Airlines with hunting trophy transport bans

When looking for your next flight, Humane World for Animals urges you to consider airlines that currently have a hunting trophy transport ban. We’re fighting to end trophy hunting around the world for good. The transport industry has a stake in the harmful global trade in hunting trophies. Therefore, we are working with major players to help them implement policies prohibiting the transport of hunting trophies. 

Trophy hunting is killing animals to acquire parts or all of the animals for display. Trophy hunters do not kill animals to eat them. A hunting trophy is the dead animal, or the parts of an animal such as its head, skin, claws, teeth or any other body part, that the hunter keeps as a souvenir, decoration or display to represent the success of his or her hunt. Airlines, freight carriers and other businesses in the transport sector are in a unique position to protect wild animals from extinction due to exploitation.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of animals, including endangered and threatened species, are killed by trophy hunters worldwide. Being able to transport a hunting trophy home is a key motivation for trophy hunting. Hunting trophy transport bans are aimed at reducing the number of trophies being transported, thereby reducing the animals being killed in countries worldwide.

Policies to ban trophy transport

Hunting trophies are transported home by air and other modes of transportation. By air, the hunting trophy can be carried onboard by a passenger as cabin luggage or as checked baggage. The hunting trophy can also be transported as cargo in a plane without a passenger. The passenger airline and the cargo handler are often different companies using the same plane. We make clear distinctions between passenger baggage and freight policy restrictions. It is important that airline policies include both baggage and cargo prohibitions. Without such a distinction and without strict, published company policies that include hunting trophies as prohibited items, trophy hunters may continue to easily and cost-effectively transport their hunting trophies through major airlines. 

Fortunately, a growing number of airlines, cargo handlers and other companies in the transportation industry are saying no to hunting trophies by instituting policies to prohibit the transport of hunting trophies in baggage and/or cargo. 

The companies listed below have included hunting trophy bans in their online baggage and cargo policies. Reference to any specific brand, trade, firm or corporation name is for the information of the public only and does not constitute or imply endorsement by Humane World for Animals of any specific provider or its products or services. Links and access by hypertext to other websites is provided as a convenience only and does not indicate any endorsement with respect to any of the content on such websites. The information is obtained from public sources believed to be reliable, but is in no way guaranteed regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. 

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

No * = Passenger airline
* = Freight and cargo
** = Other in transport industry

A

Aerolíneas Argentinas | Argentina 
Hunting Trophies (Argentine Native Fauna) : The transport of hunting trophies is prohibited on all company flights, both domestic and international. Important: This prohibition does not apply to invasive exotic species for which the necessary documentation for their export is available. In such cases, clearance must be carried out by Cargo . See the list of these species here. (Note: This line links to https://www.argentina.gob.ar/ambiente/biodiversidad/exoticas-invasoras/lista) Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.aerolineas.com.ar/franquicia-de-equipaje?tab=restringidos)

AeroMéxico Cargo | Mexico * 
Restrictions - Shipments - Goods prohibited for air transport - Due to Aeromexico Cargo's commitment to air safety and animal welfare, as well as compliance with regulatory requirements, the following cargo is prohibited from being transported by Aeroméxico Cargo: Hunting trophies Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://amcargo.aeromexico.com/shipments/restrictions)

AeroMéxico Cargo | Mexico *
Dangerous goods forbidden by Aeromexico Cargo - The following items cannot be shipped by Aeromexico Cargo due to various corporate commitments, laws and restrictions mandated by Aviation Security:
Trophy hunting animals. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://amcargo.aeromexico.com/content/4-envios/1-limitaciones/prohibited_en.pdf)

Air Canada | Canada 
Leave Less - Do More - Protecting nature and biodiversity Every year, millions of animals are captured and become victims of the illegal wildlife trade (IWT). This endangers the survival of many species and poses a risk to global health. By having a zero-tolerance policy on carrying endangered species, hunting trophies or any product associated with illegal wildlife activities, our fight against wildlife crime has long been part of our environmental and sustainability commitment. . Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://leaveless.aircanada.com/ca/en/do-more.html)

