How to Check Fresh Fish Meat into a Commercial Airline

Fish is one food item that can be shipped on airlines.

Traveling with fresh meat or seafood on commercial airlines requires advance preparation to help prevent problems or delays and to ensure that the meat is ready to be enjoyed when you arrive at your destination. When checking fresh meat into a commercial airline, it is important to pack the meat well so that it remains cold. In addition, you must follow all airline policies; if sending the meat to a different country, follow the arrival country's customs policies as well.

Things You'll Need

• Carton or bag
• Insulating material

Instructions

1. Call the airline several days prior to departure and inquire about the required paperwork and policies. Ask if you may fill out the paperwork and fax it to them prior to departure to help alleviate delays. Make three copies of the completed paperwork: one to keep with you, one for the airline and one attached to the packaging.

2. Check with the local consulate for any inspection or certification requirements if shipping outside the United States. Many countries require an export declaration and will require product description, net and gross weights, value, shipping name and consignee's name.

3. Prepare the waybill with the product description, dimensions or volume and any dangerous goods information.

4. Pack the meat carefully prior to checking in. Airlines tend to prefer polyethylene bags or cartons specifically designed for shipping. Double-bag the meat with an insulating material inside, such as gel packs, newspaper, shredded paper or even wood shavings. This will help keep the meat cool and prevent bacterial growth and any leakage. Note that some airlines, such as United Airlines, only accept gel packs or dry ice as cooling agents.

5. Chill the meat prior to packing between 0 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the meat cool during shipping. Chill all packing material as well to keep temperatures low during the flight and keep all products refrigerated prior to delivery to the airport.

References

• National Marine Fisheries Service: Air Shipment of Live and Fresh Fish & Seafood Guidelines
• Hawaiian Airlines: Contract of Carriage
• United Airlines: Shipping Guides