Definitions

 

Baggage: Personal property of a Customer as is necessary or appropriate for the wear, use or convenience of the Customer in connection with the trip. Baggage includes Checked Baggage, Personal Items and any other personal property accompanying the traveling Customer. 

 

Carrier:  Star Marianas Air, Inc.

 

Charter:  A flight where all seats are purchased by one entity to create a private flight.

Checked Baggage (“Checked”): Any article or other Customer property (excluding Personal Items) that is taken into the custody of and accepted by SMA for transport.

 

CFR:  Code of Federal Regulations

 

CNMI:  Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

 

CPA:  Commonwealth Ports Authority

 

CQA:  Customs and Quarantine Agency

Customer or Passenger: Any person holding a confirmed reservation for travel with the consent of SMA.

Excess Baggage: Any Checked bag, Gate-Checked bag or Personal Item that causes a Passenger to exceed the Standard Bag Allowance (as defined in that Section) in number, size and/or weight, but which is not overweight/oversized.

 

FAA: Federal Aviation Administration. 

 

Force Majeure Event. This term includes - 

Any condition beyond SMA’s control (including but without limitation, meteorological conditions, acts of God, airport traffic congestion and delays, riots, embargoes, hostilities, or unsettled international conditions whether actual, threatened or reported) or because of delay, demand, circumstances or requirements due, directly or indirectly, to such condition. 

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1. Any labor dispute affecting SMA’s service 

2. Any government regulation, demand or requirement 

3. Any shortage of labor, fuel or facilities of SMA or others; or 

4. Any other fact not reasonably foreseen, anticipated, or predicted by SMA.

 

Infant: A person who has not reached his/her second birthday as of the date of commencement of travel.

 

Itinerary: Route of a Customer’s journey

 

Non-Ambulatory Passenger: Passengers who are unable to walk or move without the support of another person, but who are otherwise capable of caring for themselves without assistance throughout the flight are non-ambulatory. A Passenger who uses a wheelchair for convenience is not considered non-ambulatory nor is a child or infant merely because of that child’s age. If a Passenger can move himself/herself from his/her seat to the nearest emergency exit and ascend and descend the aircraft stairs without the aid of another person, the Passenger is not considered to be non-ambulatory, regardless of the degree of impairment. 

 

No-Show: When a Passenger fails to honor a segment of his or her travel and fails to contact SMA in advance of departure time to inform SMA that he or she will not be on the flight.

 

Rebooking:  A change in date/time of reservation.

Schedule Change: A planned change in advance of the departure date that does not arise from a unique event such as a Schedule Irregularity or Force Majeure Event.

 

SMA:  Star Marianas Air, Inc.

 

Ticket: The record of agreement, including Flight Booking/Cancelation Request Forms, electronic ticket forms (“E-ticket”) and ticketless itinerary forms, for SMA to provide transportation and related services under certain terms and conditions to the Customer named on such record and in accordance with applicable governing tariffs and regulations.

 

 

 

Applicability

 

General

The following terms and conditions apply to all transportation provided by SMA and apply whether or not a ticket for such transportation was sold by SMA or its authorized agents. By purchasing a ticket, submitting payment for a charter, or accepting transportation, the Customer agrees to be bound thereby. There are no third party beneficiaries to this contract. Transportation is subject to the contract of carriage and charges in effect on the date on which payment is made.

 

Applicable Laws 

 

This Contract of Carriage is subject to applicable treaties, laws, regulations, rules, and security directives imposed by government agencies. In the event of a conflict, mandates of governmental authorities will prevail. 

 

Limitations in Liability/Damages 

 

Unless specifically stated otherwise herein or required by law, SMA is not liable for any consequential, compensatory, indirect, incidental or punitive damages arising out of or in connection with the performance of its obligations under this contract of carriage.

 

Modification of Terms

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No employee or agent of SMA has the authority to modify or waive any provision of this Contract, unless authorized in writing by the CEO, President, Senior Vice President or Vice President of the company.

