Roberta Aguirre
Bear spray is considered a dangerous item and is not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage on commercial flights to Alaska. However, travellers can purchase bear spray at their destination in Alaska from various retailers or even at grocery stores. It is recommended to buy bear spray at your destination and leave it behind when your trip is over, as it is highly unlikely that you will need it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bear spray allowed on commercial flights | No |
| Bear spray allowed on charter flights | No, but some carriers may allow it in an external storage compartment or in the floats of a floatplane |
| Mace or pepper spray allowance | One 4 oz (118 ml) can of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage, provided it has a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge |
| Purchase of bear spray in Alaska | Possible at Mountain View Sports, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, and even grocery stores like Fred Meyer |
| Alternative to bear spray | Make noise while walking, as bears don't want to make contact with you |
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What You'll Learn
Bear spray is not allowed on commercial flights
Bear spray is considered a dangerous item and is not permitted on commercial flights. This includes in checked baggage or carry-on luggage. The rules for charter flights are different, but even then, many operators will not allow it due to the potential danger to passengers and crew. If bear spray is accidentally brought to the airport, it must be surrendered before boarding.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game notes that bear spray is “dangerous” and that “most carriers won't allow it”. Some charter operators will transport bear spray, but only in sealed canisters inside sealed boxes, or in external storage compartments separate from the cabin. Even then, the rules can vary from operator to operator, and passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) suggests that travellers buy bear spray at their destination and leave it behind when their trip is over. Bear spray can be purchased in Alaska at various locations, including Mountain View Sports, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, and grocery stores like Fred Meyer. It is also available at the REI store in Anchorage.
Bear spray is not the only camping gear that is problematic for airline travellers. Camp stove fuel and all other types of fuel, including gasoline, matches, flares, flare guns, and lighters, are not permitted in carry-on or checked bags on commercial flights. Camp stoves and empty fuel bottles may be allowed, but this is at the discretion of the Transportation Safety Officer. Guns and ammunition are permitted in checked bags, but guns must be unloaded and in a case, preferably a soft case to facilitate packing the plane.
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It can be purchased in Alaska
Bear spray is considered a dangerous item and is not allowed on commercial flights or in checked or carry-on baggage. Most carriers will not allow it due to the risk of it going off inside an aircraft. Some charter flights may allow it in external storage compartments, but this is not guaranteed. Therefore, if you need bear spray, it is recommended that you buy it at your destination and leave it behind when you depart.
Fortunately, bear spray can be purchased in Alaska at various locations, including Mountain View Sports, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, and even some grocery stores like Fred Meyer. You can also try the REI store in Anchorage. Bear spray is recommended by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and it is effective in many situations. It typically has a range of up to 30 feet, and most sprays come with a holster that can be fastened to a belt or backpack for easy access.
If you plan to go fishing, hunting, or backpacking in remote areas, you may be travelling on a small charter plane, and the rules for these flights are different from commercial airline policies. In some cases, you may be allowed to bring bear spray on board a small charter plane, but you should check with the airline and the pilot in advance. Additionally, some charter operators have strict rules about the transport of bear spray, so it is important to be aware of their policies.
It is worth noting that bear spray is not always necessary, especially if you are not planning any serious overnight deep-woods hiking or camping. Most people will not encounter situations where they need to use bear spray, and it can be a waste of money. Additionally, if you do encounter a bear, it may be too late to use the spray effectively. However, if you do choose to purchase bear spray, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly so that you know how to use it properly.
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It can be given to someone at the airport before leaving
Bear spray is considered a dangerous item and is not permitted on commercial flights or in checked or carry-on baggage. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game notes that bear spray is "off-limits". The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises against bringing bear spray on flights and, instead, suggests purchasing it at your destination.
If you are flying into Alaska, you can purchase bear spray at your destination at various locations, including Mountain View Sports, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, and grocery stores like Fred Meyer. However, if you are taking a charter flight, you may be able to bring bear spray on board, but this is subject to strict rules and the discretion of the carrier. Some charter operators will only accept bear spray in an external storage compartment separate from the cabin.
Due to the restrictions on bringing bear spray onto flights, it is recommended to give it to someone at the airport before leaving. This could be a friend or someone exiting the airport. Alternatively, you could donate it to a local club or organisation. It is important to plan ahead and be aware of the rules and regulations regarding dangerous items to avoid any issues when travelling.
It is worth noting that the rules regarding bear spray and other outdoor gear can be subject to change and interpretation by different clerks and pilots. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with the specific airline or charter company you are flying with to understand their policies and any necessary packaging requirements.
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It can be stored in an external storage compartment
Bear spray is considered a dangerous item by airlines and is not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage on commercial flights. However, some charter flights may allow bear spray to be stored in an external storage compartment, such as in the nose or belly of the plane, separate from the main cabin. This is because a discharge of bear spray in the cabin could be catastrophic, potentially disabling the pilot during the flight.
When flying into Alaska, it is recommended that you do not bring your own bear spray. Bear spray can be purchased at many locations in Alaska, such as outdoor stores and even some grocery stores. It is also important to note that most bear encounters in Alaska occur at a distance, and bear viewing tours do not permit bear spray. Additionally, making noise while walking is often enough to deter bears, as they typically want to avoid human contact.
If you do choose to purchase bear spray in Alaska, you will not be able to bring it back with you on your return flight. You will need to leave it behind or give it away before your departure. Some travellers have suggested donating it to a local club or organisation, or giving it to someone at the airport before you leave.
It is always important to familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations of the specific airlines and charter companies you will be flying with. These rules can vary, and what is allowed on one flight may not be permitted on another. Additionally, rules regarding dangerous goods can change over time, so it is essential to stay up to date and ensure you are complying with the most recent guidelines.
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It can be bought at REI in Anchorage
Bear spray is considered a dangerous item and is not allowed on commercial flights or charter flights. It is also off-limits in checked or carry-on baggage. If you need bear spray, it is recommended to buy it at your destination and leave it behind when your trip is over.
If you are travelling to Alaska, you can purchase bear spray at many locations once you arrive, including Mountain View Sports, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, and even grocery stores like Fred Meyer. You can also buy it at REI in Anchorage. REI offers a range of bear sprays, including the Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray, which comes in a single 8.1 fl. oz can or a value pack of two. This spray has been developed in conjunction with the University of Montana and contains 2% capsaicin and related capsaicinoids, the maximum allowed by law. It offers an optimal combination of spray time and distance, deploying a high-volume, atomized blast of concentrated spray to deter a bear attack. The spray can reach up to 32 feet and empties in approximately 7 seconds, working on all bear species. It is important to note that bear spray cannot be carried on or checked on a commercial airplane, so you will need to transport it safely and in accordance with local laws and regulations.
REI also offers a range of other products to help with bear safety, including bear canisters and holsters for bear spray. REI Co-op Members get 10% back annually on every eligible purchase, including most full-priced bear spray. To access this reward, you can buy a one-time $30 lifetime membership.
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Frequently asked questions
No, bear spray is not permitted on commercial flights to Alaska. It is considered a dangerous item and is not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage.
Some charter flights may allow bear spray to be stored in an external storage compartment outside the cabin. However, most carriers will not permit it due to safety concerns. It is best to check with your airline before your flight.
Yes, bear spray can be purchased at various locations in Alaska, including Mountain View Sports, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, and grocery stores like Fred Meyer. You can also buy it at the REI store in Anchorage.
