Flying with a Rifle

[graysclassics 0]

Moderators, feel free to move this topic to a more suitable forum location.

 

I have .22LR .22-250 & .243 on my FAC. I fancy a .308 or similar for occasional trips to Scotland for Red Deer and Poland, France and Spain for Wild Boar. At most, this would be a once a year weekend.

 

Trouble is - I have been told that a .308 will not be accepted on an airline if it is to be flown over french territory and may not be allowed in spain either due to the "military" calibre.

 

I doubt a .243 even with 107gr will do much to a wild boar at any respectable range and would need to be a well placed shot at close ranges to guarantee a clean kill with a Red.

 

I don't have any experience travelling with firearms or ammo, which begs another question - I load my own ammo, can this be taken with me?

 

It may be easier to stick to my .243 or perhaps put in a variation for a 30/08? If anyone has any experience of flying or driving across Europe with firearms and ammo, advice would be much appreciated.

[markha 99]

From British Airways Website :

 

 

Notify us before you fly

All firearms (including replica and decommissioned) and ammunition are restricted under UK law and you must notify us at least 72 hours before you travel to ensure compliance with UK government (or other local government) embargoes and restrictions. You must ensure you have the required documentation and licences for your firearms and ammunition. This includes export/import licences and authorisation from local and national authorities.

 

Please note: If you are planning to make a booking on ba.com that includes a flight operated by an airline other than British Airways, please contact us before booking to check that the other airline is able to carry your firearm.

 

Contact us

 

Check-in times

When you travel with firearms you must be at check-in at least 2 hours before your flight, to allow sufficient time to process the paperwork prior to clearing security.

 

Checking in at London Heathrow

To check in, proceed to the Assistance Desks located at the end of Zones B/C/D/F/G in Terminal 5 or in Zone G at Terminal 3. Customers in First, Club World and Club Europe should continue to use the respective First and Club check-in zones in Terminals 3 and 5.

 

Transferring through London

If you are transferring through London you require a minimum connecting time of 3 hours.

 

Handling charge

Each case containing firearms and/or ammunition is subject to a £50 each way charge at check-in. Firearms and ammunition are handled by a specialist third party agent on our behalf; this charge covers their costs.

 

Packing firearms

Firearms and/or ammunition will be accepted provided they are packed in an appropriate carriage case, or if this is not possible, packed securely inside a suitcase with your personal effects. If the firearm and/or ammunition is carried in addition to your free checked baggage allowance, extra bag charges will also apply.

 

Note when travelling to/from countries that do not allow transportation of firearms and ammunition in the hold baggage

 

If you are travelling to or from South Africa or Italy you cannot pack your firearms or ammunition in your checked hold baggage with your personal effects. The firearms and/or ammunition must be packed in separate locked bags or containers. In this instance you will not be charged for the extra bag(s) but will be subject to the appropriate handling fee(s).

 

Preparing firearms for travel

 

each firearm carried must be accompanied by the appropriate firearms certificate

the firearm must be unloaded

if possible the firearm should be dismantled

the total weight of the ammunition (including shell) must not exceed the allowance of 5kg (11lbs) per passenger per bag

sharing weight allowance between passengers is not allowed

there will be no additional cost for the carriage of ammunition packed with the firearm*

ammunition must be packed in either its original packaging or in a suitable container that prevents movement between shells or cartridges, i.e. loose ammunition is not permitted

bags with ammunition must not bear 'explosives' labels

the Heavy Bag Charge will apply to all bags over 23kg

*If ammunition is carried on its own without a firearm, the £50 charge will still apply as special handling for the item is still required.

 

 

And this from UK Gov:

My link