If you have no subsequent flights in small aircraft, is there any reason why not to use hard-cased luggage? I would think this would provide more protection for things that can't fit or are not allowed in carry-on bags.

You are right and I travel with a hard-cased suitcase (and a hard-cased gun case) with a soft carry-on for the binos, digital camera and a laptop (for back-ups to the camera)

Regards

Check with the air charter prior to packing, with space and weight limitations, some will allow hard sided gun cases, but want soft sided duffle type bags for clothes, etc.since compartment sizes they use for storage on the plane are very limited. Good luck..

No air charter where I'll be hunting, just a long drive from Windhoek. They'll be towing a trailer so room won't be a problem.

Sorry Prof.,, guess english or reading wasn't my strong suit. You said if there are "no" subsequent flights,, my brain said subsequent flights...Hard sided shouldn't be a problem, the airline will tear them up just the same, or dent them but take what you are comfortable with. Sorry about the brain fart but I will be in the Eden area in August and you can drive from Windhoek or fly in a charter and I had just read where they require soft sided luggage to fly and my brain just stuck on it I guess. drwes

No problem. If I were charged for brain farts, I'd be so far in the hole I'd never even be able to hunt in my back yard. Just ask my students!

Returning to the UK from Windhoek - at least two of our party had soft luggage opened and articles removed!

Either ensure you do not pack anything of value in the checked baggage - or consider hardsided, multi locked luggage.

My hunting partner had the combination padlock undone - the dufflebag rifled, and then resealed to look as though it had not been touched!

Rgds Ian

Many(maybe all) operators have a place to leave your hard sides before getting on the charter. I would never use a soft bag for international travel. Pack a light nylon duffle and transfer.

quote:

Originally posted by IanF:
Returning to the UK from Windhoek - at least two of our party had soft luggage opened and articles removed!

Either ensure you do not pack anything of value in the checked baggage - or consider hardsided, multi locked luggage.

My hunting partner had the combination padlock undone - the dufflebag rifled, and then resealed to look as though it had not been touched!

Rgds Ian

I duct tape my soft sided checked luggage closed. At least then I know it has been tampered with & it seems to discourage the easy quick access.