Air Canada Cargo | Canada * 
Leave Less - Do More - Protecting nature and biodiversity Every year, millions of animals are captured and become victims of the illegal wildlife trade (IWT). This endangers the survival of many species and poses a risk to global health. By having a zero-tolerance policy on carrying endangered species, hunting trophies or any product associated with illegal wildlife activities, our fight against wildlife crime has long been part of our environmental and sustainability commitment. . Last accessed May 30, 2025. (See https://leaveless.aircanada.com/ca/en/do-more.html)

Air France | France * 
Authorized, regulated, or prohibited goods for your trip - 14 - Protected animals and plants The illegal trade and transport of endangered animals or plants, or products derived from these protected species, is a growing threat to biodiversity. The following is strictly forbidden: . The transport of hunting trophies (even if legally obtained) in the hold, cabin, or cargo for all flights . The import of plants or protected*animal species, whether they be live animals or animal parts Do not put yourself in an illegal situation and join us: Check the legality of the products you carry in the hold or cabin. *The list of protected species is defined by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://wwws.airfrance.nl/information/bagages/produits-interdits-et-reglementes#14

Air France Cargo | France *
Prohibited and regulated goods - 14 - Protected animals and plants -The illegal trade and transport of endangered animals and plants, or products derived from these protected species, is a growing threat to biodiversity. The following are strictly prohibited:
. the transport of hunting trophies (even if legally obtained) on all flights, in the hold, cabin, or cargo,
. the import of protected* animal or plant species, whether whole bodies or parts of living or non-living species.
Please don't put yourself in an illegal situation, and stand by our side: check the legality of the products you carry, whether in the hold or the cabin.
* The list of protected species is defined by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Last accessed May 23, 2024. (See https://wwws.airfrance.nl/information/bagages/produits-interdits-et-reglementes#14)

Air France-KLM Cargo | France * 
4.3.3 Impact on Biodiversity - Through its membership of IATA, the Group is also committed to full compliance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Air France and KLM also have a worldwide policy prohibiting the transportation of hunting trophies (even when obtained legally) on board all their flights, in checked luggage, carry-on baggage and cargo. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.airfranceklm.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/af_urd_2023_uk_vmel2_260424.pdf)

Air New Zealand Cargo | New Zealand *
International restrictions & prohibitions - Prohibited items - Hunting trophies: Lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo hunting trophies. Last accessed May 28, 2024. (See https://www.airnewzealandcargo.com/international-cargo-prohibited-for-travel)

American Airlines Cargo | United States *
Policies and Restrictions: Other Regulations: Pet Policy - American Airlines does not transport the following wild game trophies: elephant, lion, water buffalo, rhinoceros, or leopard. We reserve the right to refuse any wild game hunting trophy shipment. American Airlines also does not transport shark fins and shark fin products, in any form or packaging type. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.aacargo.com/learn/animals-policy-and-restrictions.html#aircraft-restrictions)

B

Buzz (Ryanair) | Poland 
8.11 Items prohibited for transport You must not carry any of the following items into security restricted areas and on board an aircraft, whether in your carry-on luggage or in your checked-in luggage: 8.11.4 Fish, birds or any animals killed and kept as hunting trophies. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.buzzair.com/en/terms-conditions-of-carriage/#article-8-baggage)

C

Cargolux | Luxembourg *
Embargoed goods - As a company strongly focused on Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability, Cargolux has a growing list of items that it will not carry, on any of its network routes, for ethical and legal reasons. Cargolux has imposed the following commercial and/or regulatory embargoes:
Hunting trophies, any type/species. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.cargolux.com/your-shipment-s-journey/embargoed-goods/)

Cargolux Italia | Italy *
Embargoed goods - As a company strongly focused on Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability, Cargolux has a growing list of items that it will not carry, on any of its network routes, for ethical and legal reasons. Cargolux has imposed the following commercial and/or regulatory embargoes:
Hunting trophies, any type/species. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.cargolux-italia.com/Our-Expertise/embargoed-goods)