 

Monetary Amounts

 

When included, all monetary amounts, unless otherwise specified, appear in U.S. dollars. 

 

Price and Payment

 

The price has been fixed on the basis of the current local taxes and other public fees and fuel price of the date of present Agreement. SMA reserves the right to adjust the price for flight services for any reason it deems necessary to ensure the financial soundness of its business.  Current fares and prices are available online at:  https://www.starmarianasair.com/fares

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All payments must be made in US Dollars.

 

Any refund by SMA to the customer, shall be made in US Dollars and at the place where the payment was originally made by the Customer.

 

SMA shall provide no ground transportation under this Agreement

Handling of the aircraft, which includes the loading and unloading of all baggage, cargo and freight, is exclusively the responsibility of the SMA.  However, in the case of stretcher patients and oversized cargo, the Customer is required to provide SMA assistance to ensure proper handling and treatment for the loading of the transportation requested. 

 

Severability/Waiver 

 

The invalidity of any provision herein by law will not affect the validity of any other provision which will remain in full force and effect. If SMA fails to enforce any of the sections of this Contract of Carriage or fails to exercise any election, such failure will not be considered to be a waiver of those provisions, rights or elections or in any way affect the validity of the Contract of Carriage.

 

Headings and Titles

 

Headings and titles used in this document are for convenience and not meant to be used to construe or alter contract terms.

 

Consent to Use Personal Data 

 

Upon booking transportation, the Customer authorizes SMA and its affiliates (if any) and authorized agents to (i) collect, process, retain and use, and (ii) transfer to third parties, including, but not limited to, subcontractors, agents, affiliates, marketing partners, other carriers, and government agencies, for their use, processing and retention, any and all personal data you provide when SMA believes in good faith that it is in the interests of aviation security or that disclosure is otherwise necessary or advisable or as SMA deems necessary to carry out any and all business purposes related to the services being requested and/or in the promotion of other information, goods, and services that may be of interest to you, including, but not limited to, the following purposes: making a reservation; purchasing a ticket; obtaining ancillary services, including accommodating special service requests; accounting, billing and auditing; checking credit or other payment mechanisms; Customer relations; sales and marketing; promotions for SMA and/or its affiliates goods and services and third party goods and services; statistical analysis; developing and tailoring current and future services; facilitating travel, including obtaining immigration, security, and customs clearance; complying with applicable laws, regulations, government requests, law enforcement requests, and/or valid court orders; providing data to third parties or governmental or law enforcement agencies to comply with, or assist in the development of, security, safety, or health measures for Passengers, baggage or cargo, or to provide for the prevention or detection of imminent criminal acts or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders; protecting the legal rights of SMA and/or its affiliates.

 

 

 

Baggage and Cargo

 

General

 

Baggage will be accepted for transportation from ticketed Customers only. SMA will not accept baggage whose size, weight or character makes it unsuitable for transportation on the aircraft, or when the property cannot be accommodated without harming or annoying Passengers, as determined by SMA. All baggage is subject to inspection.

 

Government safety and security regulations apply to SMA’s carriage of baggage.

 

Identification of Baggage

 

All baggage which is checked in by the passenger must be properly identified with the name of the passenger. 

 

Size Limit

 

The maximum size per checked bag (to avoid oversized charges) is 62 linear inches.  Linear dimensions are determined by adding the length, plus the width, plus the height.  All luggage over 62 linear inches will be subject to an oversize baggage charge .

 

Oversize and overweight baggage charges can be found on the Fares Page of SMA’s website at:  http://www.starmarianasair.com/fares.   

 

​Due to the size of our aircraft luggage compartments and depending on a variety of factors SMA cannot guarantee that luggage larger than 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches will be carried on the same flight as the passenger.

Excess baggage is loaded on a space available basis and may travel on a later flight.  SMA will not be liable for damage to perishable items or fragile articles in checked baggage.  See the Baggage Limits of Liability Section for more information.

