Fishing and hunting equipment

Boy scouts aren't the only ones who want you to be prepared. If you're planning to travel with fishing or hunting equipment, please review the information below. If your itinerary includes an international flight operated by one of our airline partners, you must contact the other airline a minimum of 72 hours in advance of your travel as their services and ability to accommodate your firearm/ammunition may be different.

Checked baggage containing fishing and hunting equipment (e.g., firearms) is subject to restrictions and applicable baggage fees. 

The maximum length accepted for checked baggage is 9.8 feet.

  • It is your responsibility to confirm that you obtain all necessary paperwork to travel with a firearm and/or ammunition. 
  • WestJet accepts no liability if your firearm is denied transport or entry or is confiscated at any point.
  • If your itinerary includes international travel, you must confirm that you have all documentation to transit and enter all countries on your itinerary.
  • WestJet does not accept firearms and/or ammunition to the following destinations:
    • Bahamas
    • Bermuda
    • Bonaire
    • Colombia
    • Denmark
    • Grenada
    • Honduras
    • Iceland
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Mexico
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Portugal
    • South Korea
    • Spain
    • Turks and Caicos

Checked Baggage Fees

  • Firearms are subject to a baggage handling fee in addition to checked baggage fees.

Packaging

  • Unloaded firearms must be packaged in a locked, hard-sided gun case which may be contained in standard baggage.
  • Restricted firearms must be locked with either a cable or trigger lock.
  • Ammunition in amounts less than 5 kg (11 lbs) must be securely packaged and packed separately from the firearm; it is permitted in the same container as the firearm.
  • Ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles is not accepted.

Accepted Firearms

  • Restricted and Non-restricted Firearms
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Rifles
    • Pistols
  • Non-lethal Firearms
    • Air guns
    • BB guns
    • Starter pistols
    • Paintball guns
  • For more information, refer to the following websites:

Replica Firearms

  • WestJet does not accept replica firearms for transport.
  • Replicas of restricted weapons, illegal weapons, and explosive devices (i.e. grenades) are not accepted under any circumstances in checked or carry-on baggage. 
  • Further information regarding replica firearms and weapon acceptance can be found on the CATSA website.

  • Accepted in checked baggage when packed in a rigid or hard-shell container.
  • A bow or crossbow, a quiver of arrows and maintenance kit is considered a set (i.e., one item).
  • Baggage fees apply to the set.

  • Accepted in checked baggage when packed in a rigid or hard-shell container
  • More than one fishing rod can be packed in one container.
  • Fishing rods and a tackle box are considered a set (i.e., one item)
  • Baggage fees apply to the set.
  • Oversized baggage fees are not charged.
  • A collapsible fishing rod may be accepted as your carry-on baggage, subject to fare restrictions.

WestJet and WestJet Cargo do not accept endangered species or the remains from endangered species, as listed on Environment Canada's website under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), or trophies from any of the five big game animals (cape buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions, rhinoceros) transported from other countries.

  • Accepted in checked baggage when packed in a leak-proof, hard-shell container.
  • Antlers and horns should be completely free of raw meat, blood, or noticeable odour and be padded to prevent punctures to the container and/or other baggage.

For information on packing perishable items including seafood as carry on or check baggage, please click here.