Continental Airlines will accept most sporting equipment items. Specific guidelines and packaging requirements may apply. Select an item below for more information.
- Archery Equipment
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Continental accepts one item of archery equipment per customer as checked baggage. All items must be properly encased in a suitable container. An item of archery equipment consists of:
- 1 bow case containing bows
- 1 quiver with arrows
- Maintenance Kit of sufficient strength to protect items from accidental damage.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies. Archery equipment carried in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at current excess baggage charge.
Continental is not liable for damage to archery equipment that is not contained in a hard-sided case.
- Baseball Equipment
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Continental accepts one bag of baseball equipment per customer as checked baggage.
Baseball bats are not permitted in carry-on baggage.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to baseball equipment. Baseball equipment carried in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge.
Baseball equipment is subject to applicable overweight and oversize excess baggage charges.
- Bicycles
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Continental Airlines accepts a non-motorized bicycle with single or double seats (including tandem) or up to two non-motorized bicycles packed in one case as checked baggage. A $100 service charge applies each way for domestic travel and a $200 service charge applies each way for international travel. The following are bicycle restrictions:
- Handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed, or
- All loose items must be enclosed in plastic foam or similar protective material, or
- Bicycle should be transported in a sealed box. If a box is needed, see the Courtesy Bags section of this site.
- If your itinerary includes a Continental Express* or Continental Connection flight, please contact Continental for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits
- Continental is not liable for damage to bicycles that do not have the handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed, handlebars and pedals encased in plastic foam or similar material or bicycles not contained in a cardboard containers or hard-sided cases.
Note: Bicycles will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo when no excess baggage is allowed.
- Boogie/Skim/Speed Boards
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Continental accepts one boogie/skim/speed board or one board bag containing up to two boards per customer as checked baggage.
Continental is not liable for damage to boogie/skim/speed boards.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for boogie/skim/speed boards.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to boards. A boogie/skim/speed board carried in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge.
- Bowling Equipment
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Continental accepts one set of bowling equipment per customer as checked baggage.
A set of bowling equipment consists of:
- Bowling ball(s)
- Bowling bag
- Bowling shoes
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to bowling equipment. Bowling equipment weighing more than 50 pounds will be subject to current overweight baggage charges.
Continental is not liable for damage to bowling equipment.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for bowling equipment.
- Camping Equipment
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Continental accepts camping items as checked baggage. Camping items include but are not limited to the following:
- Tents
- Backpacks or Knapsacks
- Sleeping bags.
Certain items made of cloth, plastic, vinyl or other easily torn material and those having aluminum frames, outside pockets, straps, buckles and other protruding parts will be accepted as fragile items. Continental shall not be liable for fragile items. Lanterns, stoves and heating equipment which use liquid fuel, propane, butane or similar will not be accepted as baggage in accordance with dangerous goods regulations.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to camping equipment.
- Fencing Equipment
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Continental accepts fencing equipment as checked baggage. Fencing equipment must be securely encased in a suitable container or packaging.
Fencing equipment in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the excess baggage charge applicable in the market for a single piece.
Fencing equipment containers weighing over 50 pounds (23kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate fencing equipment will be subject to a $50 overweight fee.
Fencing equipment containers measuring over 62 inches (157 cm) L+H+W that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate fencing equipment will be subject to an oversize fee.
Continental is not liable for damage to fencing equipment.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for fencing equipment.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to fencing equipment.
- Firearms
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Continental accepts one item of shooting equipment per customer as checked baggage. One item of shooting equipment is defined as one hard-sided shooting equipment case containing up to five firearms, with or without scopes, 11 pounds (five kg) of ammunition and articles used in the firearm sport.
- Firearms will be accepted only from a customer who is 18 years of age or older.
- International firearm regulations vary by destination and transiting country. Contact appropriate consulates or embassies to obtain specific entry requirements applicable to destination(s).
- Firearms are not accepted to/from Israel.
