Transporting Firearms and Other Sport-Related Items

Sporting 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.

• Archery Equipment—1 bow and 24 arrows
• 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
• There is no limit to the number of items per case as long as they do not exceed 50 lbs., 62 linear inches.
• 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.

Fishing Equipment

One item of fishing equipment, defined as two rods, two reels, and one tackle box encased in a proper hard case or Alaska Airlines box, will be accepted as baggage. Fishing equipment is authorized to exceed 62 inches. However, if the item is excess or overweight it is subject to applicable fee.

Note: Fishing rods must be inside a single case. Cases may not be taped together.

Firearms

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.

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.

Prohibited Articles

Baggage may not contain hazardous materials or other prohibited articles, including:

• Flammable items such as fuel (sterno, butane, white gas, propane, lighter fluid) for stoves, lanterns, motors, etc.
• Pepper spray or bear spray/repellant
• "Strike anywhere" matches
• Propane tanks—because they cannot be completely purged
• Over 50 lbs. of ammunition
• Wet ice
• Over 5 lbs. of dry ice
• Styrofoam containers are never permitted as checked baggage, but may be carried onboard if small enough to fit under your seat

Packaging Your Catch, Meat, or Trophy

It is your responsibility to properly package all perishable items and these items are checked at your own risk for spoilage. We recommend that you package raw meat and seafood so it is able to withstand a minimum of 48 hours in transit without refrigeration.

Fish and raw game meat may be accepted as baggage only if packaged in a leak-proof container (not styrofoam). Gel ice is recommended, but up to 5 lbs. of dry ice is acceptable. Items containing dry ice must be declared at check-in and labeled on the package. Wet ice is not allowed. Freeze or chill meat and seafood thoroughly before packaging for optimal final destination temperature.

Antlers and horns are only accepted as checked baggage if they are properly packaged in an enclosed container and meet normal size and weight restrictions. Items that are oversized, overweight, or improperly packaged must be shipped via Air Cargo. Please keep in mind this will require additional time as the Air Cargo offices may not be near the departure terminal in some cities.

For additional information, contact our Air Cargo office at 1-800-225-2752.

Special Government Regulations

The Federal Lacey Act requires labeling on all seafood or game shipped across state lines. We stock labels at our ticket counters which must be completed with your name and address, the commodity as fish or wildlife, the specific species, and the weight of each container. The State of Alaska requires special labeling for the following items leaving the state: unmounted antlers and horns, raw capes from big game, and bear hide. This requirement may be met by completing and attaching a "Big Game Trophy Export" tag (obtained from the State of Alaska, Fish & Game, Wildlife Division) or by marking the outside of the container with the information.