 

Weight Limit

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For reasons of safety, each passenger is limited to 20 lbs. of baggage and one personal item such as a backpack or purse not to exceed 10 lbs.  Any baggage in excess of 20 pounds is subject to an excess baggage weight charge.  Personal items exceeding 10 pounds will be considered as checked baggage and subject to the weight limits stated above.

 

​Excess Baggage charges can be found on the Fares Page of SMA’s website at:  http://www.starmarianasair.com/fares 

 

Presentation of Baggage Upon Check In

 

All items intended for transportation with a passenger must be presented to the check-in agent to be weighed and tagged.  Passengers are prohibited from carrying baggage inside the cabin and all baggage and personal items must be assigned to be stowed in a designated location. Passengers may opt to keep personal items with them after check-in while waiting to board.

 

​Baggage or other personal items which have not been tagged will not be allowed onboard SMA aircraft.  Passengers who do not provide all items intended for transportation during check-in may be denied boarding until all items are properly identified, weighed, and assigned to a designated stowage compartment.

 

Claiming Baggage 

 

Only the holders of the baggage claim check may claim Checked baggage. SMA is not responsible for determining that the holder of the claim check is entitled to the baggage. If baggage claim checks are lost, proof of ownership may be required prior to release of the baggage. Acceptance of baggage by the bearer of a claim check without filing a written complaint will constitute evidence of delivery by SMA of the Customer’s baggage with all original contents in good condition. 

 

Cabin-Seat Baggage and Charges

 

When a passenger requests that item/s or baggage be carried in the cabin, SMA shall have the sole discretion to determine that the item is acceptable as cabin baggage but may require the use of a vacant seat; in order to be accommodated in this fashion, the baggage must be carried aboard the aircraft by the passenger and secured in  the seat next to the passenger’s seat.  SMA shall charge 100% of the applicable adult fare for loading of the baggage in the seat.  Provided that, SMA  will not include the cabin-seat baggage fee in determination of free baggage allowance or excess baggage charges.

 

​Capacity Limitations

 

Operational requirements may limit the amount of cargo and luggage carried on board an aircraft.  Every effort will be made to ensure your luggage flies with you, however there may be times when luggage will fly on a later flight.  SMA will do our best to transport your items as quickly as possible should we not be able to accommodate all luggage and cargo.

 

Restricted Items

 

General

 

Many items used every day at home or work are regulated as Hazardous Materials (aka “hazmat” or “dangerous goods.”) These products may seem harmless; however, when transported by air they can be dangerous. Vibrations, static electricity, and temperature and pressure variations can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or even start a fire. Federal law prohibits hazardous materials from being included in Checked baggage or in any Personal Item. There are a few exceptions for some common personal care items when carried in limited quantities (such as hairspray, perfume and nail polish), medicines, battery-powered electronics and assistive devices. Please refer below for more information on specific restricted items and any requirements and limitations that apply to the handful of exclusions for select Personal Items. The list of restricted items in this section is not comprehensive. If you have a question about a particular item that is not listed, please contact our Reservations Office for further guidance. Customs authorities and other regulators also have rules on prohibited items and may impose additional restrictions, limitations and/or fees beyond those mentioned herein

 

Hazardous Materials

 

Other than exceptions permitted pursuant to 49 CFR 175.10 (these exceptions further limited in some cases due to our aircraft size or type, or because of limitations within our FAA-approved operations manuals), any articles deemed a hazardous material pursuant to DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 171 – 180) and/or the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and revisions and reissues thereof are not accepted for transport. The carriage of hazardous materials aboard SMA’s aircraft in your baggage or on your person is a violation of Federal Law with penalties of up to five (5) years imprisonment and fines of up to $500,000. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, toxic and infectious substances, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples of these prohibited items include:

 

1. Fireworks and flare guns 

2. Propane tanks 

3. Spray cans 

4. Defense sprays including pepper spray 

5. Fuel (of any type and in any form) 

6. Oil-based Paint 

7. Flammable glues including rubber cement and some “super” glues 

8. Strike-anywhere matches 

9. Anything which has contained fuel at any time, regardless of being emptied and cleaned. This includes but is not limited to Camping devices (such as lanterns, stoves and heating equipment which use liquid fuel, propane, butane or similar), Motorcycle or Car parts, Generators, and Gas-powered tools (such as bush cutters and chainsaws) or toys. These items are prohibited unless new, unused in original packaging, contain no battery, and have never contained fuel of any type or in any form. 

