Airlines that carry guns

[ovenpaa]

OK,Ovenpaa-what is the procedure on the ferry?-do you have to hand them over when boarding?locked in the safe? And from Calais or Dunkirk? Asking because maybe in the summer I will go on Holly's with my rifle, thnx-JB

I can only comment on DFDS and the procedure is very simple.

Tell them in advance you have firearms.
Stop at customs after passport control (They may try and flag you forward so beware)
They will ask to view your FAC and make a written note of the FAC and firearms.
They will view and then take the firearms from you, we always hang onto the bolts and ammunition.
Collect them on the ship at the other end (This does mean you are just about the last one off)
Drive through customs, they are not interested.

Return from DK is a bit easier.
Tell them you have firearms and they will give you a window sticker which does not identify what you are carrying but is for segregation.
Mill around until the car deck is clearing and then pass the firearms to a crew member, again keep the bolts and any ammunition left over.
At the other end arrange for collection from a designated location.

All very easy and stress free and most importantly no additional charges or hassle.

One interesting note, secure storage in the ship is a cleaning locker with DFDS :)

[polemass]

OK,thnx a lot,this is now a valid option for me

[Robert303]

The rule was often broken in the UK either because the handlers did not recogniose a gun case or they did not see the firearms sticker. We did let them off with the shotgun in the violin case when that arrived. Unfortunately the handlers are under tremendous financial pressures to get the luggage cleared ASAP. If they come into the hall and there is no airline rep to take the gun they cannot hang about. There is no airline rep because they are running minimum staff to keep costs down and if even one goes sick they have a problem. All because we want cheap tickets. As to the regulatory authorities, at best they are paid lip service or they are just ignored. (From an ex Customs Officer)