Virgin Atlantic flights to Jo’burg

[Hanechdene]

Hello

Given that SAA are not flying to the UK, I have been considering other direct flight options which leaves BA and Virgin Atlantic.

Has anyone flown with Virgin Atlantic?

If so, was your ammo case counted as a third case and charged for?

 

[Selous]

When I looked a few weeks back, Emirates looked good but it wasnt a direct flight

 

[308tikka]

Ye

Hello

Given that SAA are not flying to the UK, I have been considering other direct flight options which leaves BA and Virgin Atlantic.

Has anyone flown with Virgin Atlantic?

If so, was your ammo case counted as a third case and charged for?

yes-Ive flown with them but it was a while ago. Ammunition was allowed in hold luggage but please be wary of rule changes (and charges...)

Best to email them as may have changed. As an aside, they werent very good-stewardess throwing up after take off as she was ****ed from night before....
they were quite good/fast at dealing with firearms.

SAA is ok-Id put BA on a par during the flight but BA are atrocious with firearms.

 

[Hanechdene]

Flown with Emirates and Turkish Airlines, not again! Sitting in airports waiting for the next connecting flight is not for me.

Though BA might be awkward they don’t charge for the ammunition case but it’s unclear if Virgin do, hence was wondering what peoples’ experience was?

 

[Dickie]

I’ve flown twice with virgin to SA the ammunition has to go separate so you end up with 3 pieces of luggage, I wasn’t charged the first time because the poster behind the desk said it could go in the hold luggage but the airport staff said it couldn’t.
Reasonable flight though the 1st return was packed so not as comfortable as the rest.
But BA charge for taking the firearms and virgin definitely didn’t though I made sure they were aware I would be traveling with firearms when I booked.

 

[Dorset Shakari]

Admittedly not direct, but the benefit of going on Emirates is that you can break your flight in Dubai, either way, for up to 30 days at no charge. They are good with firearms too.

I do 24x long haul/ year on either Emirates or Virgin, and I find Emirate excellent.

BA would be my last choice.

 

[308tikka]

Admittedly not direct, but the benefit of going on Emirates is that you can break your flight in Dubai, either way, for up to 30 days at no charge. They are good with firearms too.

I do 24x long haul/ year on either Emirates or Virgin, and I find Emirate excellent.

BA would be my last choice.

I thought you had to get a permit from the UAE and pay for the privelegw of taking a break either way?

Emirates checked me in inside 10mins. BA FOUR hours. Nearly missed flight and couldnt shop or get the lounge access I pay for.

If no permits required Ill fly emirates and have a day or two either side in dubai from now on!

Do they keep guns with police at airport ??

 

[shotguntom]

I would save yourself the hassle and cost, and borrow a rifle when you're there. Not the question you asked but my experience of hunting abroad is the less stress and things to go wrong the better.

 

[Dorset Shakari]

I thought you had to get a permit from the UAE and pay for the privelegw of taking a break either way?

Emirates checked me in inside 10mins. BA FOUR hours. Nearly missed flight and couldnt shop or get the lounge access I pay for.

If no permits required Ill fly emirates and have a day or two either side in dubai from now on!

Do they keep guns with police at airport ??

Unless it has changed recently, the breaks are free and easy to book. It's Dubai Gov policy to promote tourism. Try the Multi-city/ advanced option them booking through the Emirates website.

Your firearms will stay at the airport, and you just check them through in Joburg all the way to LHR, or wherever you are allowed to take them.

 

[Dorset Shakari]

I would save yourself the hassle and cost, and borrow a rifle when you're there. Not the question you asked but my experience of hunting abroad is the less stress and things to go wrong the better.

Good advice. It's what I'm doing for a Zim trip in March 22.

 

[Safari Hunter]

I've just been and come back on Virgin. £65 each way for the rifle and the ammo goes free in a seperate locked box. Had no problems at all. Very easy to sort out and everything in order. Seats more comfortable than SAA.

 

[Hanechdene]

I've just been and come back on Virgin. £65 each way for the rifle and the ammo goes free in a seperate locked box. Had no problems at all. Very easy to sort out and everything in order. Seats more comfortable than SAA.

Reading their information on transporting firearms it appeared that they charged for the ammunition case as well, glad to hear they don’t.

Out of interest did you fly economy delight or premium?

 

[375win]

Don’t remember about cost but handling at airport was efficient and friendly with Virgin. Enjoyed SAA on board service more - sadly no longer an option.

 

[Safari Hunter]

Reading their information on transporting firearms it appeared that they charged for the ammunition case as well, glad to hear they don’t.

Out of interest did you fly economy delight or premium?

Economy delight out and Premium back

 

[Hanechdene]

Economy delight out and Premium back

On your return journey flying Premium were charged for the firearm case or was it included within your baggage allowance?

 

[Safari Hunter]

On your return journey flying Premium were charged for the firearm case or was it included within your baggage allowance?

No I wasn't charged

 

[Hanechdene]

Thank you