Travel (to Africa) Question - 11/16/09
I'm making my first trip to Africa next spring and have to ask a travel related question of those who have made the trip before.
I'm flying Delta to JoBerg, RSA. I have an upgraded (Business class) ticket that has 3 checked bags 70 pounds or less and up to 62" linear (L+W+H) included, plus the carry on stuff. Generous allowances compared to coach.
I read the Baggage Rules at Delta http://www.delta.com/traveling_chec...e/fragile_bulky/sporting_goods/index.jsp ) and the TSA rules (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm )
and no mention is made of case dimensions when referencing shooting equipment, just that it counts toward the baggage allowance, and cases with more than two rifles/shotguns get an extra charge. There's stuff there about how many guns and how much ammo, and at TSA, even that you can pack the ammo in your gun case. (That's a can o' worms from what I've read here.) My old two gun case did not meet the lockability requirements of the TSA (I have one like the example they showed of a bad case, but used it many times on domestic trips up to 2003 or so), so I bought a Pelican 1750 Series. Just long enough to fit the rifle, plenty of room for the shotgun and some extras. All is well I thought.
I never thought about any oversize luggage problems when I bought my Pelican case, but it measures over 62 inches L+W+H, more like 76.12 inches!
Has anyone had to pay oversize charges on gun cases? I've a 26" barreled gun that's 46+" long, and a shotgun, so a two gun case is bound to be over 62 inches, isn't it? I still have time to get another case if it makes sense. If I can find one that makes the tape! I guess I just want to prepare myself if the fees apply.
I cringe at calling the airline, it's pot luck on who you get. Any experience out there?
Thanks.
I'm flying Delta to JoBerg, RSA. I have an upgraded (Business class) ticket that has 3 checked bags 70 pounds or less and up to 62" linear (L+W+H) included, plus the carry on stuff. Generous allowances compared to coach.
I read the Baggage Rules at Delta http://www.delta.com/traveling_chec...
and no mention is made of case dimensions when referencing shooting equipment, just that it counts toward the baggage allowance, and cases with more than two rifles/shotguns get an extra charge. There's stuff there about how many guns and how much ammo, and at TSA, even that you can pack the ammo in your gun case. (That's a can o' worms from what I've read here.) My old two gun case did not meet the lockability requirements of the TSA (I have one like the example they showed of a bad case, but used it many times on domestic trips up to 2003 or so), so I bought a Pelican 1750 Series. Just long enough to fit the rifle, plenty of room for the shotgun and some extras. All is well I thought.
I never thought about any oversize luggage problems when I bought my Pelican case, but it measures over 62 inches L+W+H, more like 76.12 inches!
Has anyone had to pay oversize charges on gun cases? I've a 26" barreled gun that's 46+" long, and a shotgun, so a two gun case is bound to be over 62 inches, isn't it? I still have time to get another case if it makes sense. If I can find one that makes the tape! I guess I just want to prepare myself if the fees apply.
I cringe at calling the airline, it's pot luck on who you get. Any experience out there?
Thanks.