- Firearms are not accepted to/from Denmark
- For travel to/from the United Kingdom, pistols, rifles and shotguns must be packed in a hard side rifle case.
- Customers traveling to/through Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) with checked firearms/ammunition must obtain permission from the Netherlands Consulate/Embassy in their country of origin prior to departure. Weapons are subject to confiscation in Amsterdam unless the owner can show all required permits. Customers traveling on military orders with checked firearms may do so without prior consent from Dutch Customs. Checked military ammunition is forbidden. For your convenience, the application for permission is available for download in Adobe PDF format.
- Curbside check-in of a firearm is not permitted.
- The firearm must be packaged in a hard-sided container capable of being locked. The container must be locked and the key or combination must remain in the customer's possession. If a hard-sided container is needed, see the container section of this site.
- Handguns must be packed in hard-sided lockable luggage. Baggage containing handguns must be locked at the time of acceptance by Continental Airlines and the key or combination retained in the passenger's custody.
- The firearm will be transported in a section of the aircraft that is inaccessible to the customer. Proof of registration is not required.
- Firearms carried in addition to the free baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge.
- No more than 11 pounds of ammunition may be carried. The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container. Ammunition must be packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood or metal containers. The ammunition inside the container must be protected against shock and secured against movement. The ammunition may be packed in the same container as the firearm or in a separate container.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to checked firearms.
Documents may require the Adobe Acrobat reader, available for free from Adobe for Windows, Macintosh, UNIX and other platforms.
Continental is not liable for damage to firearms that are not contained in hard-sided cases.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for firearms that are not contained in hard-sided cases.
Note: Customer must sign a Firearm Declaration Tag.
- Fishing Equipment
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Continental accepts one item of fishing equipment per customer as checked baggage. An item of fishing equipment consists of the following:
- 2 rods
- 1 reel
- 1 landing net
- 1 pair of fishing boots
- 1 tackle box.
All items must be properly encased in a suitable container not to exceed a total of 115 linear inches (L + W + H) and 50 pounds (23kg).
Fishing equipment over 80 inches in length will not be accepted as checked baggage on any itinerary involving a Continental Express* or Continental Connection flight.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to fishing equipment.
Fishing equipment carried in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge for a single piece, whether or not it is presented as a single piece.
Continental is not liable for damage to Fishing equipment.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for fishing equipment.
- Golf Equipment
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Continental accepts one item of golf equipment per customer as checked baggage.
An item of golf equipment consists of:
- 1 golf bag
- Golf balls
- 1 pair golf shoes.
All items must be properly encased in a suitable container. The golf bag must be covered or enclosed in a heavy, rigid carrying case.
Continental is not liable for damage to golf equipment that is not contained in a hard-sided case.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for golf equipment that is not contained in a hard-sided case.
If applicable, the first or second fee applies to golf equipment.
Golfing equipment containers measuring more than 62 inches (157 cm) L+H+W that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate golf equipment will be subject to an oversize fee.
Note: All customers, including OnePass Elite members, who check a golf bag will experience a delay in receiving their bag at the baggage claim due to way oversized items and sports equipment are required to be loaded, unloaded and delivered to baggage claim.
- Gymnastic Equipment
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Continental accepts one item of gymnastic equipment per customer as checked baggage. Gymnastic equipment must be securely encased in a suitable container or packaging.
Gymnastic equipment in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the excess baggage charge applicable in the market for a single piece.
Gymnastic equipment bags weighing over 50 pounds (23kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate gymnastic equipment will be subject to a $50 overweight fee.
Continental is not liable for damage to gymnastic equipment.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for gymnastic equipment.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to gymnastic equipment.
- Hang Gliding Equipment
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Individual hang gliding equipment components can generally be packed in separate bags for each component. Continental Airlines will accept a maximum of two items per bag for a set of four component bags for a service charge fee of $100 (each way) for domestic travel and $200 (each way) for international travel. The combined weight for all hang gliding equipment components cannot exceed 99.9 pounds (45.4 kg).
