Airport
Tips
Tips
Domestic & International Airports:On 9 February 2010, the Australian Government announced a $200 million investment over four years to strengthen Australia's domestic and international aviation security. If you plan to travel by air within Australia or internationally, you are encouraged to check this site regularly for an explanation of new security measures as they are introduced.
Time Saving Tips:Australians make almost fifty million trips at home and nearly six million trips overseas each year. For this reason it is essential that our airports have the best preventive security measures in place to keep travelers secure. Every passenger and every bag boarding an international flight is screened to counter a potential terrorist attack or other criminal activities. While security checks can seem an inconvenience, remember they are in place to protect us all.This site provides information on the baggage and passenger screening processes in place at Australian international airports. 
Choice of Luggage: I prefer soft luggage as I take 2 duffel bags rolled up with me, so I can shop at Outdoor Shops in America and re-pack accordingly. This gives me greater flexibility with the items I buy and bring home, arrows, camo clothing, boots etc. I prefer a semi hard case for carry-on to protect my camera-scope and valuables
Baggage Allowance: Be sure to weigh your luggage before you arrive at the airport, double check it! Make sure you clearly label your luggage. For USA International you have a reasonable amount of luggage allowance per person. The clothing is very affordable in the USA at the Shopping Malls in most States. My suggestion is pack very lite and buy there. You will save 50% compared to Australian $$$ prices. Within USA SouthWest Airlines give you 2 checked bags free plus your carry on and around $50 per bag after that, where most other USA airlines charge $25 to $50 per bag. Join SouthWest Airline Deals and save $$$. I take carry on and 2 large duffel bags with me and shop big time over in USA.
Body Search & Footwear:In the USA you have to remove your foot wear and belt, watch, phone, hat etc at airport for security, so be ready in advance. Wear easy to remove footwear.
Body searches are a regular part of security as well, so be ready to co-operate with security.
BE PREPARED: At most International Airport for delays with security. In LA, USA the line for security screening can be out of the Airport Terminal into the street, so get your toilet duties out of the way first. I allow myself at least 6 hours before International departures to be at the Airport.
Don't arrive late or you will miss your flight, double check your luggage weight...better to be 1 pound under than 1 pound over
Firearms at Airports & Customs:Different Airlines have difference rules and requirements when it comes to allowing firearms as checked luggage. Its best you check with your airline to see if they allow firearms (check to the right of your screen for information) SouthWest, Qantas, Air New Zealand do but require prior knowledge and paperwork (Overseas transport requires import-export & customs paperwork). A proper lockable firearms case with a TSA approved lock in America USA, a padlock in Australia. I like to have a trigger lock fitted as well. The rifle bolt and ammunition travel in a lockable case in original packaging in a separate piece checked luggage.
I carry my expensive binoculars and scopes, camera in my carry-on. I won't risk losing them. Make sure they are all insured SCI in USA, SSAA In Australia.
For Travel into Australia or with-in regarding firearms contact: Australian Customs and Border protection firearms Cell Theo Nikitopoulos 02 93188716 0417270085 for more detailed information.Import - Export Trophies
I carry my expensive binoculars and scopes, camera in my carry-on. I won't risk losing them. Make sure they are all insured SCI in USA, SSAA In Australia.
For Travel into Australia or with-in regarding firearms contact: Australian Customs and Border protection firearms Cell Theo Nikitopoulos 02 93188716 0417270085 for more detailed information.Import - Export Trophies
Qantas Airlines Australia Firearms Information.
Ammunition (cartridges for weapons), securely packaged
If you are seeking approval to carry firearms & ammunition, please send the following details to lwilloughby@qantas.com.au (copy paste to your email account)
Name and Address - Flight Details - Firearms Licence number and expiry date - Serial number of firearms - Type of ammunition - Return email, fax or postal address.
Ammunition (cartridges for weapons), securely packaged
If you are seeking approval to carry firearms & ammunition, please send the following details to lwilloughby@qantas.com.au (copy paste to your email account)
Name and Address - Flight Details - Firearms Licence number and expiry date - Serial number of firearms - Type of ammunition - Return email, fax or postal address.
Tuffpak Gun Case.Tuffpak makes a very tough gun case, which also masquerades as something else - many people will assume it contains golf clubs. Its design is simple and flexible, and allows an almost endless variety of combinations of guns and gear. Besides allowing you to take your soft cases with you without eating up space in your other bags, this lockable case has integral handles and built-in wheels which make it easy to roll around in airports.
How to get through the T.S.A. line quicker
USA ONLY
My experience: Deer antlers on planes:
Antlers would NOT be allowed in carry on luggage (sharp Item). But Antlers wrapped & boxed with pointed tips covered with hose or tubing may be allowed as checked luggage, by some airlines (call and ask). NOTE: Boxed antlers must be able to fit through security screening machines for security x-ray otherwise your goods will be completely unpacked by security every time. I brought antlers in checked baggage into Australia declared them at customs with correct paper work. Get your USA or BC taxidermist to provide papers that indicate how long antlers were boiled in mixture hydrogen peroxide and water. No animal hair, skin, meat or blood can be on antlers or skull-it will be seized. The receipt paper ID number work from taxidermist, must match ID tag number attached to each set of antlers. Australia Import-Export Trophies Info
Walmart or Kmart USA sell 120 qrt-100 ltr ice cooler for around $50.00 works well to pack & ship antlers at airports. I brought my Whitetail-Mule-Deer, Antelope Antlers back to Australia using this method. Elk antlers can be cut in half through middle of the skull to fit or be made more compact garden hose placed on tips and wrapped in your cloths in a large soft travel bag from Basspro or Cabalas -(unless they are in the top 10 score then don't cut). The cooler goes through the x-ray machine, the antlers are protected from damage. I used all the left over room in the cooler to pack my hunting gear around my antlers as my new luggage case, it works great and then sold the cooler back in Australia and I did not exceed my luggage weight. It pays to buy a set of small portable quality scales. MY ADVICE: Call your airline and confirm FIRST. Then call CUSTOMS and check want they want, better to be over with paper work than under!
Antlers would NOT be allowed in carry on luggage (sharp Item). But Antlers wrapped & boxed with pointed tips covered with hose or tubing may be allowed as checked luggage, by some airlines (call and ask). NOTE: Boxed antlers must be able to fit through security screening machines for security x-ray otherwise your goods will be completely unpacked by security every time. I brought antlers in checked baggage into Australia declared them at customs with correct paper work. Get your USA or BC taxidermist to provide papers that indicate how long antlers were boiled in mixture hydrogen peroxide and water. No animal hair, skin, meat or blood can be on antlers or skull-it will be seized. The receipt paper ID number work from taxidermist, must match ID tag number attached to each set of antlers. Australia Import-Export Trophies Info
Walmart or Kmart USA sell 120 qrt-100 ltr ice cooler for around $50.00 works well to pack & ship antlers at airports. I brought my Whitetail-Mule-Deer, Antelope Antlers back to Australia using this method. Elk antlers can be cut in half through middle of the skull to fit or be made more compact garden hose placed on tips and wrapped in your cloths in a large soft travel bag from Basspro or Cabalas -(unless they are in the top 10 score then don't cut). The cooler goes through the x-ray machine, the antlers are protected from damage. I used all the left over room in the cooler to pack my hunting gear around my antlers as my new luggage case, it works great and then sold the cooler back in Australia and I did not exceed my luggage weight. It pays to buy a set of small portable quality scales. MY ADVICE: Call your airline and confirm FIRST. Then call CUSTOMS and check want they want, better to be over with paper work than under!
Big Game Hunter Australia
