Birds traveling by Plane

[Diane, Clouds assignment]

Do airlines allow birds on commercial flights? If so, has any one done it? Do the birds have to travel below or can be considered a carry-on in a travel cage in the passenger compartment?

[Patty, Linus and Co.]

Hi Diane,

Linus was sent to me on Delta. When I picked him up the metal crate he was shipped in (made specifically for the shipping of birds) was dripping with condensation and refridgerator cold. I can't imagine what the flight must've been like for him. There are also temperature restrictions, meaning they can't fly if it's over 85 or under like 40 or something on either end of the trip.
With health certificates you can take you bird on board providing he is the animal on the flight. However, he needs to be in a container that fits under your seat, where he must stay for the entire flight. Imagine a too sitting quietly for that long? I wonder if the airlines have ever dealt with horror of a screaming parrot in an enclosed space that no one can escape. It's almost funny.

[Birdlover]

Some airlines will allow them to fly with you and some wont. Ive never flown with my birds but have looked into it. You need a health certificate from the vet and an airline approved carrier that can fit under your seat. You have to make reservations for them to fly with you and last I checked it was about $50.

I have had birds shipped to me and have shipped to others. They have always done well. The restrictions have really increased over the past few years - definitely better for the animals involved. Mine have always been sent in the plastic dog/cat carriers you find in the pet shop. They do go through cargo rather than the regular terminal when shipped alone like that.

[Diane, Clouds assignment]

Thanks, Patty. I've heard too many tragic stories about pets kept in the baggage compartments. If I could even get Clouds travel cage under the seat, I would guess he would have chewed his way out of the cage before we taxied to the end of the runway. By the time we leveled off at our required altitude, he would have shredded the life preserver under the seat. And by the time the flight attendants started serving drinks, he would be strutting up and down the aisle asking everbody, "What are you doin".

[FoxersArtist]

Thanks, Patty. I've heard to many tragic stories about pets keep in the baggage compartments. If I could even get Clouds travel cage under the seat, I would guess he would have chewed his way out of the cage before we taxied to the end of the runway. By the time we leveled off at our required altitude, he would have shredded the life preserver under the seat. And by the time the flight attendants started serving drinks, he would be strutting up and down the aisle asking everbody, "What are you doin".

I must say, this made me laugh myself to tears. That sounds like a cockatoo. Boy though, if that's true you have one determind bird. The only too I have had that destroyed a carrier was an M2.
-Anna

[Diane, Clouds assignment]

Jill, one thing that amazes me most, is how quickly Cloud figures out how to escape 'incarceration chambers'. I've replaced all the washers on his door hinges with SS lock washers. When he is outside is cage, he opens doors, lets the circular plate drop down and then closes the door over it, so it looks locked, but isn't. Every time I leave the house I check and double check and then recheck all the doors to make sure he hadn't rigged them for an escape. I can see how these birds have caused obsessive compulsive behavior in their humans. He had even gone so far as to pry the grate and poop tray out far enough to escape through the bottom. Even knowing all this, I have no doubt that he could escape now if he wanted to.

[Birdlover]

He is one smart Too!! (Too smart?!) Thank goodness Lancelot doest show her "skills" like that. My G2 Rasta (RIP) was so much like that too though. It is unreal the things they can do isnt it? Not just the brains on how but the ability to complete the task!

[TikiTalks]

Thanks, Patty. I've heard too many tragic stories about pets kept in the baggage compartments. If I could even get Clouds travel cage under the seat, I would guess he would have chewed his way out of the cage before we taxied to the end of the runway. By the time we leveled off at our required altitude, he would have shredded the life preserver under the seat. And by the time the flight attendants started serving drinks, he would be strutting up and down the aisle asking everbody, "What are you doin".
LOL :rofl: I almost want to tell you to do it!! I mean sure you'd probably be banned from that airline but i bet everyone would LOVE cloud LOL:smiles:

[bonnie]

Thanks, Patty. I've heard too many tragic stories about pets kept in the baggage compartments. If I could even get Clouds travel cage under the seat, I would guess he would have chewed his way out of the cage before we taxied to the end of the runway. By the time we leveled off at our required altitude, he would have shredded the life preserver under the seat. And by the time the flight attendants started serving drinks, he would be strutting up and down the aisle asking everbody, "What are you doin".
That's what I was thinking!!! I'd NEVER even think about taking Chicken on a plane! I got a screamer and a show off! If he didn't get out to show off he'd be screaming the whole time!

[Patty, Linus and Co.]

Thanks, Patty. I've heard too many tragic stories about pets kept in the baggage compartments. If I could even get Clouds travel cage under the seat, I would guess he would have chewed his way out of the cage before we taxied to the end of the runway. By the time we leveled off at our required altitude, he would have shredded the life preserver under the seat. And by the time the flight attendants started serving drinks, he would be strutting up and down the aisle asking everbody, "What are you doin".

Yup. The center of the universe should never be considered carry on.