Why would you have to sneak them on the plane? Pay the $35 and check them like baggage? We can pack them in styrofoam with heat. I typically would not ship bass this size but if you're boarding with them and getting off with them depending upon where you're flying it's only a few hours in a box. I currently have them and a 6-foot Aquarium with a dozen monsters as a holding tank for what I am selling. Doing water changes daily and the bass are going through the spawning dance even with 2 foot catfish on top of them. But to answer your question long-term these fish would need a minimum of 300 gallons depending upon the footprint. 500 gallons would be better and the zoo or public Aquarium would be best. They were brought in quite small and accept prepared foods so they may not remember what life is like and their natural environment