Cathay Pacific Cargo | China *
Sustainable development cargo carriage policy: Wildlife - Not knowingly facilitate or tolerate the carriage of illegal wildlife products, or game or hunting trophies (including legally hunted or legally acquired trophies). The Company understands that research will be on-going and the determination of good practice is a dynamic process, meaning this Policy will evolve over time. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.cathaypacificcargo.com/en-us/helpsupport/specialcargohandlingprocedures/sustainabledevelopmentcargocarriagepolicy.aspx)

Condor | Germany
Condor is committed to combating unsustainable and illegal wildlife trade, in accordance with CITES* regulations, and has a zero tolerance policy towards the transport of endangered and threatened species, hunting trophies (including legally hunted or legally acquired trophies) or other products associated with illegal wildlife activities, as carry-ons or checked baggage. Training is provided, in accordance with IATA guidelines for animal transport, which includes close scrutiny of documents and examination of transport containers. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.condor.com/us/flight-preparation/baggage-and-animals/travelling-with-pets.jsp)

*Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora

Corendon Dutch Airlines | The Netherlands
Prohibited Items - For reasons of flight safety on board, the following items are not permitted in either hand luggage or checked baggage: Trophies of (parts of) animals that are the result of hunting, even if they were obtained legally Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.corendon.nl/bagage#verboden-items)

D

Delta Cargo | United States *
Restrictions - Delta Cargo prohibits the following: Shipping hunting trophies such as lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.deltacargo.com/Cargo/catalog/products/specialized-live?from=home)

DHL eCommerce | Germany ** 
Products that cannot be shipped with DHL. Certain rules apply to the content of your shipment. For security reasons DHL cannot transport the following items: Animals, both alive and dead (including insects), parts of animals (including fur, ivory, horns, antlers, etc...) and hunting trophies or stuffed animals. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.dhlecommerce.be/en/business/support/sending/prohibited-goods)

DHL Express | Germany ** 
These goods may not be sent: Animal products (not for consumption) and hunting trophies; Animals or parts thereof, such as ivory and shark fins, or animal products and derivative products not intended for human consumption. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.dhlexpress.nl/en/shipping/business/what-can-i-ship)

E

easyJet Europe | Austria
Terms and Conditions: Dangerous Goods and Items Unacceptable as Baggage - 13.18 You must not include in your Baggage the items listed below: …13.18.6 human or animal remains. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.easyjet.com/en/terms-and-conditions)

easyJet Switzerland | Switzerland
Terms and Conditions: Dangerous Goods and Items Unacceptable as Baggage - 13.18 You must not include in your Baggage the items listed below: …13.18.6 human or animal remains. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.easyjet.com/en/terms-and-conditions)

easyJet UK | United Kingdom
Terms and Conditions: Dangerous Goods and Items Unacceptable as Baggage - 13.18 You must not include in your Baggage the items listed below: …13.18.6 human or animal remains. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.easyjet.com/en/terms-and-conditions)

Emirates | United Arab Emirates
Protecting wildlife 
Emirates has a zero‑tolerance policy on carrying banned species, specific hunting trophies or any products associated with illegal wildlife activities. Over the years, we’ve continually demonstrated our strong commitment to supporting CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) protocols in collaboration with entities such as the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/about-us/our-planet/preserving-wildlife-and-habitats/)

