What airlines allowes firearms from Ireland?

Norwayviking

Hi all

Just reading Grizzly45s good thread about traveling with firearms within the EU.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056244817

So i just wondered if anyone knows or have experince with what airlines allows firearms or not.
I know SAS does,KlM not sure,heard some strange regulations going trough Schiphol??,Ryanair out of the question,Aer Lingus not sure.
So any advice would be appreciated
I am planning on a trip to Norway next year,So just doing some research before i go.

Thanks

mac80

Air Lingus do allow you to travel with firearms.
I would advise you to make sure you have it in a decent case though, as it will get knocked about on the baggage conveyor line etc before it goes on the plane.

Mac

Sparks

SAS do.
Aer Lingus do.
KLM does, but I've had nightmares with them in the past in Schipohl, not so much regulations as them not knowing what they're doing.
Ryanair don't.

Be warned - Dublin baggage handlers come under "act of god" in your insurance forms. If your firearms case isn't made by Pelican, SBS, Storm or a similar manufacturer, you may arrive with it in more pieces than it was in when you left. And they've nearly broken my Peli case in the past.

Let me repeat that. The baggage handlers nearly broke a case designed, tested and rated to be thrown out of a moving aircraft fifty feet in the air over rough terrain. These chaps are serious about doing damage to your baggage...

Also be advised, I have only ever met one person at an airline desk who knew what to do with people flying with firearms, and that was in finland. In dublin, you might get a faster answer if you asked what the protocol was for flying with an extraterrestrial alien body in your carry-on luggage. So arrive well ahead of what seems like a reasonable time to you, and be prepared for some very dumb questions, which you don't want to get stressed out answering...

Norwayviking

Sparks wrote: »

SAS do.
Aer Lingus do.
KLM does, but I've had nightmares with them in the past in Schipohl, not so much regulations as them not knowing what they're doing.
Ryanair don't.

Be warned - Dublin baggage handlers come under "act of god" in your insurance forms. If your firearms case isn't made by Pelican, SBS, Storm or a similar manufacturer, you may arrive with it in more pieces than it was in when you left. And they've nearly broken my Peli case in the past.

Let me repeat that. The baggage handlers nearly broke a case designed, tested and rated to be thrown out of a moving aircraft fifty feet in the air over rough terrain. These chaps are serious about doing damage to your baggage...

Also be advised, I have only ever met one person at an airline desk who knew what to do with people flying with firearms, and that was in finland. In dublin, you might get a faster answer if you asked what the protocol was for flying with an extraterrestrial alien body in your carry-on luggage. So arrive well ahead of what seems like a reasonable time to you, and be prepared for some very dumb questions, which you don't want to get stressed out answering...

Thanks Spark

i just got one of the pelican cases,i am sure it will withstand some punishment from the handlers at the airport,i hope.:)
And it doesnt surprise me about the airline desks aither,i travel alot in my job,and i think it does not not only include firearms,but also other things regarding travel.:rolleyes:

Sparks

The Peli's are excellent cases, it'll last you well. Do watch the latches though, that's where mine seems to have taken the worst of the abuse (though there's one corner that for some reason just looks like someone took a power sander to it). And remember, it's not just the rifle case that gets the abuse, your kitbags (if you use any) will take abuse as well. So far I've never had a kitbag that made it past two trips abroad, and I'm not that unlucky...

Norwayviking

Sparks wrote: »

The Peli's are excellent cases, it'll last you well. Do watch the latches though, that's where mine seems to have taken the worst of the abuse (though there's one corner that for some reason just looks like someone took a power sander to it). And remember, it's not just the rifle case that gets the abuse, your kitbags (if you use any) will take abuse as well. So far I've never had a kitbag that made it past two trips abroad, and I'm not that unlucky...

Thanks again Sparks

I will take that advice with me.
I know you can get smaller pelican cases as a kitbag,would that be any good i wonder??

Sparks

It might well be NK, if you can manage the extra bulk and weight. What a few of us have been thinking about of late is whether or not you could ship the non-rifle kit to the destination by courier (DHL, what have you) in something like a Peli case (and ship it back after the match, naturally), and just carry an overnight bag and the rifle with you on the flight. Less hassle, less weight, and maybe cheaper. Haven't figured out an answer to that yet though.

gunhappy_ie

I think its a peli i have. I got it years ago from James McBride.