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for hang gliding equipment.
Maximum length allowed varies by aircraft type. Hang gliding equipment that is more than 72 inches (183 cm) in length cannot be accommodated on 737 series aircraft. Hang gliding equipment that is 108 inches (274.4 cm) in length or more cannot be accommodated on Airbus A320 or Airbus A319 aircraft.
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in.
Hang gliding equipment is not accepted as checked baggage on Continental Express* or Continental Connection flights.
Hang gliding equipment will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo.
- Hockey/Lacrosse Equipment
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Continental accepts one hockey/lacrosse equipment bag and up to two hockey or lacrosse sticks per customer in place of one checked bag.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to hockey/lacrosse equipment.
Hockey or lacrosse equipment weighing more than 50 pounds (23 kg) or exceeding 62 linear inches (158 linear cm) will be subject to current overweight and/or oversize baggage fees.
Hockey or lacrosse sticks carried in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at current excess baggage charges.
- Javelins
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Continental accepts javelins as checked baggage. Javelins must be properly encased in a hard-sided container.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to javelins.
Javelins carried in addition to the free baggage allowance will be assessed at current excess baggage charge.
Continental is not liable for damage to Javelins.
- Kayaks/canoes
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Continental Airlines will accept a kayak or canoe as checked luggage for a service charge fee of $100 (each way) for domestic travel and $200 (each way) for international travel. The maximum weight allowance is 99.9 pounds (45.4 kg). Maximum length allowance is 156 inches (396 cm).
Continental is not liable for damage to kayaks/canoes.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for kayaks/canoes.
Note: On Continental flights, kayaks and canoes more than 156 inches (396 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage. Kayaks and canoes are not accepted as checked baggage on Continental Express* or Continental Connection flights.
Kayaks/canoes that are more than 72 inches (183 cm) in length cannot be accommodated on 737 series aircrafts. Kayaks/canoes that are 108 inches (274.4 cm) in length or more cannot be accommodated on Airbus A320 or Airbus A319 aircraft
- Kiteboard
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Continental Airlines will accept one kiteboard or one bag containing equipment used in kiteboarding as checked baggage.
If the kiteboard/kiteboard container is over 50 pounds (23kg) and/or 62 (157 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), a $100 service charge applies each way. The service charge is in addition to any excess baggage charges that may apply, but first or second bag charges do not apply.
If the kiteboard/kiteboard container is under 50 pounds (23kg) and 62 (157 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), the $100 service charge does not apply each way, but, if applicable, the first or second bag fee applies.
The board must be well padded or the entire board must be encased in a suitable container to avoid scratching. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to a kiteboard or kiteboard equipment.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for a kiteboard or kiteboard equipment.
Note: On Continental Airlines flights, kiteboards over 115 inches (292 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage. On Continental Express* or Continental Connection flights, kiteboards over 80 inches (203 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Kiteboards will be transported subject to load capacities of the aircraft on any itinerary involving a Continental Express* or Continental Connection flight.
Kiteboards are not allowed during excess baggage embargo periods when no excess baggage is allowed. Kiteboards will be accepted to Costa Rica during an embargo period.
- Oars
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Continental accepts one pair of oars or one oar case containing up to two oars per customer as checked baggage.
Continental is not liable for damage to oars.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for oars.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to oars.
Oars carried in addition to the free baggage allowance will be assessed at current excess baggage charges.
- Paintball Equipment
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Paintball guns are not permitted as carry-on baggage.
Continental does accept one bag containing equipment used in the paintball sport as checked baggage. A paintball gun may be checked in an unlocked soft or hard sided case.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to paintball equipment.
Paintball equipment in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the excess baggage charge applicable in for that market.
Paintball ammunition must be packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in a container that will protect the paint balls from breakage.
Compressed gas cylinders must be empty and have the regulator removed to allow for a visual inspection by a TSA Security Screener.