10. Most self-inflating devices 

11. Oxygen bottles 

12. Insecticides

13. Household cleaners such as bleach and drain, oven and bathroom cleaners

 

Personal Electronic Devices (“PEDs”)

 

Most consumer portable electronic devices intended for personal use are permitted in Checked bags, or as Personal Items including cell phones, electronic games, tablets, laptops and cameras. Batteries for these devices typically do not exceed the limitations for carriage (see section regarding Batteries below). Note there are important exceptions including, but not limited to, Electronic Cigarettes and Hoverboards. 

 

Although PEDs are permitted in Customer’s baggage, use of these devices is restricted, as governed by the FAA. All PEDs must be turned “OFF” from gate to gate, while the aircraft is in transit. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, electronic games, tablets, laptops, cameras, and portable music devices. Additionally, cell phones must be “OFF” while boarding and deplaning via the airport ramp leading to or from the aircraft. 

 

Approved PEDs for Use Onboard At All Times, with No Restrictions  

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• Portable voice recorders  

• Hearing aids, pacemakers, and other approved electronic medical devices  

• One-way pagers (capable of receiving signals only)  

• Electric shavers  Electronic / digital watches 

 

Prohibited PEDs Not Approved for Use at ANY Time Onboard  

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• AM/FM transmitters and receivers (including televisions and radios)  

• Electronic, simulated smoking materials (e.g. cigarettes, pipes, cigars)  

• Personal air purifiers  

• Remote control devices or toys  

 

Electronic Cigarettes (E-cigarettes) 

 

Due to their potential to overheat or cause fire when activated, as determined by the FAA and ICAO, electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers or any battery-powered portable electronic smoking device (“E-cigarettes”) are not permitted in any Checked or Gate-Checked baggage, or in any external baggage compartment of the aircraft. Please inform an agent if you have e-cigarettes in any of your Baggage. 

 

Use of e-cigarettes onboard the aircraft remains prohibited at all times.  

 

Recharging of the e-cigarettes and/or the batteries on board the aircraft remains prohibited at all times. 

E-cigarettes carried onboard must not exceed a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh. 

 

Batteries (Lithium/Non-Lithium)

 

1. When Installed in Devices to be Transported. When installed in devices intended for use, batteries are permitted so long as the following limitations are met. EACH battery must not exceed the following:

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a. For lithium metal batteries, lithium content of 2 grams 

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b. For lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries, a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 160 Wh. (There is an exception for lithium ion powered mobility devices for disabled Passengers, when applicable for the aircraft based on size and space requirements.) 

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2. PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES: Because of the risk of igniting, the below Lithium Battery-Powered Devices are NEVER accepted for transport under any conditions: 

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a. Damaged devices; 

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b. Devices subject to a safety recall; 

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c. Devices Identified by the manufacturer as having a safety defect; and 

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d. Self-Balancing Recreational Mobility Devices (“hoverboards”). 

 

Spare Batteries (Lithium/Non-Lithium)

 

1. Lithium and non-lithium dry batteries carried for personal use are permitted if protected from damage and ability to short circuit subject to restrictions herein. Because batteries present a risk of both igniting and fueling fires in aircraft cargo/baggage compartments, spare batteries are not permitted in any Checked baggage, or in any external baggage compartment of the aircraft. Please inform the check-in agent if you have any spare batteries (especially lithium batteries) in any of your Baggage. Spare lithium batteries may be carried if the battery’s electrical connections (or “contacts”) are protected from contact with metal or other batteries. The battery must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (by placement in original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g., by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch). EACH battery must not exceed the following: 

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a. For lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams; or

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b. For lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries, a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh. 

