Thanks for all of the information everyone!
I will be taking a look at Alaska Air for sure. I live in CT so going to either Boston or Harford to fly is not that big of a deal but I don't think I can handle driving down to Newark to catch a flight even if it was cheaper haha. Hopefully AK air runs to either CT or Mass.

I need to get to Anchorage and my buddy will be picking me up there and bringing me back to Valdez. He travels to Anchorage often and didnt think it was worth the extra cost of me flying all the way to Valdez.

I am probably buying my gun case this week and was planning on the Pelican 1750. Most reviews I have read say the case is pretty sturdy. Although it may be heavier then other brands.

Any specific locks for the gun case I should go with?

What is the best way to go about packaging meat/fish for the return flight?

Thanks guys!