Checking chainsaw QF international

[strezza]

I took a chainsaw as carry-on luggage on a few flights in the USA and then home to Australia in the late 90's

 

[ozimax]

So far so good. Sort of. Attempted to check the chainsaw (packaged as per Qantas strict instructions) at Pasco airport this morning. I did enquire about the whole thing when I landed in Pasco last Friday and was assured that everything would be OK. Unfortunately I came across some staff that really didn't know what to do. They told me that I couldn't check the chainsaw, to which I replied, "What is the company policy?" The TSA officers got involved and after checking Delta official policy, it was determined that everything was according to standard procedures and the box was loaded. The staff were really very friendly and so I give them 5 stars for customer service.

I am currently in SEA, awaiting a flight for LAX, where I will have to collect my bags and do it all over again. I am hoping that it will a tad easier in LAX as I have my official QF papers/approval number etc.

1 flight down, 4 to go before I can lay down my weary head horizontally, and sleep. I wonder what it's like to travel in J .....

 

[ozimax]

Happily I can report that my beloved Stihl chainsaw has made it safely to Coffs Harbour. Many thanks for the input from this thread. Kudos to Qantas for their professional manner in dealing with unusual customer requests. Despite our frequent complainings and ramblings about QF, they really are a decent airline to travel with, IMHO.

Ozi.

 

[snabbu]

Great outcome.

(another closet chainsaw fan here)

 

[clazman]

now we need to do the same trip with a lawn mower

 

[ozimax]

Now you're talking.

 

[RailFlyer]

Did they object to your wearing a hockey mask for the whole flight?

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Come on...where are the travel snaps and TR?

 

[Denali]

Who would have thought that so many would be so interested in the wanderings of a chainsaw! Glad to see you got it home.

 

[ozimax]

Who would have thought that so many would be so interested in the wanderings of a chainsaw! Glad to see you got it home.

Its sort of like a chain (saw) letter...

 

[Boca68]

Its sort of like a chain (saw) letter...

Yes, but 'Stihl' good info though

 

[ozimax]

Yes, but 'Stihl' good info though

I won't have a 'bar' of it...

 

[lovetravellingoz]

What every Chainsaw Traveller needs...

 

[Quickstatus]

Thanks for the input folks. I have applied for and received approval from Qantas Dangerous Goods to transport the chainsaw to Oz. (Don't worry, I didn't buy the chainsaw until I had approval etc). Procedure seems fairly straight forward. The Dealer could only sell the chainsaw to me if had been started/tested which is most probably a good thing anyway. I have drained and dried the fuel tank and am letting it air overnight before tomorow's flight. It will then be wrapped in a towel and then sealed in a plastic bag, then in a box/container. I have copies of the printed approval certificate to declare to check in staff at LAX tomorrow night.Hopefully things will go smoothly.

Why go to all the trouble? Stihl model 251 RRP in Pasco, Washington? $363 USD ($506 AUD.) Price in Oz? $1100. Same model. Made in USA. Go figure.

OZi

Hi OZi can you share the website of your dealer?

 

[ozimax]

Hi OZi can you share the website of your dealer?

I don't have the receipt in front of me but from memory it was ACE hardware, Richland, WA. I must add that I got my friend from Pasco to purchase it for me, so he has the warranty details etc in his name. My guess is that the warranty is not served in Australia but for the price saving, it's worth a punt. I'm reasonably good with servicing machines so here's hoping it will serve me well.