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c. For lithium ion batteries, batteries which are greater than 100 Wh may be carried ONLY if: 

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i. there are no more than two batteries AND 

ii. each battery is not greater than 160 Wh. 

 

2. PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES: 

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Because of the risk of igniting, the below batteries are NEVER accepted for transport on any flight under any conditions: 

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a. Damaged batteries; 

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b. Batteries subject to a safety recall; 

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c. Batteries Identified by the manufacturer as having a safety defect; 

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d. Car, boat, aircraft and motorcycle batteries; 

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e. All wet cell batteries

 

Dry Ice

 

Dry ice in quantities of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) or less per Passenger will be accepted. Quantities which exceed this amount will not be accepted. Customers cannot pool their portions together, even within the same traveling party. The container or package must be ventilated to permit the release of carbon dioxide gas, be marked as containing dry ice, and display the net weight and the identity of the perishable item being cooled. Styrofoam coolers containing dry ice must be sufficiently durable and leak-resistant to be accepted for transport.

 

Wet Ice

 

Wet ice will only be accepted when packaged in coolers (including styrofoam) that are sufficiently durable and leak-resistant.  

 

Liquor

 

For alcoholic beverages up to 70 percent alcohol by volume there is a limit of 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per Customer that may be accepted as Checked baggage. Packaging must be in receptacles smaller than 5 liters. Alcoholic beverages more than 70 percent alcohol by volume (140 proof) will not be accepted. Alcohol containing 24% or less alcohol by volume (e.g. beer, wine) is not subject to hazardous materials limitations. CNMI and Guam Customs regulations may impose different limitations and fees.

 

Firearms and Ammunition

 

Federal law provides that no person shall carry a deadly or dangerous weapon, either concealed or unconcealed, aboard any aircraft except: 

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1. employees or officials of a municipality or State, or the United States, who are authorized to carry firearms (e.g. FBI, Secret Service, LEO prisoner escort, Federal Air Marshall) or 

2. crewmembers and other persons authorized by SMA to carry firearms. 

 

Appropriate documentation and identification will be required of any Passenger traveling under this provision. 

Firearms (including all BB guns (regardless of presence or absence of propellant), flare pistols and the like) that are unloaded and encased in a hard-sided suitable locked container may be carried as Checked baggage. All firearms to be checked in this manner must be declared by the Customer (who must be 18 years or older) in writing through the completion of a firearms declaration form. 

 

Ammunition must be securely packaged in a container made of durable fiber, wood or metal, or in the manufacturer’s original package, and placed inside Checked baggage. This may be within the same container used to store the firearm. Ammunition checked in this manner must not exceed eleven (11) pounds per Passenger. The Passenger will be required to complete the applicable declaration forms. The Customer must make all arrangements and assume full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which the firearm/ammunition is being transported.  

 

Marijuana

 

Despite recent changes in local laws, Federal law does not allow marijuana, medical or recreational, in any form, onboard commercial aircraft.  Accordingly, SMA does not permit the transport of marijuana in any form on any of our flights. 

 

​Unsuitable, Valuable Articles

 

The following items are judged to be unsuitable as contents of checked baggage, and SMA assumes no liability for loss, theft, damage or delay in the delivery of:

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• Cash, currency

• Negotiable papers

• Securities

• Business contracts, documents

• Jewelry, watches

• Camera’s, videos and photographic equipment, camcorders, audio equipment, film, camera equipment, photographs

• Electronic equipment/devices, personal electronic equipment/devices, including components such as compact discs and video game cartridges

• Computers and related components

• Binoculars, telescopes, optical devices including eyeglasses

• Silverware

• Precious metals, stones or materials

• Art objects, sculptures

• Historical artifacts

• Original manuscripts

• Irreplaceable books, publications, collectibles such as baseball cards

• Antiques, heirlooms

• Keys

• Sales samples

• Medications

• Furs, including coats, gloves, hats

• Game trophies, antlers, pelts

 

Baggage Limits of Liability

 

