Transporting Firearms

Firearms Definition

The term "firearm" describes any weapon that will or is designed to or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, or the frame or receiver of any such weapon. This includes:

• Sporting rifles, shotguns, and handguns
• Handguns of authorized law enforcement officers while traveling on official duty
• Starter pistols, compressed air or BB guns, and flare pistols
• Antique firearms

Handguns must be unloaded and packed in a hard-sided container locked with a key or lock combination only in the traveler's possession. The locked hard-sided case can be placed in a soft-sided case.

Rifles, shotguns, and other firearms must be unloaded and carried in a locked hard-sided container where only the customer retains the key. We also recommend that the bolt be removed and the slide locked open. All parts of the firearm must be packed in the same container as the firearm itself.

Alaska Airlines does not allow customers under age 18 to carry on or check a firearm.

Firearms / Shooting Equipment

The following items may be included in your normal baggage allowance. Excess charges will apply for additional pieces of baggage. All items must be suitably packaged for transport.

• Shooting Equipment
  1. One rifle case with rifles, scopes, one shooting mat, noise suppressors and small tools, or
  2. One shotgun case with shotguns, or
  3. One pistol case with pistols, noise suppressors, one pistol telescope and small pistol tools
• Ammunition—up to 50 lbs.(domestic) and 11 lbs. (international - where permitted) may be checked, if securely packed in the original manufacturer's package or in a container designed for ammunition and of sufficient strength to protect it from accidental crushing or discharge (i.e. wood, fiber, plastic, or metal). The projectile must be no larger than 11/16" in diameter, the size of a dime. Ammunition may be checked with or separately from the firearm. Spent ammunition shells will be accepted in checked baggage provided they meet the same acceptance procedures as live ammunition (e.g. packed in a crush-proof case).

Firearm Declaration

Identify all bags containing firearms when you check in. Firearms must be unloaded. You will be asked to read and sign a special tag for each bag/container holding a firearm(s). This serves as your declaration that each weapon is unloaded and both weapons and ammunition are properly packaged. It is your responsibility to obtain all the necessary permits for any firearm checked between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

International Transport

Canada - Handguns cannot be transported to or through Canada. Non-restricted hunting rifles or competition firearms do not require specialized documentation. Please call 800-731-4000 for additional information on firearms to or from Canada. A U.S. Customs declaration issued before departing the U.S. is required before bringing your firearms back to the United States. We cannot accept rifles, shotguns and other firearms between the United States and Canada without the required documentation.

Mexico - Handguns cannot be transported to or through Mexico. Before any firearm can be accepted for travel to Mexico, a consulate issued permit is required. Contact the Mexican consulate nearest you for additional information on firearms to or from Mexico. A U.S. Customs declaration issued before departing the U.S. is required before bringing your firearms back to the United States. We cannot accept rifles or shotguns and other firearms between the United States and Mexico without the required documentation.

Paintball Cylinders

Refillable type cylinders may travel as checked baggage under the following conditions:

• Regulator valve must be completely disconnected from the cylinder.
• Cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside.

Pepper Spray/Animal Repellents

Chemical repellents can be carried in checked luggage if the volume is less than 4 ounces and has less than a 2% active ingredient. Most bear repellant exceed these limitations. We suggest buying such items at your destination and leaving them behind upon return.

Pepper spray may be transported in checked baggage if it is less than 4 ounce and a cap, case or other mechanism is in place to prevent accidental discharge.