Where to get info about taking the ferry (Ketchikan: relocation, military)

[rotorhead]

Yeah, moving firearms by the airlines is easiest since there's no customs involved, just excess baggage charges if you go over on number or weight of the checked luggage. The airlines are picky about shipping ammo, they really limit how much you can pack along. On the other hand, if you've got no firearms you can drive through Canada with pretty much whatever. ammo-wise.

The moving companies ship items that would otherwise be prohibited in Canada by ocean cargo (which physically bypasses Canada entirely), or by packing your belongs into a locked CONEX container that bypass's the customs process under seal. You don't have the latter option when you're driving yourself.

It's a shame that there's all the hassles involved, but then the Canadians sure like to LOOK like they're strict about weapons with their liberal controlled nanny-state government. Their domestic gun control program is an unmitigated disaster, enormously over budget and almost universally ignored outside of a few select urban areas. Their government claims "success" by just adjusting the estimate of the number of guns in the county radically downwards to meet the abysmall compliance that's actually occurred. In reality, virtually all Canadian gun owners are just keeping their mouths shut and ignoring the whole thing, hoping it'll go away. Good luck with that.

[aquariusmom]

AK airlines has a big sale right now, I just bought a roundtrip Anchorage/Seattle ticket for $350!!

If you havn't done so yet definitely get the Alaska Airlines card, you'll get 20,000 miles just for getting the card and thats worth one free round trip ticket, plus a $50 companion airfare coupon!

[cobolt]

I heard that those 20,000 miles are becoming harder to change into a ticket---most round trip tickets are exceeding the 20,000 miles and only 7% of the seats are reserved for this program. I could be wrong, but this was from actual card holders who exclusively travel either within AK or to the outside.

Also---wouldn't it be easier just to pack the guns in with some personal effects in a vehicle on the AMHS? I thought I heard of people doing this and it is legal.

[DannyL]

Originally Posted by cobolt

Also---wouldn't it be easier just to pack the guns in with some personal effects in a vehicle on the AMHS? I thought I heard of people doing this and it is legal.

you can carry all the firearms (handguns, rifles, shorguns) you want on the ferry, with the rest of your personal stuff locked in your vehicle. Just declare them at check-in, security will say "ok", you'll get a piece of tape on your windshield (yellow or red, I forget), and drive right on-board.
Something people forget, the ferry is technically part of the U.S. at cast-off, and once out of the port of Bellingham you are officially in the state of Alaska (clocks are set to Alaskan time), so you never actually "leave the country".

[aquariusmom]

I'm not sure cobolt, I have not heard that- I just booked 2 mile rewards tickets to Seattle (for my kids) on miles on Sunday- and we are flying in just 2 weeks. It worked out great, $350 for my ticket, $50 companion fare for kid #1, and free tickets for the other 2 kids.

All domestic flights that are Alaskan Airlines only are 20,000 miles, but I think a lot of people get hung up because then they change airlines to reach cities Alaska Air doesn't fly to they then have to pay the partner miles amounts. I ran into this when I was looking at going to Virginia to visit my aging parents this March- but then I realize Alaska Air flies to Baltimore and Orlando, so I can still do the 20,000 deal and just rent a car or catch a bus/train to VA.

This is SO much easier than when we had US Airways miles, we flew my parents out to visit us when we lived in Hawaii and had to call at midnight 365 days before the hoped for flight, to try to land 2 seats. It was so frustrating because of all the black outs and the tiny number of miles seats. So far Alaska Air has been so user friendly and the dates I have checked have always had seats available.

[mal_flisk]

The only time I had problems booking a flight with miles was within 3 days of the flight.

[Wanderer818]

Originally Posted by DannyL

you can carry all the firearms (handguns, rifles, shorguns) you want on the ferry, with the rest of your personal stuff locked in your vehicle. Just declare them at check-in, security will say "ok", you'll get a piece of tape on your windshield (yellow or red, I forget), and drive right on-board.
Something people forget, the ferry is technically part of the U.S. at cast-off, and once out of the port of Bellingham you are officially in the state of Alaska (clocks are set to Alaskan time), so you never actually "leave the country".

OK,
after searching websites and finally seeing someone in the know about Bellingham Wa, to Alaska let me state my case, please.

We are planning on moving to Ketchikan, working on the property deal now.

I plan on taking our Silverado K3500 4x4 6.5 Turbo Diesel. Behind the truck will be a 20ft Boat. A big 20ft boat that I can pack our clothing, tools, electronics, generators, solar gear, spare parts etc., and other remote living gear that we need. I also have guns. Lot's of guns. Pistol's, shotty's, long guns and some Military Wep's. All legal, nothing full automatic. 3 American Eskie's in good health with all shots up to date. 8ft bed with a topper and a lot of storage area.

When the ferry leaves Bellingham and I'm booked through to Ketchikan, do I need a passport? Will the ferry pull into a Canadian Port, and if so, and I stay on the ferry, will Canadian Customs want to check me?

I have a DUI on my record and know not to go into Canada. Will I have to fly from Sea-Tac to Ketchican and let the wife ride the ferry? I'm looking for the best way for me to get to Ketchican with all our gear in one shot.

The ferry fees won't be a problem as we will be moving off season. Might even luck out with the Driver Rides Free deal.

Lived on remote Island in the past and I know the drill for living like that.

Thanks for any and all advice.

[DannyL]

[quote=Wanderer818;4804239]OK,

When the ferry leaves Bellingham and I'm booked through to Ketchikan, do I need a passport? [quote]

No, just a valid ID, your drivers license for example. Don't play games at inspection. It is conducted by the Bellinghan PD, including drug search with dogs. Declare everything, and you will have no issues (firearms, ammo, camp fuel, etc). Have your firearms unloaded, in cases , soft cases seem ok, and any ammo seperate. BTW, you cannot "carry" (CCW) on the ferry.
Obey the regs, and you will have a fun trip. Be a jerk, and you will have hell at inspection. Politeness goes a long way there.


[quote]Will the ferry pull into a Canadian Port, and if so, and I stay on the ferry, will Canadian Customs want to check me?[quote]

I have no clue, but I doubt it.

[quote]I have a DUI on my record and know not to go into Canada. Will I have to fly from Sea-Tac to Ketchican and let the wife ride the ferry? I'm looking for the best way for me to get to Ketchican with all our gear in one shot.[quote]

You can take the ferry. On cast-off it is still part of the United States. In fact, you are officially in the state of Alaska at cast-off, subject to it's laws and regs.

Call the 800#, you will get the latest info.

[DannyL]

ok, I screwed up at multiple quoting , but I hope my reply makes sense.

[Wanderer818]

Thanks DannyL,

Answered my questions and I feel better about the move.

As for declaring and being polite, after 30 yrs in the Corps I have picked up some good manners and know not to screw around with the Man, even when I'm mistakenly in the right. All firearms are in metal transport vaults, locked. Ammo in separate, locked ammo cans.
Some are disassembled, some not. All are locked up and stored correctly. No need to carry til I hit Ketchikan, apply for D.L. and get moved in. I am up on all Alaskan Firearms rules and regs and I LOVE IT!

Thanks again. The move is getting closer and the anticipation is tasting sweet.