Transporting Hunting & Fishing Equipment

Traveling with outdoor gear, guns, and most camping items are permitted. Outdoor enthusiasts should carefully prepare and pack to avoid removal of prohibited items from checked baggage or surrendering prohibited items at the security checkpoint. Here is a specific list of all permitted and prohibited items. Below is information specific to traveling in pursuit of outdoor activities:

Hunting

Firearms - There are specific regulatory requirements to transport a firearm:

• The firearm must be checked with the air carrier as luggage. Firearms are prohibited from carry-on baggage.
• The firearm must be declared orally or in writing in accordance with the air carrier's procedures (contact your air carrier for their specific procedures).
• The firearm must be unloaded.
• The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.
• The container must be locked.
• The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is necessary to open the container, and then remain present during screening to take back possession of the key after the container is cleared.  

If the passenger is not present during screening, and the container must be opened, the air carrier is required to locate the passenger so that the passenger will be present during screening.

Ammunition - Ammunition is likewise prohibited from carry-on luggage. Ammunition may not be carried loose. It must travel in the manufacturer's packaging or other packaging suitable for transport. Consult your air carrier to determine quantity limitations or whether the ammunition must be packed separately from the firearm.

Bow and Arrows - Bows and arrows are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.

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

Hunting Knives and Tools - Hunting knives and tools are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.

Fishing

Fishing Rods / Poles - Fishing Rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage.  However, please check with your air carrier to confirm that it fits within their size limitations for carry-on items. Ultimately, it is the carrier's decision as to whether or not it can be transported as carry-on baggage.

Spear Guns - Spear guns are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.

Tackle Equipment - Fishing equipment should be placed in your checked baggage.  Some tackle equipment can be considered sharp and dangerous.  Expensive reels or fragile tackle such as fly's should be packed in your carry-on baggage.