Its a twin gun case ( it holds 2 very large rifles with scopes. Magazines will fit on them 2 but i dont travel like that. The case is re- enforced to prevent crushing. Im not 100% if its waterproof.

GH

Sparks

All the peli guncases are waterproof gunhappy; Peli started out making cases for photography kit to be taken on boats, so that if you lost it overboard, it'd just float there for you to pick it up.Only some of the smaller cases they're making for iphones and the like aren't waterproof, and those are splashproof at least.

Norwayviking

Sparks wrote: »

It might well be NK, if you can manage the extra bulk and weight. What a few of us have been thinking about of late is whether or not you could ship the non-rifle kit to the destination by courier (DHL, what have you) in something like a Peli case (and ship it back after the match, naturally), and just carry an overnight bag and the rifle with you on the flight. Less hassle, less weight, and maybe cheaper. Haven't figured out an answer to that yet though.

Not a bad idea either,if there is couriers who accepts transporting firearms and ammunition.:D
Or else i can alway pay the extra to get on the plane.and hope it comes out in the other end in one piece.
I am sure there is some sturdy smaller cases too,that can take the punishment.:)
And i have always had the impression that firearms and ammunition that is classed as special cargo was last to come onboard and first to come out in the other end??But maybe thats just on the paper!!:eek:

Sparks

No NK, I mean you courier the non-firearms, non-ammo stuff (scopes, mats, clothing, etc) and you just take the rifle and ammo (and an overnight bag in case you beat the courier to the destination or it takes you more than a day to get there).
And it's not a small amount extra btw - we got done for €220 in excess baggage by KLM in schipol last time round, which was quite a bit more than we paid for the tickets in the first place...

Norwayviking

Sparks wrote: »

No NK, I mean you courier the non-firearms, non-ammo stuff (scopes, mats, clothing, etc) and you just take the rifle and ammo (and an overnight bag in case you beat the courier to the destination or it takes you more than a day to get there).
And it's not a small amount extra btw - we got done for €220 in excess baggage by KLM in schipol last time round, which was quite a bit more than we paid for the tickets in the first place...

Ok,i understand Sparks thanks
Yes that would probably be more convinient,instead of beiing charged the 220 euros:eek: in excess baggage.
Thanks again

derek_g34

Aer Lingus charge €40 each way. This can't be paid online as there's no drop down box for a firearm, so it must be paid at the desk. They'll try to get you to pay for the return trip when you're leaving the country...DONT - You won't always get charged on the way back. If it's within the 20Kg weight limit they'll count it as part of your checked in luggage.

With SAS you'll need to pre-register your firearm here:

http://www.flysas.com/en/unconnected_pages/Ask-Eva/special-baggage/

Don't hang around when the plane lands, on a few occasions they've come out on the carousel with all of the other luggage!

Grizzly 45

Schipol,get the customs pre clearence form.Seriously! You dont have time to be faffing about there.It is a massive airport and has very short change around times,and usually your flight leaves at the other end of the mile long airport.
Lufthansa..If you can get a flight by them.Exellent and well up on firearms transport,as are the German airports.

AVOID [like death]
GULF AIR,
A Scottish operation and apprently the fifth ring of Hell to fly with if travelling with firearms.:(

Sparks

If Aer Lingus have introduced a deal for firearms, that's a step forward from what I encountered; and on partnered flights (like the KLM/AerLingus flight to Finland via Schipol), the partner may decide that their fees apply (when we were stopped for excess baggage, the fee was initially €180, then they went "Oh, that's the Aer Lingus rate, ours is higher so that'll be €220 please...". The gits).

And our troubles at schipol weren't customs Grizzly, we were never leaving airside (and we've never had to go via customs on any other two-leg flight before). The problem was purely KLM - first they sent our firearms away from airside (while putting all our bags through without hassle - they just saw firearm and decided to pull the cases to do the fine-tooth comb routine), and then after the excess baggage charge, they then forgot to let schipol security know they were loading the firearms onto the continuing flight and held the entire plane up while security came looking for us to verify we had paperwork (the second time it got checked between the flights).

