A "firearm" is any weapon that will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; or the frame or receiver of any such weapon. See firearms list.
Firearms checklist
You may transport firearms as checked baggage only.
You must be 18 years of age or over to transport a firearm.
Firearms must be unloaded and carried in a locked, hard-sided container.
Container must be completely secure so that it does not allow for accidental or unauthorized access.
Multiple locks may be required on some cases to ensure the case cannot be opened.
Only the passenger shall have the key or combination to the lock.
Passenger may need to supply the key or combination upon request from the TSA when the case is screened.
Container must not hold dangerous goods or prohibited items, such as, but not limited to, loose ammunition, flammable liquids, black powder, primers, or bear spray. You are responsible for knowing and complying with all relevant laws that concern possession of firearms. Those laws vary by local, state, and international governments.
If you plan to travel internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please read the requirements on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website before you travel.
Ammunition checklist
Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage.
You can transport it in checked baggage if it's within weight allotments.
Customers checking in or connecting to Alaska Airlines flights 3300-3499 are limited to 11 lbs. of ammunition.
Ammunition must be securely packed in the original manufacturer packaging or in a container designed for ammunition.
The packaging shall be of sufficient strength to protect the ammunition from accidental crushing or discharge (e.g. wood, fiber, plastic, or metal).
We will not accept loose ammunition in a box, bucket or manufacturer packaging.
The projectile must be no larger than 11/16" in diameter—the size of a dime.
You may check ammunition with or separately from the firearm.
We'll allow shell casings in checked baggage provided they meet the same acceptance criteria as live ammunition (i.e. packed in a crush-proof container designed for ammunition.)
We may accept ammunition inside a magazine or clip that is enclosed in its own secure casing within the larger crush-proof firearm case.
Firearms baggage allowances
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.
One rifle case with rifles, scopes, one shooting mat, noise suppressors and small tools, or
One shotgun case with shotguns, or
One pistol case with pistols, noise suppressors, one pistol telescope and small pistol tools
There is no limit to the number or type of firearms (e.g. rifles, shotguns, pistols) per case.
Different firearm types may be in the same case as long as each type is properly packed.
Declare firearms at baggage check
You must declare all firearms at the baggage counter when you check your bags.
We'll ask you to read and sign a special tag for each bag/container holding a firearm(s).
This tag serves as your declaration that each weapon is unloaded.
The tag also confirms that 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.
Claiming firearms
You must present photo ID or claim checks at the baggage office to retrieve your shotgun or rifle case/box.
If you are connecting to another carrier with an international destination you will need to claim your firearm(s) and ammunition at the final Alaska Airlines destination, and then check it directly with the receiving carrier.
If you are connecting to another carrier with a domestic destination you may need to claim your firearm(s) and ammunition at the final Alaska Airlines destination, and then check it directly with the connecting carrier.
International transport
Canada
You cannot transport handguns to or through Canada.
Non-restricted hunting rifles or competition firearms don't require special documentation.
Before you depart the U.S., you must get a declaration issued by U.S. Customs in order to later bring your firearms back into the United States.
We cannot transport rifles, shotguns, and other firearms between the U.S. and Canada without the required documentation.
Please call the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 for more information on traveling with firearms to or from Canada.
Mexico
You cannot transport handguns to or through Mexico.
A consulate-issued permit is required for any firearm transport to Mexico.
Before you depart the U.S., you must get a declaration issued by U.S. Customs in order to later bring your firearms back into the United States.
We cannot transport rifles, shotguns, and other firearms between the U.S. and Mexico without the required documentation.
Please contact the Mexican consulate nearest you for more information on traveling with firearms to or from Mexico.
Firearms list
