Monthly Archives: October 2018

Odd Things You Can Transport on a Plane

While there are long lists of things you shouldn’t put in your luggage, there is also a long list of odd things you can actually bring on a plane. Read on to discover what you can bring. Always make sure to check before you fly, as rules could change quickly.

Antlers
Though this might be a surprise for non-hunters, bringing antlers on a plane is okay on almost any American airline. Most typically charge a small fee and required that the antlers are cleaned and correctly wrapped.

Kayaks and bikes
Many airlines let you pack sporting equipment such as bikes, kayaks, snowboards, and surfboards. It’s worth doing some checking before you carry all that heavy stuff to the airport, as not all airlines allow all these items, and certain airlines will make you take apart your equipment and pack it a specific way.

Fishing rods
The TSA says fishing rods are allowed on as either checked or carry-on luggage, but the final decision rests with your airline. So, before you carry that fishing gear all the way to the airport, you definitely want to be sure you can really bring it on the plane.

Human remains
Based on a TSA rule, cremated human remains are allowed in checked baggage or onboard. Some airlines don’t allow crematory remains as checked baggage. Again, you want to call the airline and be sure to know what the rules are before you get to the airport. For carry on, crematory remains must be in cardboard, wood, or plastic container, as metal urns may not be allowed through security.

Oddly enough, you are allowed to take a parachute onto the plane with you just in case circumstances deem it necessary.

Parachutes

You can put a parachute in your checked or carry-on luggage. Just be sure the rig is disconnected from other parts of your luggage. You also might want to get to the airport about an hour early in case the TSA has some questions for you.

Can You Ship a Dead Pet (Part II)?

(Most) Birds Are Good to Ship

Poultry, not 24 hours old is mailable, as long as the hatch date (including the hour) is cited by

While not all dead pets can be shipped there is a large variety that can such as emus.

the hatchery’s representative and the hatchery’s address is known. Not all birds are mail friendly. Chickens, emus, geese, ducks, guinea birds, partridges, pheasants, quail, and turkeys are okay for mailing. Poultry is done differently by the USPS as to avoid mailing it during afternoons, Sundays, or national holidays.

You Can Mail Bugs if You Want To…

Need to help your BFF across the US pollinate his almond farm? Want to send him some bees? You can send live bees in the mail if they’re honeybees. If you ship them by air, you’ll be limited to shipping only queen honeybees. However, ground shipping allows for the transport of all types of honeybees. Additionally, you’ll have to write “Live Queen Bees” on your package, so USPS employees know to handle your bugs with care.

Scorpions can also be shipped in the mail, but only for medical research reasons, or for the use of manufacturing antivenom. Your scorpion package must house two containers, the innermost one has to be puncture-proof to said predatory arachnid since scorpions aren’t just bugs by no means. To make this simpler, you might want to befriend some scientists before you hit the post office with your scorpion box.

You Can Ship Dead Stuff, Too!

Your prized game bird you acquired last week is eligible for shipment, as long as you take the right steps to the following protocol. Animal parts or dead animals must be refrigerated with water ice or dry ice as long as the liquid container is correctly sealed. Items such as skins, furs, and hides, and skins have to be properly cured or dried. Mailed animals can’t breach any laws in the state of origin or its destination state.

Can You Ship a Dead Pet (Part I)?

Well, it depends on if the pet is in the right packaging, whether that packaging is accurately labeled, and the state of the dead pet. Mailing roadkill differs from mailing a stuffed dog.

If you want to mail a dead animal, you should talk this over with a representative from whichever package sending service you want to use (USPS, UPS, etc.).

Context also is important. If the delivery of said animal part or animal could be used as a threat

While mailing your deceased pet isn’t something that happens often, if you find yourself in this situation, it is possible.

(e.g. mailing a pig’s heart to your ex) or there’s a sign of animal cruelty (the dog’s heart seems to have been removed while the dog was still alive), you are in violation of the law, regardless of using the correct packaging.

Using USPS

Opinions about the USPS vary depending on who you ask, but the agency does ship practically anything. It might surprise you, though to know what else the USPS is willing to ship including certain live animals and lots of ‘em. You’ll have to follow some rules based on what you’re mailing. As long as you stick to the plan your animal should get to its destination with no problems.

Make Sure Your Container Is Built Tough

If you want to do the live pet shipping, you can’t cover your hamster in bubble-wrap and mail it in your leftover Amazon Prime box. In addition to clearly labeling what is inside, your shipping container should at least be made of a 275-pound test, double-wall, corrugated, weather-resistant fiberboard or it’s equivalent according to the USPS’ container rules. The container has to be escape-proof, offer adequate ventilation and must be able to stand up to normal handling without getting crushed.


As with any animal shipments, you’ll have to be sure the containers are properly labeled, and your shipment can endure the trip without food or water.