Meat and Antlers with United Airlines

[Alaska2025]

I'm HOPING to be flying home from Fairbanks on United Airlines with some caribou meat and antlers this September. I've flown with meat before, and I'm well aware of the TSA rules for the antlers, and I've read up on United's rules for these items. However, I've never actually flown with United and these items before. Can anyone attest to if their experience with United was good or bad, or things to look out for? I plan on printing out the Airline's and TSA rules so that I can show them to a ticket agent if needed. TIA

 

[wowzers]

I flew with them in May and had a soft cooler full of tuna as my carry on with no issues. Ended up checking it at the gate for free.

I stuffed a whole boned out hog into it last year and did the same. I did get a little extra attention at the TSA gate but it was no issue.

 

[Alaska2025]

Bump: Really hoping some of ya'll have some insight.

 

[Jordan Budd]

The meat is easy, just like stated above, do a soft cooler. I used a Yeti hopper and deboned. Get the meat cool but I personally wouldn't freeze it until it's wrapped and ready to be in the freezer. Then carry it on or check it. Antler wise, take a look at Alaska Air Cargo. I know you aren't flying with them, but when my sheep head was done they shipped via Alaska Air Cargo and you can go pick it up from their terminal at your airport. So I believe that kind of thing can be arranged, that's what I'd look into.

With my caribou we found a taxidermist in Fairbanks to do the work then they shipped it in a box. I believe someone else on here got a box from a taxidermist or the flying service and was able to bubble wrap the antlers to check them on the plane. I remember they said they weren't aloud to put gear or clothes in the boxes with the antlers, had to be antlers only.

 

[ganngus]

I just flew back with my antlers yesterday with Alaska Airlines. After multiple coats of Velvalok, I bubble wrapped and taped antlers, and found a 48x40x20 cardboard box Walmart in Fairbanks was going to throw away and put them in it to fly. Lady at ticket counter didn't even hesitate checking them, even though they were over the 62 linear inch checked bag limit.

 

[jdmaxwell]

Flew back on Delta with 2 racks. Used package of diapers put around skull and all antler tips. Then shipping tape on then shipping wrapping around everything.
No issues. They said looked great.
Shipped another on Air Cargo. Did same process. No issues