Avoid KLM. Like the plague.

Bananaman

IATA regulations cater for the transportation of firearms - and outline the rules for doing so - so airlines that are a member -such as aer lingus will allow it - whereas airlines that are not - such as ryanair and aer arann generalky do not

The national carriers in most countries are members so they are usually the safe bet

They are usually treated as.oversize luggage - hence the charge - but generally may not be paid for in advance - extra weight charges may apply if above the weight limitbfor oversize luggage (think sorfboard, skis, golfbag)

Scalachi

I have flown with AerLingus several times with Firearms, no major issues, depending on the person on the desk, always no harm to print THIER policy and bring it with you, to show them in case they dont know it.

A couple of years ago, they asked all 4 of us to show them all firearms were clear and broken down... this was done in front of everyone at the check in desks, much to the horror of many onlookers, we did ask if we could do it somewhere more private, and they refused...

I think that was the time my brand new case was destroyed, had thought it was really good one, guns would be safe etc.. well now I have a Peli...

regards

DB

Sparks

You think the passangers were horrified then Scalachi, you should have seen us coming back to Dublin via Heathrow with a dozen juniors and their rifles and their very strong Irish accents... during a bomb scare at the airport :eek:

At one point, we had four armed guards trying (unsuccessfully) to cover a bunch of teenagers from the upper walkways in the checkin area with MP5s...

derek_g34

What's the loudest noise in an airport...the safety coming off a H&K sub-machine gun thats being pointed in your general direction:eek:. Had a bit of a run in with the Czech Police coming home last year in the airport in Prague. Guns checked in...no probs. Made our way to the gate. Someone hit the holy-fcuk button when they saw components and magazines in our checked-in luggage. A bit of excitement for the rest of the passengers on our flight who saw the whole thing go down at the boarding gate.

Although they do put a really cool "WEAPON" sticker on your gunbox:D

FISMA

Continental is fine with firearms.

They will take one firearm case instead of a piece of luggage. I believe you can have up to 5 firearms in the case.

Additionally, you are allowed 11lbs of ammo.

derek_g34 wrote: »

Although they do put a really cool "WEAPON" sticker on your gunbox

:eek::eek::eek: - Take it off! Now everyone knows that it's a good case to steal! Even if it makes it to your destination, you'll be jumped for it outside of the airport.

In the US, there are tags that go in your case. However, the airline never makes it obvious what's in them. Thankfully, they have figure this one out.

I have had my firearm case delivered and left unattended in a public are with no supervision as it was oversized. Anyone could have easily walked away with it.

Scalachi wrote: »

A couple of years ago, they asked all 4 of us to show them all firearms were clear and broken down... this was done in front of everyone at the check in desks, much to the horror of many onlookers, we did ask if we could do it somewhere more private, and they refused...

Irish Airports have a bit of the wild west to them.

In the States, I am specifically told NOT to open my case. When I am putting the tag in, they ask if I can just slide the tag in without exposing the contents.

That's a bit different from Ireland. I was at the airport and they wanted to check the firearm. I asked where should I go and they said - right here.

I open the case and I must admit, the 700, all dressed in black with scope, sling, and bipod did look impressive. One of the lads asked if he could pick it up. I obliged. He then picked it up, pointed it around, looking through the scope. I was laughing so hard, I didn't know what to say!

Also, there's an MRI machine at arrivals in the customs area that is great. I had two guns and 100 rounds lined up in a case. They put my case into the machine, which has a conveyor belt. It was the funniest thing to see the part of the case being screened showing the guns and ammo. Little kids were giving me that wide eyed stare :eek:

Sika98k

Norwayviking wrote: »

Hi all

Just reading Grizzly45s good thread about traveling with firearms within the EU.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056244817

So i just wondered if anyone knows or have experince with what airlines allows firearms or not.
I know SAS does,KlM not sure,heard some strange regulations going trough Schiphol??,Ryanair out of the question,Aer Lingus not sure.
So any advice would be appreciated
I am planning on a trip to Norway next year,So just doing some research before i go.



