It could be true... Alaska Airlines launches new moose rule

Alaska Airlines is to amend its baggage rules, following a high-profile campaign by one-time Republican presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, pressuring airlines to allow the complimentary carriage of one dead moose per adult on flights from Alaska.

The new rules exclude moose that are roadkill.To qualify for free carriage, evidence must be produced that the antlered beast was actually shot by an American. Ms Palin's moose campaign centred on the rights of all Americans to carry hunting rifles to visit Alaska to meet hockey moms and experience "the real America". Ms Palin said: "If visitors want to take home a little memento of their stay, mooses look just great with lipstick on."

Alaska Airlines has worked with the FAA over the implications of the additional moose weight on operational performance as, following the Palin campaign, the airline is also now required to fly at maximum permissible altitude so passengers can see Russia from all windows on flights from Alaskan points.