Emirates SkyCargo | United Arab Emirates*
POLICY ON HUNTING TROPHIES AND PRODUCTS UNDER CITES APPENDIX 1 As one of the founding signatories of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, Emirates has long been a global leader in the fight against the trafficking and exploitation of wildlife. The airline has a zero-tolerance policy on the carriage of banned species, hunting trophies or any product associated with the illegal wildlife trade, which has been extended to include donkey hides. Emirates proudly holds the IATA IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade certification, underscoring our commitment to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the natural world to serve as a source of inspiration for current and future generations of travellers. We will not accept the following for carriage: Products and parts of endangered animals, including hunting trophies, and plants (listed in CITES Appendix I); Hunting trophies of elephants, rhinoceros, lions, and tigers; Donkey skins A complete list of restricted wildlife shipments can be found in the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) manual (under the Emirates Operator Variations). Emirates proudly holds the IATA Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) certification, underscoring our stance on a zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products worldwide. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.skycargo.com/report-illegal-wildlife-trading/)

F

Finnair | Finland
Environmental sustainability: Biodiversity: Finnair has placed an embargo concerning hunting trophies, including their skin/hide and all articles made from or containing parts of such animals. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://company.finnair.com/en/sustainability/environmental-sustainability)

Finnair Cargo | Finland *
Special cargo – Finnair has placed an embargo concerning hunting trophies, including their skin/hide and all articles made from or containing parts of such animals. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://cargo.finnair.com/en/products/special-cargo)

I

ITA Airways | Italy
Baggage – Restricted and prohibited items – Hunting trophies – In compliance with ITA Airways’ ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) commitments, we intend to contribute to protecting biodiversity and promoting the protection and conservation of wild fauna, as envisaged by the goals of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). To this end, ITA Airways has joined the campaign of "Humane Society International", and formally bans the transport of all hunting trophies (including individual animal parts) on all its flights, both in cargo shipments and in passengers' checked baggage. In this way, ITA Airways wishes to express its support for the two bills, currently being examined by the Italian Parliament, for zero tolerance towards the importation, exportation and re-exportation of such items, as indicated by a resolution of the European Parliament. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.ita-airways.com/en_en/fly-ita/baggage/restricted-and-prohibited-items.html)

In this way, ITA Airways wishes to express its support for the two bills, currently being examined by the Italian Parliament, for zero tolerance towards the importation, exportation and re-exportation of such items, as indicated by the European Parliament’s Convention. Last accessed November 30, 2023. (See https://www.ita-airways.com/en_en/fly-ita/baggage/restricted-and-prohibited-items.html)

ITA Airways Cargo | Italy * 
Baggage – Restricted and prohibited items – Hunting trophies – In compliance with ITA Airways’ ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) commitments, we intend to contribute to protecting biodiversity and promoting the protection and conservation of wild fauna, as envisaged by the goals of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). To this end, ITA Airways has joined the campaign of "Humane Society International", and formally bans the transport of all hunting trophies (including individual animal parts) on all its flights, both in cargo shipments and in passengers' checked baggage. In this way, ITA Airways wishes to express its support for the two bills, currently being examined by the Italian Parliament, for zero tolerance towards the importation, exportation and re-exportation of such items, as indicated by a resolution of the European Parliament. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.ita-airways.com/en_en/fly-ita/baggage/restricted-and-prohibited-items.html

K

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | The Netherlands
Restricted items in checked baggage: Prohibited items - You are not allowed to bring the following items in your checked baggage: Products of animal origin. You cannot bring any products of animal origin that are the result of hunting, including (parts of) animals. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.klm.nl/en/information/baggage/restricted-items-checked-baggage#prohibited-items)

L

LOT Cargo | Poland *
Embargo Restrictions – Goods that are not accepted on PLL LOT aircrafts: Others: Hunting trophies. Last accessed May 27, 2024. (See https://www.lot.com/pl/en/cargo/products/restrictions)

M

Malta Air (Ryanair) | Malta 
General terms & conditions (03 Jun 2024) 8.11 Items prohibited for transport 8.11.4 Fish, birds or any animals killed and kept as hunting trophies. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/terms-and-conditions1)

Q

Qatar Airways | Qatar 
Conditions of carriage - 9 Baggage - 1. Items Unacceptable as Baggage - 1.6 We do not transport hunting trophies to encompass all species identified by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. The CITES is an international agreement between governments, which aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.qatarairways.com/en/legal/conditions-of-carriage.html)