Thanks

Try flying with Norwegian. They and SAS are the only airlines between Dublin and Oslo.
Never had any hassle with either

Norwayviking

Sika98k wrote: »

Try flying with Norwegian. They and SAS are the only airlines between Dublin and Oslo.
Never had any hassle with either

Thanks,didnt realise that Norwegian was flying into Dublin now.
They are atleast cheaper than SAS:D

derek_g34

Flew SAS at the weekend. Get this...23Kg luggage limit, no extra charge for a a pistol, and no extra charge for 5Kg of ammo. Although we discovered that the 5Kg limit is gross (includes the weight of the ammo box).

Norwayviking

derek_g34 wrote: »

Flew SAS at the weekend. Get this...23Kg luggage limit, no extra charge for a a pistol, and no extra charge for 5Kg of ammo. Although we discovered that the 5Kg limit is gross (includes the weight of the ammo box).

Hey Derek

yes SAS is quite good when it comes to firearms transport,but the only issue with SAS is that they are VERY expensive.:eek:
A domestic flight in Norway with SAS is nearly more expensive then a flight from Dublin to Norway:mad:

derek_g34

Dublin to Stockholm return was €139 including luggage. Not the worst in the world

Sparks

derek_g34 wrote: »

Dublin to Stockholm return was €139 including luggage. Not the worst in the world

Beats paying €220 in excess baggage on top of the aer lingus ticket price...

Norwayviking

derek_g34 wrote: »

Dublin to Stockholm return was €139 including luggage. Not the worst in the world

Not bad at all,but try flying from Dublin to Oslo,and then further on in Norway domestic,its a rip off:mad:
I bet you it will cost the same as from Dublin to Oslo,or maybe more.:eek:

Half-cocked

Be careful when booking that all your flights are actualy with the airline who carry firearms. I know a chap who booked online with Aer Lingus only to discover when he reached London that his connecting flight was with a partner airline who didn't carry firearms:mad:

Norwayviking

Half-cocked wrote: »

Be careful when booking that all your flights are actualy with the airline who carry firearms. I know a chap who booked online with Aer Lingus only to discover when he reached London that his connecting flight was with a partner airline who didn't carry firearms:mad:

Yes thats true,i have heard some stories there.
And also in London if you have different airlines,you could end up changing airports as well???
A friend of mine had to carry his rifle(in a case) and all gear + ammunition from Heahtrow to Gatwick,becuse different airlines,and different departures at different locations.:D
So i guess its better to stay with the same airline all the way.
And its not always the cheapest option is the best option;)
Allthough in Norway i would fly SAS to Oslo,and then change to Norwegian from there domestic,cause its cheaper,and both handle firearms no prob:D

Bananaman

Norwayviking wrote: »

....

And also in London if you have different airlines,you could end up changing airports as well???
A friend of mine had to carry his rifle(in a case) and all gear + ammunition from Heahtrow to Gatwick,becuse different airlines,and different departures at different locations.:D
...

If he had a handgun (such as an Air Pistol) he would not have been permitted to do that.

B'Man

Norwayviking

Bananaman wrote: »

If he had a handgun (such as an Air Pistol) he would not have been permitted to do that.

B'Man

Yes true

But this was a rifle for hunting in the UK.:D

Sparks

Bananaman wrote: »

If he had a handgun (such as an Air Pistol) he would not have been permitted to do that.
B'Man

He would have been fine had it been an air pistol. Anything else, yeah, he'd have been in trouble.

But that's not unique to the UK, and I've heard of worse - a year or three ago some Canadian ISSF shooters were returning to Canada from Europe, their airport was closed by adverse weather close to the end of the flight and the nearest available divert airport was in the US. They landed, refueled (without leaving the aircraft) and then returned to their original destination after two hours or so.

On arriving, they found that the TSA had cut the locks off their firearms cases and damaged the cases in the process while on the ground in the US (despite not having left the aircraft, much less leaving airside) and searched the cases, confiscating the firearms because they didn't have paperwork to bring them into the US (they'd been flying from the EU to Canada and the diversion counted as an emergency...). Took a few weeks to sort it out and the TSA never apologised nor refunded the costs of the locks or the damage to the cases.

Sometimes, despite your best plans, stuff just goes sideways on you...

Sika98k

SAS are having a flight sale at the moment.Roll on the 25th of September:D
Although in truth I will fly on the 29th.