Do any of you travel with your Grey by plane? If so, what is involed? Do you buy a ticket for the bird so it can have a seat and be buckeled in? Any problems? Southwest is the usual airline here. My vet recomended taking Precious with me. So far, I have stayed at home, not willing to take any chances. kittykittykitty :unsure: :unsure:
Each airline has it's own policy, but to my knowledge, none of them allow birds in the passenger compartment and must travel in the cargo hold. Best to call you airline's local office (or check their website) for their policies. Nothing worse than assuming one thing only to find out the reality of the situation is completely different.
Good luck!
Hi Kitty, some of our members have travelled by plane with their greys. Lhttp://www.greyforums.net/forums/african-grey/56369-airplane.html#56378look at the threads and I think some of the members will help.
Thank you. Southwest's site says no animals in cabin or baggage hold except for completely trained service animals. That's the only airline from ONT, (CA) to OAK or SMF (CA)where I usually fly. So---:unsure: :unsure: kittykittykitty
How ironic! I just brought my young bird home to San Diego, CA from Tampa, FL. The two airlines that will allow pets are Delta and Continental Airlines. The difference in price is negligible (~ $100). Delta only allows one in-cabin pet per flight where Continental allows four. The pet carrier counts as one carry on; most airlines allow 2 pieces per person. I checked the rules and regulations about hand carrying pets in the cabin. The airlines strictly enforce rules on the size of the cage since it has to fit underneath the seat (maximum size 22" L x 14" W x 9" H). I ordered the carrier from PETCO.COM. In the end, my experience was wonderful. Many people loved having a grey on the plane. The young bird kept the attention and interest of children whose parents were so grateful. Also, I didn't realize Florida has many bird enthusiasts and lovers similar to the dog community in California. Good luck and I wish you and your grey a safe trip!
There is a list of airlines somewhere on the web if you do a search for traveling with your bird. I have taken my bird on a plane and it wasn't as stressful as I thought it would be. He was in the cabin with me and I had a dog as well. You will be required to get a health certificate and a carrier that is approved by the airline. I have done this several times and it can be quite the adventure. I think they are better behaved than most children :P .
There are a couple more airlines that will transport birds. Check on their websites.
I have traveled with my CAG on Delta. THE WAY TO GO is with the AG as a carry-on.
This avoids you having to get a health certificate (usually around $40), and you are in constant control of your beloved.
As for the carrier.... Use a cat carrier that will fit under the seat. I got a soft one from Petsmart in their clearance bin for $7. I then lined and sowed the carrier with window screen, so the bird would chew through it.
IMPORTANTLY, when going through security tell the 1st person you meet at the security station that you have a bird and would request that if they want to examine the carrier you need to take the bird into a closed room to take it out of the carrier. This will make it a lot smoother for you, the bird and the security.
For anyone that is still interested I work for an airline and since I happen to be at the airport today I decided to do some checking for you all. US Airways allows birds in cabin for 100 dollars, Continental does not allow birds unless you go through cargo, i'm not sure about Delta yet there was nobody at the ticket counter. I can check others if you need me to. I pretty much know eveyone at the ticket counters here in El Paso.
That's interesting. About 4 weeks back, I brought my baby TAG, Bobot, from Tampa, FL. to San Diego, CA. on Continental Airlines in the cabin without any problem. Maybe its a restriction from city to city.
It's possible, it also could be that airlines are changing rules constantly or the ticket agent was misinformed. I will double check with the city manager. He owes me lunch so I will ask him tomorrow and let you know.
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