R

Ryanair DAC Ireland | Ireland
General terms & conditions (03 Jun 2024) 8.11 Items prohibited for transport 8.11.4 Fish, birds or any animals killed and kept as hunting trophies. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/terms-and-conditions/termsandconditionsar_696869348)

Ryanair UK | United Kingdom
General terms & conditions (03 Jun 2024) 8.11 Items prohibited for transport 8.11.4 Fish, birds or any animals killed and kept as hunting trophies. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/ryanair-uk-terms-and-conditions0)

S

Swiss WorldCargo | Switzerland * 
General Embargo: It is Swiss WorldCargo’s general policy that commodities falling under this embargo list shall not be carried on an LX aircraft, neither may an LX AWB be used for carriage by other carriers: Endangered species, listed under CITES Appendix I in Chapter 6 * * Endangered species, listed under CITES Appendix I in Chapter 6 as well as monkey species (primates, monkeys or apes) will only be accepted if it is a zoo to zoo shipment and if both shipper and consignee are members of the organizations WAZA, EAZA or VDZ and are subject to approval by Swiss WorldCargo. Trading for commercial purposes, with endangered species listed under CITES Appendix II in chapter 6, will be not accepted for carriage. This affects shipments of live animals as well as animal products. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.swissworldcargo.com/en/booking-restrictions)

T

TAP Air Cargo | Portugal * 
Why choose TAP Air Cargo for the air transport of animals? Since 2015, TAP has prohibited the shipment of animal trophies, laboratory animals and any part of animals that appear on the list of "Endangered Animals", as freight. Last accessed May 22, 2025. (See https://www.tapcargo.com/en/products/air-transport-of-animals)

Transglobal Express | United Kingdom **
Dangerous, Hazardous & Prohibited Items: The following are Prohibited Items and are not accepted by any of our carriers: Animals & Animal Products: Includes Animal fur and skin, hunting trophies (including legally acquired), and other animal products. Last assessed 08/11/2023 (See https://www.transglobalexpress.co.uk/information/dangerous-and-hazardous/)

U

United Cargo | United States *
Rates, rules and regulations - Packing and labeling: United restricts the shipment of lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard or rhinoceros trophies as freight. United ships other trophies, following all U.S. domestic and international regulations, which prohibit the possession of trophies or other items associated with protected species. Last accessed March 30,2023. (See https://www.unitedcargo.com/en/us/learn/rules-and-regulations.html)

V

Virgin Atlantic Cargo | United Kingdom *
Cargo - We have an ethical carriage of cargo policy which outlines which products we can and cannot accept as cargo. For example. we will not carry any part of an animal which has been hunted for sport, for taxidermy purposes or for private collections or animals destined for circuses, zoos, wildlife parks and tourist attractions. Last accessed May 27, 2024. (See https://corporate.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/business-for-good/planet.html)

Virgin Australia | Australia
Baggage – Oversized and fragile items: Hunting trophies/shark fins: Virgin Australia does not support the transportation of hunting trophies, endangered species or shark fins and therefore, does not transport these items. Last accessed April 19, 2023. (See https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/baggage/oversized-fragile-items/)

Volotea | Spain
6. Baggage - 6.2. Baggage restrictions:
The following may not be carried as baggage: Any hunting trophies or products of animal origin that are the result of hunting, including (parts of) animals, in checked-in luggage or carry-on baggage. This policy aims to safeguard wildlife from extinction and direct harm, reflecting Volotea’s commitment to minimizing environmental impact and its dedication to responsible practices. We do not transport cargo. Last accessed February 8, 2024. (See https://www.volotea.com/en/legal-conditions/conditions-of-carriage/)

W

WestJet | Canada
Fishing and hunting equipment: 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. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/baggage/fishing-hunting)

WestJet Cargo | Canada *
Fishing and hunting equipment: 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. Last accessed March 30, 2023. (See https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/baggage/fishing-hunting)