ml williford:
Flying with rifles overseas was on an eye opener and I was lucky enough to have went with my father that was educated from prior trips. Make double that the Air line knows you have firearms, lets you take them with ammo and get their rules. Delta and South African Air were no problem. So here is a list that I can remember as best I can of what was done. 1) I went to customs at airport by my house and filled out small forms about cc card size folded that were customs releases of property already owned hand printed, that listed serial # and item description for scopes, rifle, bino's, camera, laptop ect. and had these inspected and forms stamped by officer in person. This was easy as my airport had a customs office in it but average people had strange looks about the rifle cases. Made several copies same size and then several full page scans of all that would fit. I had them in wallet, passport book, and each piece of luggage, rifle case including carry on plus extras if the new country's people wanted a copy and some did. 2) Bought 30cal. ammo cans U.S. military surplus and welded a padlock hasp to it to carry my custom ammo in reused factory paper 20 rnd. boxes, 40 for each rifle 80 total. The rifle's bolt wrapped in a new cleaning rag(making gun useless if stolen), an Otis round cleaning kit, cheap plastic bore guide, small Rem oil, a container with solvent (I used Birchwood Casey in thin can), shooting gloves ect to fill space, weight was unimportant. Then printed a large label of ammo breakdown and metal items that would show on x-ray and attached it with clear packing tape to the side like big easily read ups label, with a new master lock and 4 extra keys (screw the TSA. "they steal stuff") I have extra keys if my plane leaves before they are returned) 2 sets each for me and partner. I carried separate sets so they could be given to authorities as necessary and still have my spares plus flying partner had more just in case. I know this might seem like overkill but my father went over a dozen times with no problems 5 taking me now I am also hooked. 3) Now this is a little fuzzy but the travel agent, broker, outfitter not sure which had copy's of this info. that was faxed prior because customs on the other end had their rules and paperwork waiting upon arrival made things really smooth having copies they could compare to because they checked all the serial #'s on guns and some even counted ammo both in and out including used cases go figure.
4) Buy a very good fitted padded rifle case and put trigger locks on the rifles in them. I personally watched an airline worker in Africa throw one of my cases out the plane onto the ground below at least 30 feet, if not for dad I would probably still be there in jail I was livid. That new case cost over 400 bucks but worth every penny +, the rifle was not even affected sight in check was perfect case not so much. Also included in that case was a full size cleaning rod, brushes, jag, and patches. 5) Do not let the travel agent route you though the U.K.!!! Your cases will arrive empty locks intact saw it first hand with another hunter in Johannesburg right at customs. New York city is also a problem TSA. are really hard on hunters and and handle your stuff like junk. Use Atlanta or Dulles only!!! even if it cost more been there done that. 6) Keep all cash on your person or carry-on in hand. Travelers checks not guaranteed to work. Call all of your credit card companies personally and tell them you are traveling and give them your itinerary with all country's involved. Do not rely on your bank to do this!!! Copy down the free overseas phone numbers to call if you have a problem not listed on all cards and put in wallet and such. I had American express shut off my card after one less than $10.00 purchase in Joeberg airport and they had this info. One call cured this but still embarrassing and a hassle. 7) Expect customs to use your paperwork from item 1 above to be used reentering the country fairly smooth process. Also expect for the locks to be cut and taped up on your ammo cans when you get home TSA. has done this every time because of not using TSA. locks. Ammo and bolt was there but other small items missing, small price to pay for piece of mind. I now use dirty socks for space filler and gloves and cleaning kits in checked luggage on way home liquids stay in ammo can who is going to complain its carrying explosives after all. 8) It's Late!!! I know I just could not help myself adding some humor after the long post. I am willing to help and give you any knowledge and advice I can before you leave as you can not be to prepared. I have always went in June and July its their winter. And yes it does snow over there then gets quite warm also. Temps. between mid 30's to 85 or so. Also I went to the doctor had all my immunizations updated as he thought necessary copy carried with me and Malaria pills just can not be to safe. You know an ounce of prevention............. Have a great day and let me know. I will try to answer all if possible questions. P.S. I am not trying to upset anyone being off topic but you started the thread so I figure it's kosher. Chuck