Air travel with firearm

[Kaiser Hirsch]

Hey guys...
Just wanna through this out there. I booked I flight to go hunting in Nov. I informed the airline I will be carrying(traveling) with a firearm. They then told me there would be a $50 surcharge. I asked why. They told me its cause its classified as special cargo. I then asked them why are bows not charged nor are golf clubs, baby car seats, cribs etc. I was told its a fee cause it requires special handling. I just wanna know if any of you have ever encoutered this before. This is the 2nd time I travel with my gun and the 1st time they charge me.
KH

[KwackWacker]

I have traveled three times with a gun before. My experience has been that depending on which airline you use, you get charged differently. Delta didn't even blink when I asked about checking a rifle, Air Tran charged me $75.00 as "oversized baggage" and American Airlines charged me $25.00 for "special handling". I have carried a bow once and golf clubs twice. The one time I traveled with my bow I had three bags checked and had to pay $50.00 for checking an additional bag.

[Kaiser Hirsch]

Kwack
I don't get it. I have traveled many times with my golf clubs and never charged anything as long as they weren't over weight. Either way thanks for your response.
KH.

[KwackWacker]

Corporate policy BS is all I can figure. I'm headed to Kansas in a couple of weeks and I'll let you know what they charge me this time.

[Kaiser Hirsch]

Ok..thanks. Depending how much it costs depends how many beers I drink during my lay over...hahahahaha....
KH

[KwackWacker]

Haha, I use the same method.

[Kaiser Hirsch]

Ok...guys...for anyone traveling within Canada and flying with Air Canada. My buddy flew from Ottawa to Calgary 2 days ago. Air Canada charged him $77. for the gun. Remember aswell that AC is also charging $25 for more than 1 baggage checked so if anyone is going on a hunting trip and flying with AC be prepared to pay about $100 when you check in.
Kaiser.

[Kaiser Hirsch]

Here is the scoop. I called Air Canada and I was told. They are no longer charging for checking in a 2nd bag. As for the gun. You will be charged $50 for special handling....not really sure what is specially handling fee refering to. Must be some guy in a suit with white gloves. So as long as you stay within your bagage limits you should only pay $50 for the handling fee.
KH

[Bowhunters]

Part of the hubub on shipping a weapon with you while you fly is post 9/11 govt regs, the other part is most all airlines today only allow the first bag as free but they charge heavily for the second, third, fourth baggage item and if thats your gun, etc. so be it.

Southwest Airlines is one of the few exceptions in the U.S.A., your first three bags are still free with them.