Flying to South Africa through London
- Thread starter Chris P.
- Start date
I refuse to transit through Heathrow unless there is no other reason. Their security clearances make for huge lineups even if you are in Business or First class.
I prefer to transit through Schipol or Frankfurt if possible.
I prefer to transit through Schipol or Frankfurt if possible.
I don't think that's the case...it's only if firearms are not "in transit" in Frankfurt. Many American airlines do no have an in transit agreement through London and Frankfurt so it applies to them but not Canadians if you stay within the Star Alliance family. I did extensive research on that before travelling through Frankfurt in May and again in September and that's the conclusion we came to and we were never asked for it. I know many Canadians that have travelled through there since and it was not required either.
Frankfurt is the one place I have absolutely never had a problem..........Germans love guns and most are exceptionally helpful. The permit thingy is only if you cannot check through your firearm for whatever reason and as I recall it was no big deal. Spent a couple days there on one trip through and had no issues...........just remembered I stored the rifle with security at the airport for like 5 Euros for 2 days, no permits required if it never leaves security.
if for any reason you need to transit (delays etc) then without that permit the hassle will come. it is not the German federal laws nor provincial but city laws.
if it can helps
http://www.nordisksafariklub.com/node/104109
all the best.
if it can helps
http://www.nordisksafariklub.com/node/104109
all the best.
I did it in 2007, worked great on British Airways.
The only place I had trouble was Toronto, airport staff rather than BA.
A piece of advice, print the airline rules on firearms and ammo and have it with you. All the staff may not be completely aware of them, it doesn't happen that often.
The only place I had trouble was Toronto, airport staff rather than BA.
A piece of advice, print the airline rules on firearms and ammo and have it with you. All the staff may not be completely aware of them, it doesn't happen that often.
Now there's a gem I never thought of...............
Martin,
a very good advice to follow.
in 2006 Air Canada was easy to deal with.
but British Airways was a nightmare at Paris CDG airport and London Heathrow tow different indications and none from the rules.
a little of chat with the manager and security in both places with their paper but it back in the row.
but at Montreal the rifles were left alone with the baby strollers never seen that in other places around the world except Mpoko Bangui but that was another story.
all the best.
Phil
I flew BA from Toronto/Heathrow/Johannesburg and had my guns checked all the way through. No issues.
Because you're travelling 2 separate airlines, I would call them both to ensure checking them all the way through will cause no issues.
Also, if you have 11 hours at Heathrow, you'll have the time to check into the Yotel in Terminal 4 (IIRC) for a few hours of sleep in a proper bed. Just grab the shuttle that runs between terminals.
Good luck!
Because you're travelling 2 separate airlines, I would call them both to ensure checking them all the way through will cause no issues.
Also, if you have 11 hours at Heathrow, you'll have the time to check into the Yotel in Terminal 4 (IIRC) for a few hours of sleep in a proper bed. Just grab the shuttle that runs between terminals.
Good luck!
They look after Your gun for You from flight to flight. Remember though Your lay over time can be no more than 24 hrs. London to SA or You got other stops? The airport You check in on does that. You have to do a F520 in RSA
Your good. Get to Your airport like 3+ hours early. The guy checking in Your luggage has to fax ahead that You have a gun. You want a receipt of that fax
