My next hunt is next April. My travel agent has come up with flights to Joberg via either United or Qatar.

Not having used either airline previously, I'm searching for feedback from those who have - good or not so good feedback.

Things like rifle and ammo handling both ways, flight cancelations and delays, and overall traveler comfort.

Costs and scheduling I can handle later, 'cause I got the time. Right now I'm trying to get a sense of who treats the traveling hunter best.

Thanks,
Pud

Can't help. On my 2 trips over I used Delta. United is an American company----They would get my money.

I have never flown either to Africa but have flown both enough to say that Qatar Air is ten times the airline that United is.

I won't voluntarily fly United, even domestic.

The only time I flew one leg on United, they lost my guns for four days.

Given a choice I fly Emirates or Qatar and avoid JHB like the plague.

I'm getting the same feedback from others as well.

Next week when I chat with the travel agent I'm gonna ask what's up with Delta as well...

Qatar hands down. You will most likely connect through Doha and it is a simple 15 minute walk to the Oryx Airport Hotel once you go through security. No hassles whatsoever and the aircraft are new, clean, with flight attendants who actually work.

If you are traveling with firearms you will need to complete some paperwork, however they are firearm friendly so no headaches there. You will want to check to make sure all the info below is current, however:


1. Starting at least two (2) weeks before you fly, submit a copy of your passport, your 4457 form, your booking reference number with flight details, and an invitation letter to [email protected].
2. Wait for a reply email - they will send a confirmation of your paperwork. If you don't get the reply, resubmit or contact them directly.
3. Pack your firearm and ammo (5 kg limit) as instructed.
4. Make copies of everything including your confirmation email and carry with you as you may need to present all the paperwork to the ticket agent when checking in.
5. If you are using multiple carriers, you will need to claim your firearms and present all your paperwork to the Qatar Air ticket agent. It will not be checked through from your originating carrier to Qatar Air. Otherwise, no additional steps necessary.

BUT, be prepared for a clueless ticket agent on the US side. So have all your instructions and paperwork ready to educate them. This is the weak link in the deal.

Awesome info STRSWilson! Much appreciated.

This is excellent information and I agree 100% about flying Qatar. Make your life simple and call Patrick at TravelWithGuns. They will handle all of the paperwork for you. I directed dozens of safari clients to TWG because EVERY ONE of them praised their work. We got nothing in return except happy clients.

RS

I’ve flown Qatar many times. It should even be mentioned in the same breath as United or Delta….

Pretty much any foreign airline is going to offer world's better service than a U.S. airline. U.S. airlines go out of their way to make you miserable.

Yep.

For business class, the only problems with either Emirates or Qatar are the long lay over times. Recently flew with Swiss. Terrible food. Mediocre seats. Qatar has great food and seats. Lufthansa mediocre food but much better seats. Swiss lost my return reservation. Will never fly with them again.

Absolutely right…. Once you fly Qatar, United seems like budget air

I am flying Qatar business class in September. Their business lounge in Doha puts Admiral's club to shame and I am really looking forward to trying their Q-Suite.

I recently flew Delta to JNB from Atlanta. I was quickly reminded why I prefer any foreign carrier to domestic airlines. Easily half of business class were either employees or folks flying on buddy passes. Not that it's a huge issue, but business class on Delta is always jammed packed.

My return flight was on Virgin. The difference between the two carriers was considerable. Unless it is unavoidable, I wouldn't consider a domestic carrier for foreign travel.

Just tagging this thread for this great info:

I went ahead today and booked my next hunt flight on Qatar via the travel agent.

Thanks everyone for the great input & info.

Pud

Qatar far and away. Business class is worth the money! Individual compartments super. Has long layover going and tight coming back in Doha.

There is nothing to think about. Qatar is superior in every regard. I enjoyed the Q Suites last October on a flight from San Francisco to Dar Es Salaam. Great comfort, wonderful service and very good food. Example - when was the last time you enjoyed lobster on an airline flight? Qatar or Emirates are the only way to fly, in my opinion, if one or the other flies where you want to go. I don’t mind a long layover, especially when flying Emirates. Dubai is a fascinating place and I make sure to visit a friend who loves guns and African hunting when staying over in Dubai.

I work in aviation manufacturing and Qatar is at the top of the airline business. Their quality control second to none. I witnessed the paint inspection while I was at the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. The inspector went over the whole engine cowling with a magnifying glass.

Another strong endorsement for Qatar, have flown many times through Doha even before the new airport. No issues ever!