Thread: Travelling by plane with ammunition

Originally Posted by 25/08IMP

I got caught like this it needs to be in factory packet or an aftermarket plastic ammo container. They took mine off me even though I had phone air nz and they only said a 5kg max and in checked in bag.

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Yep - I has same issue last year flying to Queenstown for a week in one of the Hunter Valley ballot blocks. They never said anything to me and it was only when I came to dig out ammo prior to getting everything organised for chopper ride that I realised they'd taken all the ammo (284) and left me with 3 rounds !!! WTF ?? They left a wee scribbled note saying "not in branded packaging". I'd put some rounds into a plastic case sleeve thing (Federal factory ammo) - they threw most of that out, except 3. I also had ~ 10 rounds in a soft camo pouch, each one in its little belt and holder. All chucked out. I was farkin wild ! They'd thrown out all my long range loads and left me with 3 bush loads. When I investigated the issue with staff at Queenstown airport they we unable to explain, told me to talk to the security guy that does all the scanning. He more or less confirmed that they make it up as they go. WTF ?! When I flew south again in July I went to great lengths to clarify with Air NZ prior booking what was required for ammo. The range of answers or responses I got went for very vague or ambiguous to down right stupid nonsense. I suggest that they spell out in exact words on their website what is required. Nothings changed. When I checked in I went thru the same questions with the person at the counter - their answer was "we really dont know" - just wanted to confirm which bag it was in and how many kg's. So when I took that bag to xray I made a point of explaining again to that person before I put my bag through. They also said "we dont have a clue, its up to the security person running the Xray machine". So I asked if it was possible for me to wait and get confirmation from that person that the bag & ammo was ok. Which they did. Everything in that trip was packed in factory ammo plastic & cardboxes. And one was in the plastic box container things (20 rounds) that you can buy. The whole system seems very subjective and does nothing for security or safety.