. This just adds a little bit more security.

quote:

Originally posted by RAR60:

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
That's good to know Dave. I sorta like the way that Judge did his and copied it and it definitely makes it almost impossible to get into. At least quickly.
RAR I will try to do that sometime over the weekend, I have to teach a concealed carry course today and will be occupied until late. But I will.

Thanks to you and JudgeG for all the info. I have one other question? The Tuffpak I just got has the Non-TSA lock. Is this just for the Tuffpak owners w/TSA lock?

+1 to the Judge for his innovative idea for Tuffpak security. I just modified my Tuffpak this afternoon copying the Judge's design - I now feel like my Tufpak is secure!

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:

quote:

Originally posted by RAR60:

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
That's good to know Dave. I sorta like the way that Judge did his and copied it and it definitely makes it almost impossible to get into. At least quickly.
RAR I will try to do that sometime over the weekend, I have to teach a concealed carry course today and will be occupied until late. But I will.

Thanks to you and JudgeG for all the info. I have one other question? The Tuffpak I just got has the Non-TSA lock. Is this just for the Tuffpak owners w/TSA lock?

+1 to the Judge for his innovative idea for Tuffpak security. I just modified my Tuffpak this afternoon copying the Judge's design - I now feel like my Tufpak is secure!

I am starting my modification. I bought a dremel - now I also have a tool to fix my double if there are any issues

Thanks for the pictures Judge and the link Admiral.

Mike

quote:

now I also have a tool to fix my double if there are any issues

Now that you have the proper tool you should see if you can get a job with Sabatti.