I see that a number of flights go direct to South Africa from JFK airport in New York. Is there any problem on the return flight bringing rifles back into the country through New York City customs? Anyone have experience with this and care to share?

Several trips both domestic and international with guns thru JFK; no more delay than any other passenger going thru customs.

I did watch one guy cop an attitude and they were working him over pretty good going over his stuff.

Thanks. That is what I was looking for and what I expected, but it pays to ask.

But....know that once you physically leave JFK and are say driving somewhere you must go through the city and proceed directly out of NY...no stopping, detours, side trips etc lest you violate NY stupid gun laws. Got this information directly form a Brooklyn police captain...they'll let you drive into the city straight to the airport and do the same departing to get out of NY asap....anything less you are in potential violation...and they don't cut you a break....Good luck.

Paul

So, if you fly into New York JFK and transfer planes to another airport you should be OK? That is of cours if you don't leave the airport and take your guns with you between flights?

Yes you should be fine. I fly out and into JFK on all my trips to Africa. Follow common sense and no problems at all

That's a nice deal...fly direct to Jo'berg and arrive early enough to catch the day's flights out to other destinations. Saves a night's lodging. Now I understand they're flying direct back to the states...no Dakar spray-down!

I will avoid jfk like the plague. customs had to look at gun, port authority had to look at gun. police had to look at gun. My god how many criminals commit crimes with a double rifle????? that it was such a big deal. To those of you who had no problems I salute you but anywhere but jfk for me

We had no issues in 2009 out of JFK.
going we just went to the Port Auth. police and they inspected and delivered my rifle to the xray guys. On our return the customs guy just wanted to see some photos of our hunt , looked at my rifle and stamped the papers. Said he hoped to hunt Africa someday. Everything was smooth.

Maybe they just all wanted to see the double for reasons not having anything to do with hassle or security reasons?

Kinda like the folks Ej encountered.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by Max Trauma:
I will avoid jfk like the plague. customs had to look at gun, port authority had to look at gun. police had to look at gun. My god how many criminals commit crimes with a double rifle????? that it was such a big deal. To those of you who had no problems I salute you but anywhere but jfk for me