Prohibited Articles
Baggage may not contain hazardous materials or other prohibited articles, including:
Sporting Equipment
The following items may be checked in lieu of one of the free pieces included in your normal baggage allowance. Excess charges will apply for additional pieces of baggage. All items must be suitably packaged for transport.
Firearm Packaging
Handguns must be unloaded and packed in a hard sided locked case or in a hard sided container inside a soft sided case, one of which is locked with a key or lock combination only in the traveler's possession.
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.
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 US Customs declaration issued before departing the US 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 US Customs declaration issued before departing the US 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.
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.
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, please call our Air Cargo office at 1-800-225-2752 or visit the Alaska Airlines Cargo website.
Special Government Regulations
The Federal Lacey Act requires labeling on all seafood or game shipped across state lines. We stocks 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.
Additional Information
Contact Alaska Airlines Reservations at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522), the Alaska Airlines Cargo Service Center at 1-800-225-2752 or Horizon Air Reservations and Cargo at 1-800-547-9308.
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