Unopened paintball air canisters in original plastic packaging are sold empty and customers do not need to demonstrate that the canisters are empty.
Continental is not liable for damage to paintball equipment.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for paintball equipment.
- Parachutes/Parasails
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Continental accepts sport parachutes and parasails as checked baggage. A parachute or parasail taken onboard the aircraft must meet carry-on size restrictions for placement underneath an aircraft seat. When checked as baggage, all excess, oversize and overweight charges will apply. If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to parachutes/parasails.
- Personal Human Transporter
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Subject to aircraft size and load conditions permit, Continental Airlines will accept one 2-wheeled battery powered personal human transporter in lieu of one piece of checked baggage per customer. A personal human transporter is subject to the following:
- $150.00 service charge (each way) The Personal Human Transporter service charge is in addition to any Excess Baggage Charges that may apply.
- A Personal Human Transporter is not permitted as carry-on baggage.
- Continental Airlines is not liable for damage to a personal human transporter. Excess Valuation may not be purchased for personal human transporters.
- A Personal Human Transporter is not generally categorized as mobility assistance devices. Exception: if a Passenger verifies to CO's satisfaction that the Human Transporter is required as an alternative to a wheelchair, Continental will accept it without service charge and Contract of Carriage Rule 28(C)(8) will apply as to claims for loss, damage or delay.
Note: in all cases, the customer will not be allowed to operate the PHT through or past the airport security checkpoint due to safety and operational concerns.
- Pole Vaults
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Continental accepts one pole vault as checked baggage. Pole Vault must be properly encased in a suitable container. Pole Vault acceptance is restricted by aircraft type. Contact Continental Airlines Reservations, worldwide, for maximum length restrictions. Domestically, Pole Vaults have a service charge of $100 (each way) for each pole presented. This charge is in addition to any excess baggage charge that may apply. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to a Pole Vault. Contact Continental Airlines Reservations, worldwide, for international service charge rates.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for Pole Vaults.
Pole Vaulting equipment will not be accepted as checked baggage on any itinerary involving a Continental Express* or Continental Connection flight.
Note: Pole vaults will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo.
- Pool Cues
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Continental accepts one Pool Cue case containing Pool Cues per customer as checked baggage.
Continental is not liable for damage to Pool Cues.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for Pool Cues.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to pool cues.
Pool Cues carried in addition to the free baggage allowance will be assessed at current excess baggage charges.
- Scuba Equipment
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Continental does accept one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport as checked baggage. Scuba equipment in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the excess baggage charge applicable in the market for a single piece.
Dive bags weighing over 50 pounds (23kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate dive equipment will be subject to the applicable overweight fee.
Dive bags measuring over 62 linear inches (157 cm) that contain other items in addition to or in place of dive equipment will be subject to the applicable oversize charge.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to scuba equipment.
An empty dive tank will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a $100 service charge (each way) for flights within the U.S./Canada and a $200 service charge (each way) for international flights.
An empty dive tank or up to 3 rebreather tanks will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a service charge of $100. The empty dive/rebreather tank must have the regulator valve completely disconnected form the tank. The tank must not be sealed (i.e. the tank has an open end). The tank must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection by a TSA Security Screener.
Note: for Rebreather Equipment: Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide or less will be accepted in checked baggage. Soda lime that is 4.1% Sodium Hydroxide will not be accepted in checked baggage.
An item of SCUBA equipment consists of one empty SCUBA tank, up to 3 rebreather tanks or one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport. The empty scuba/rebreather tank and a separate dive bag containing SCUBA equipment will be charged as two separate pieces.
Continental is not liable for damage to Scuba diving equipment.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for Scuba diving equipment.
- Skating Equipment
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Ice Skates
Continental accepts ice skates as checked baggage.
Ice skates are not permitted in carry-on baggage.
If the ice skates are checked as an individual item, it will be counted as part of the baggage allowance.