SMA assumes NO LIABILITY for the following items: currency; eyewear; photographic/electronic equipment, supplies, media and peripherals; musical instruments; ornamental items including jewelry, wigs, wig boxes, furs, antiques, artifacts, silverware, timepieces; artistic items and works of art, including paintings, prints, rugs, and statuary; cameras and related equipment and supplies; recreational items including sporting/camping goods/items/equipment; mechanical items; negotiable instruments or papers, securities; paper items including decorations, manuscripts, books, personal papers, publications, and business documents; perishable or edible items; light sensitive materials including film and x-ray plates; precious metals, samples, animals, fragile items and other similar valuable and commercial effects, and all medicines, drugs, and toiletries.

 

​SMA shall not be liable for delay in delivery of any perishables, or for damage to or caused by fragile items, liquids or perishables which are unsuitably packed, and which are included in a passenger’s checked baggage with or without SMA’s knowledge.

 

SMA will accept cloth, canvas, vinyl and other soft-sided baggage as checked baggage, but accepts no responsibility or liability for damage such as scratches, scuffs, dents, stains, or cuts that result from normal wear and tear. There is no liability for damage to or loss of protruding baggage parts (such as wheels, straps, pockets, pull handles, hanger hooks) or other items attached to baggage, oversized, overweight, over packed and/or previously damaged bags.

 

​SMA assumes responsibility only for those claims arising from the transportation of baggage over its own routes aboard its aircraft.

 

SMA assumes no responsibility for property damage or loss resulting from passenger security screening or loss incurred in passenger waiting rooms or concourses or for property not checked into SMA’s custody.

 

​All claims are subject to proof of value, loss and are subject to depreciation. Any baggage problems must be reported as soon as possible, and in the case of lost, stolen or delayed baggage, MUST BE REPORTED TO A REPRESENTATIVE OF SMA PRIOR TO LEAVING THE AIRPORT TERMINAL, and no action shall be commenced or be maintained against SMA for baggage related claims, unless there is full compliance with these requirements.

 

Carriage of Live Animals

 

Star Marianas Air, Inc. recognizes the importance of shipping pets and other live animals to the communities we serve and therefore will make all efforts to accommodate our customers’ requests. Certain USDA, IATA, and other international regulations require Star Marianas Air to follow strict guidelines in the shipment of these animals to ensure the health and safety of the animals as well as the safety of our aircraft and flight crewmembers.  Animals offered to Star Marianas Air for air shipments that do not conform to these guidelines must be refused.

 

Travel Requirements and Restrictions

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• Star Marianas Air, Inc. reserves the right to refuse live animals as checked baggage and as cargo if the animal's health is in question and/or if the health of the animal may be jeopardized by extreme weather/temperature conditions.

• Advanced booking for pets as checked baggage or cargo must be booked at least 48 hours before departure.  Small dogs and cats may be accepted as carry-on baggage if they are kept in appropriate containers at the discretion of the pilot in command.

• Animals other than dogs, cats, or fowl must not be shipped on passenger carrying flights.

• The animal/s must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and require no attention during transit.

• The animal must be confined in a cage or container subject to inspection and approval by Star Marianas Air before acceptance and in conformance with 9CFR or IATA live animal regulations.

• Environmental conditions must pose no hazard to the safety or comfort of the animal.

• The passenger must make all arrangements and assume full responsibility for complying with all applicable laws, customs, and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state, or territory to which the animal is being transported.

• If the animal is not claimed within 6 hours after arrival, the animal will be placed in a local kennel at the passenger’s expense.

• Trained service animals are accepted in cabin for qualified individuals with a disability. A service animal should sit in the floor space in front of the customer's assigned seat but cannot protrude into the aisles. Customers may use an approved in-cabin kennel for smaller animals provided its use meets stowage requirements. Exit row seating is prohibited.

 

Fees

 

All shipments of live animals, other than pets travelling as checked or carry-on baggage will be assessed a live animal handling fee in addition to the dimensional or actual weight charges. Live animal fees vary by flight routing / destination.  Please contact our reservations department for more information or for a quotation.

