Airline refuses to transport trap shooter's gun

TRIBUNE-REVIEW (Pittsburgh) ^ | March 22, 2004 | Craig Smith

[neverdem]

James Mautino concedes that the idea of carrying a shotgun onto an airplane might sound a little crazy in the midst of a war on terrorism. But that's how trap shooters get from tournament to tournament. And it's allowed by many air carriers serving the United States and some foreign countries.

[ArrogantBustard]

Any guesses about what the results of their 'policy review' will be?

Depends on whether they have hard-core gun control freaks on their BOD.

[kingu]

Hmm. There's several things to do as an alternative in such a situation...

First, check with your normal carrier; take the ticket to their counter, explain the problems on the other carrier, and ask if they'll honor the ticket, or offer an exchange price at a cheaper rate. Many airlines will offer a similar price if they have space available on their flights; it's good public relations, and they're not really losing any money, since the seat likely would have gone empty anyway.

Had that failed, he could have had another airline check the baggage for delivery to his Florida destination through their shipping counter. They'd want to inspect the baggage carefully, but odds are they would accept it for a fee - sure, he might have had to pay $200 just to ship the gun, but he would have made it down there to the competition.

[neverdem]

sure, he might have had to pay $200 just to ship the gun, but he would have made it down there to the competition.

I hope that includes insurance for a piece that cost $12,000.

[kingu]

I hope that includes insurance for a piece that cost $12,000.

It depends upon the airline, but most of the ones I've used have included insurance up to $50,000 per item up to the declared value. The real trick is to get them to admit that they still ship, it appears, from a quick poll of several carriers this morning. After making some calls, it appears the quickest and cheapest method is to let your fingers do the walking in the yellow pages under courier and shipping. It turned out to be nearly half of what the price was for going to the airline directly.

[neverdem]

Thanks for the reason to bookmark, not that I fly much.

[El Gato]

The airline, based in Newtown Square, Delaware County

Now there's the problem right there.

[El Gato]

Hey, look out...THE SHOTGUN'S GOTTA KNIFE!!!!

Don't you mean a boxcutter?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I think you're on to something.