Special baggage
Some of the items you bring with you may require special attention or carry extra regulations.
Perishable items
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 (Styrofoam not accepted). Gel ice is recommended, but up to 5.5 pounds of dry ice is allowed per customer. 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.
Live and fresh seafood is acceptable as checked baggage provided all packaging and labeling requirements are met by the customer.
Big game trophies
Antlers and horns are only accepted as checked baggage if they are properly packaged and meet normal size and weight restrictions.
- The item must be encased in shrink wrap or in a heavy-duty polyethylene bag.
- Antler tips must be protected and padded to prevent punctures.
- Antlers must be free of raw meat, blood, other residue, and noticeable odors.
- Single allowable dimension may not exceed 38 inches deep, 24 inches wide, or 70 inches length/height.
- Excess charges apply for an oversize/overweight item that is more than 50 pounds or is more than 62 linear inches.
- Total maximum allowable dimension must not exceed 115 linear inches (292 cm). Any animal rack/antler that exceeds 115 linear inches or is more than 100 pounds will not be accepted as checked baggage.
- Limit of 1 animal or rack/antler per flight. Accepted first come, first serve. Additional animal or rack/antler may be accepted on a space available basis.
Because space may be limited, we can't always get the antlers on the same plane with you. If we don't, we'll hold them at your destination for you to pick up or you can have them delivered for a charge.
Items that are oversized or overweight 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.
Guests transporting animal antler/rack from the State of Alaska to the Lower 48 are encouraged to use our Air Cargo Antler Express service for airport to door delivery.
For additional information, contact our Air Cargo office at 1-800-225-2752.
Fragile and high value items
Some items placed in baggage may not be covered, or fully covered, for damage or loss.
View our Limitations of liability.
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
- 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.
Place an identification tag inside your bag.
In the rare event that your bag is misplaced, this free downloadable tag will make the identification and return process quicker. Simply complete the form and place it inside your bag.
Download a baggage ID tag. (PDF File is 343K)