Kennels or other approved shipping containers may also be available for rent.

 

Kennel Requirements

 

To transport pets in the cabin, either soft- or hard-sided kennels must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides. Kennels are not sold at SMA Ticket Counters, but may be available for rent with prior scheduling.

 

To transport pets as checked baggage or cargo, an approved shipping kennel must be used, and it must ship in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. The kennel must provide enough room for your pet to stand and sit erect — without the head touching the top of the container — and to turn around and lie down in a natural position.

 

All kennels must be capable of loading upright in the aircraft bin as required by the Animal Welfare Act and the International Air Transport Association Live Animal Regulations.

 

In addition, USDA rules state that the kennel must:

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• be constructed of rigid plastic, wood, metal or material of comparable strength with solid roofs; no cardboard kennels

• have wheels that can be removed or made inoperable (applicable to wheeled kennels only)

• have ventilation openings on three sides, in addition to the door opening

• have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals

• close securely, but not lock, to allow personnel to open it in case of emergency

• display labels with the words "Live Animal" in 1-inch letters on the crate's top and on at least one side

• display upright arrow labels indicating kennel's correct position; SMA can provide these labels

• contain bedding, shredded paper or towels to absorb “accidents”

• contain two dishes (one for food and one for water) attached to the inside of the kennel door — they must be easily accessible to customer service agents without opening the kennel door

• display feeding instructions and food, if applicable — these instructions should be affixed to the top of the kennel, along with shipper and consignee information

 

Kennel Labeling

 

All animal kennels must display the following;

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• Live Animal Checklist (includes feeding and watering instructions)

• Live Animal label

• Directional arrows

• Wild Animal label, when applicable

 

Prohibited/Restricted Kennels

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• Kennels made entirely of welded mesh, wire mesh, wicker, cardboard or collapsible materials are strictly prohibited

• Kennels with opening doors on top

• Kennels with plastic front doors and/or plastic side latches that secure the top and bottom together without hardware, such as metal nuts/bolts.

 

Reptile, Amphibian and Fish Containers

 

​Reptiles, amphibians and fish are accepted only as air cargo, not as carry-on or checked baggage. Shipments must comply with the container requirements of the current edition of the IATA Live Animal Regulations.  Reptiles, other than snakes, need to be placed in a container constructed of wood, plastic or corrugated material. For flight purposes, animals in this category include (but are not limited to):

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• Caiman

• Chameleons

• Frogs

• Geckos

• Iguanas

• Lizards

• Newts

• Salamanders

• Toads

 

Safety and security concerns for SMA personnel and customers prevent removal of live snake shipments from shipping containers.

 

Animal Breed Restrictions 

(Snub- or Pug-nosed Dogs / Snub-nosed Cats)

 

These breeds are known to have breathing difficulty and SMA will not assume responsibility for safe transport of these animals.

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• American Bulldog

• American Staffordshire Terrier

• American Pit Bull Terrier

• Boston Terrier

• Boxer

• Brussels Griffin

• Bulldog*

• Chinese Pug

• Chow Chow

• Dutch Pug

• English Bulldog

• English Toy Spaniel

• French Bulldog

• Lhasa Apso

• Japanese Boxer

• Japanese Pug

• Japanese Spaniel (Chin)

• Mastiff (all breeds)

• Pekinese

• Pit Bull

• Pug

• Shar Pei

• Shih Tzu

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Tibetan Spaniel

• Burmese

• Exotic

• Himalayan

• Persian

 

Carriage of Fowl

 

All birds must be in at least a cardboard container that is leak proof and can be handled without contact with the bird. The container must have adequate ventilation on at least three sides.

 

Animal Fighting Venture Prohibition

 

Pursuant to Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, §2156 (b),it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive any animal for purposes of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture.  

 

Pursuant to Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, §2156 (e),it shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly sell, buy, transport, or deliver in interstate or foreign commerce a knife, agaff, or any other sharp instrument attached, or designed or intended to be attached, to the leg of a bird for use in an animal fighting venture.

 

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