Getting an air rifle from Dubai

[Zoo]

Hi guys,

I'm going to Dubai over the new year and am planning on getting back an 0.177 air rifle. I am a member of a Gujarat District Rifle Club.
I am flying Air India and have a few questions. Anyone have any experience with Air India, bringing in air rifles? I had emailed them a week ago asking about the same but there has been no response. Their website states that you cannot carry guns in hand luggage but "guns and firearms" are banned even in checked in luggage.
Now guns is a very ambigous term so it's not really helped.

Would like to learn from your experiences about flying AI with an air rifle and if anyone has any correspondence from Air India regarding the same(hopefully positive) please let me know, I may need a copy.

Thanks in advance.

Zubin

[conty1]

Zubin,

A friend of mine who lives in Anand (Gujarat) flies to Dubai frequently and has brought back a few air-guns. As for which airline, I am not sure. I will try and find out.

But I know for a fact that Air-India has no problems with bringing an airgun as checked in baggage from here in the US. Once you are checked in at Dubai airport, your only worry would be the customs wherever your port of arrival is in India.

[Zoo]

Hi Conty,

Thanks for your help. Would appreciate if you could find out which airline he flies. Also if its not a problem, i would like his number(if its ok with him) to speak to him directly and ask other details.

Thanks again.

[Zoo]

come on people! 69 views and 1 answer!! Where is everybody? Has nobody flown air india and got a air rifle with them?

[ABABUJAY]

hi frend,
based on my personal experience i wud always suggest u emirates air lines.
but in dubai they follow a different system.
only after u check in ur luggage, ur luggage will be scanned, so inform them while checking in, always carry ur invoice with u.
they may stop u in the boarding point, they will take u to luggage cabin which is 5 mts drive fom tthe boarding point,they will open ur luggage in ur presence and confirm its an air rifile,
in my case they took me by a police van escorted by a local police, and escorted me back to my seat.
below is the link regarding arms and ammunition as personal baggage in emirates airlines.
http://www.emirates.com/english/help/fa ... ory=214913
regards
babu

[Zoo]

Thanks babu. Wondering whether its going to be worth it. I am travelling with my wife and 2 year old son. Hope they (who ever they are) don't trouble us to much.

Thanks again.
Zubin

[farhan.lateefi]

Hi Mate,

i got a air rifle from Dubai 2 months back. i flew Emirates, i called their customer service department and told them i will be carrying a air gun.. at the word gun the girl at the other end started verbatim "sir you cannot carry any gun/fire arm either checked in or in hand carry blah blah... i asked her if i can speak to her supervisor.. when he came on line i informed him about the air rifle i intend to carry ... without a hitch he told me to carry it in the hard case and lock it, he updated the info on my PNR. everything was really smooth.. no questions at the air port nor any baggage opening..i don't know if i was lucky..as far as UAE goes you shouldn't have a problem...

P.S always call emirates air lines 24 hours prior to check in, port of exit should be Dubai International Air Port. Sharjah does not allow you to carry Air guns even in checked in luggage.(As per the dealer in Dubai)

best of luck
farhan

[ABABUJAY]

ZOO,
THERE is nothing to worry regarding dubai airport, police men are verry decent after all the formalities, they will escort u back to ur seat with a vip treatment. ok
best wishes
babu

[highland sniper]

I carried an AR with me from Dubai in Oct. Emirates insisted that I visit their office with copies of invoice, brochure and serial number of the gun. At the airport the AR was physically inspected by the customs and police. Emirates then sent a message for the airport security at Delhi airport about my special baggage. Security at Delhi promptly escorted me to Customs for declaration and the AR is lying with Delhi customs as a gift.

I am not sure if mine has been a freak case but I would advice everyone to hope for the best and stay prepared for the worst.

Best, HS

I forgot to mention that its a .22 cal AR.

[Zoo]

Wow! Such mixed results . Just getting more confused. Anyways I have decided to go for it. No matter what happens. Fortune favours the brave and nothing ventured nothing gained have been my motto regarding this. Will let you know how it all works out.

Everyone almost seems to have flown Emirates, was hoping for someone with experience on Air India. they had cheaper tickets then Emirates but don't know how expensive they'll prove to be

[m24]

Why don't you check with AI as to their requirements (if at all needed) on bring an AR as part of baggage? To be on safe side, carry a copy of your Club membership with you.

Regards

[Zoo]

I had checked with AI. Had written an email to them asking about the procedure but there was no response. Called their helpline and the lady on the other side started sputtering "gun...gun..no gun you can't carry gun." Its funny when you hear them the first time because they always think its some crazy person wanting to carry a gun on a plane!! Then she said ok if you have your license. I said ma'am its an air rifle it doesn't require a license so she said then you can't carry!

Anyways their website says you can't carry any guns(airrifles) or firearms in carry on luggage and in checked in luggage even firearms and guns are not allowed so its very vague what that means.

But I have decided, I'm going to get one anyways. Will keep the board posted as to what happens.

[m24]

Well, best of luck.

Regards

[Zoo]

thanks m24. hopefully post pics soon.

[Zoo]

update: i've picked up a Diana 54 Airking in 0.177 yesterday. Its dismantled and ready to be shipped in my baggage. Need to know whether it has to be declared at Mumbai Customs or just walk through the green channel. I dont have any other shopping so my total amount is less then 25000, so if any body knows please let me know. Walk through or declare?

Thanks.