Roller Skates/Rollerblades/Skateboards
Continental accepts roller skates, rollerblades and skateboards as checked baggage or carry-on baggage.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to skating equipment. Skating equipment carried in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge.
Skating equipment is subject to applicable overweight and oversize excess baggage charges.
- Ski Equipment/Wakeboard
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Continental accepts one item of ski equipment per customer as checked baggage. Ski equipment must be securely encased in a suitable container. An item of ski equipment consists of:
- Water skis
- Snowboard
- Wakeboard
- Up to 2 pair of snow skis and associated equipment in 1 bag and 1 ski boot bag. (Note: If ski boot bag contains other items in addition to or in place of boots, it will be subject to applicable baggage fees or excess baggage fees.)
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to ski equipment.
Ski equipment in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the excess baggage charge applicable in the market for a single piece.
Ski or boot bags weighing over 50 pounds (23kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate ski equipment will be subject to the applicable overweight fee.
Continental is not liable for damage to water ski/snow ski/snowboard equipment.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for water ski/snow ski/snowboard equipment.
- Surfboard
- Continental Airlines will accept one surfboard or one surfboard bag containing up to four boards per customer as checked baggage, weighing 50 pounds or less for a service charge fee of $100 (each way) for domestic travel, and $200 (each way) for international travel.
This service charge is in addition to any excessand overweight baggage charges that may apply.
The skeg/fin must be removed or well padded. The entire board must be encased in a suitable container to avoid scratching. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to a surfboard. Excess Valuation may not be purchased for a surfboard/wakeboard.
Surfboard/wakeboard and surfboard bags over 70lbs (32 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Note: On Continental Airlines flights, surfboards or, surfboard bags over 115 inches (292 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage. On Continental Express* or Continental Connection flights, surfboards, or surfboard bags over 80 inches (203 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Surfboards will be transported subject to load capacities of the aircraft on any itinerary involving a Continental Express* or Continental Connection flight.
Surfboards will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo when no excess baggage is allowed. Exception: Surfboards will be accepted to Costa Rica during an embargo period.
- Tennis Equipment
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Continental accepts one item of tennis equipment as checked baggage or carry-on baggage. An item of tennis equipment consists of one tennis racket case containing tennis rackets and balls.
Tennis equipment must be properly protected or a limited liability form must be signed.
If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to tennis equipment. Tennis equipment carried in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge.
Tennis equipment is subject to applicable overweight and oversize excess baggage charges.
- Wave Ski
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Continental Airlines will accept one wave ski or one bag containing equipment used in wave skiing as checked baggage. A wave ski or one bag containing equipment used in wave skiing is subject to a $100.00 service charge (each way).
The board must be well padded or the entire board must be encased in a suitable container to avoid scratching. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to a wave ski or wave ski equipment.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for a Wave Ski.
Note: On Continental Airlines flights, wave skis over 115 inches (292 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage. On Continental Express* or Continental Connection flights, wave skis over 80 inches (203 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage.
Wave skis will be transported subject to load capacities of the aircraft on any itinerary involving a Continental Express* or Continental Connection flight.
Wave skis will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo.
- Windsurfing Equipment
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Continental Airlines accepts one piece of windsurfing equipment not exceeding 70 pounds per ticketed customer as checked baggage. Windsurfing equipment is not a part of the free baggage allowance. Windsurfing equipment is subject to a $160.00 service charge (each way) per item. This charge is in addition to any excess baggage charges that may apply. An item of windsurfing equipment consists of:
- 1 windsurfing board not to exceed 115 inches in length
- 1 boom
- 1 mast
- 1 sail
- Necessary hardware
Windsurfing equipment must be padded and enclosed in a suitable package sufficient to protect from scratches or dents or other damage during normal handling. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to windsurfing equipment.
Windsurfing equipment will not be accepted as checked baggage on any itinerary involving a Continental Express* or Continental Connection flight.
Note: Wind surfers will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo.
* Operated by ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. and Chautauqua Airlines, Inc.