So can I take birds on a plane? And which airline allows birds in the cabin?
Traveling with a bird can be exciting, but with so many people are willing to take their little birds on airplanes; it is discerning to do some planning to know if you are permitted to take your bird through the security checkpoint and what are your airline regulations about traveling with birds.
Birds are allowed in the security checkpoint without any problem, but, despite the TSA do not mind taking birds you will be required to consider your airline rules about bringing birds on airplanes.(Check the table below)
Keep reading to know more about traveling with birds , from how to prepare your flight, to what kind of paperwork is required.
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Can you Take Birds through the TSA security checkpoint?
Yes,according to the TSA you are permitted to take Birds in the security checkpoint.
Here is a screenshot for what the TSA has to say about taking birds on a plane.
Please take out your pet from the carrying case and place the case through the X-ray machine. You should maintain control of your pet with a leash and remember to remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector. Animal carriers will undergo a visual and/or physical inspection.
Transportation Security Administration
You can bring your bird on a plane into the cabin or as cargo on most airlines.
This passenger asked The TSA on twitter if he could travel with his parrot . It is good to go to the security checkpoint but he will be asked to remove the parrot from the cage and carry it through screening.
Can you travel with a bird in the cabin?
Yes. Your bird can fly in the cabin with you if the bird carrier fits the airline’s regulations and the carrier fits perfectly under the seat in front of you.
If your carrier can’t fit under the seat in front of you, your pet must go in the cargo, and you will be able to receive it at your destination.
Which airline allows birds in the cabin and How much does it cost to fly a bird on a plane?
| Airlines | Birds Policy |
| United Airlines | According to United Airlines, you can bring on board your in-cabin pet’s kennel in addition to your carry-on bag allowance. There’s a $125 service charge each way and an additional $125 service charge for each stopover of more than four hours within the U.S. or more than 24 hours outside of the U.S. |
| Delta Airlines | According to Delta household birds can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee, collected at check-in. They must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. |
| Southwest Airlines | Southwest Pets will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. Six (6) pets are allowed per flight with a limit of one pet carrier per paying Customer traveling on the same flight. However, from time to time, circumstances may allow for more (or fewer) than six (6) pet carriers per scheduled flight. |
| Spirit Airlines | Spirit only allows small domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds and small domestic rabbits on the aircraft. Birds are not allowed to and from cities in Puerto Rico or the U.S.V.I. Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc. will not be accepted. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | According to Hawaiian Airlines Birds are not allowed on the airplanes and the airline may accept small dogs and cats only as pets for travel in the main cabin. |
How do you take birds on a plane?
Some birds may like to travel if they are familiar with the transportation, while others may feel a bit stressed out from travel if this is the first time they are going to travel,
- Get an approved cage
- make the cage comfortable
- put some food in the cage
- Label your cage
- If your bird is stressed, cover the cage with a breathable piece of fabric
- pay the bird fee at the airport
What bird cage should I get and how should I prepare it?
Airlines size and weight regulations differ from one to another, and However most airlines will allow birds to be transported in a solid, lightweight carrier that can be placed under the seat in front of you.
These GABraden Lightweight Bird Carriers will fit almost all airlines under seat with a size of 17 x 9×11 inches, the carrier is lightweight and easy to carry with breathable slots to make your bird relaxed and safe.
Another good bird carrier is this YUDODO Bird Carrier with the size of 16.5 x 10 x 10 inches, also designed with comfort in mind, small slots to bring more fresh air into the bird while his on the journey.
Also you might even want to consider something like this Colorday Lightweight Bird Carrier. It is a bit different and large with a size of 19 x 12 x 13 inches with 4 sided ventilation slots.
Do I need any papers when flying with my birds?
You will only need a physical examination and written health certificate from a federally accredited veterinarian if you are traveling internationally.
Conclusion: Can I take birds on a plane?
You are allowed to bring a bird on a plane. However to do so, first you will need to make sure what the airline regulations are and if there are other restrictions and fees by the airline.
You will be required to take out your bird from the cage at the security checkpoint for screening.
You can ask the security agent if you want a private screening for your bird.
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