Has anyone on the forums traveled with their

[mtdoramike]

Bird(s) on a plane within and outside of the US? If so, how did it go?


Thanks,
Mike

 

[triordan]

not me, but it sounds like maybe you are going to the islands???

 

[MonicaMc]

Never done it myself on an air plane, however when I was in the Bahamas, I saw an amazon and a CAG in the same small cage (big enough for both, but small enough to carry it) which had a wooden box around the cage with "windows" while at the airport.

 

[mtdoramike]

not me, but it sounds like maybe you are going to the islands???

Yes, it may be possible so I figured I would look at all aspects of traveling with the birds.

Here is a great article that I came across while searchging the web for bird travel: Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine. Air Travel, Avian Style Here is another great article: Airline Travel with Your Bird: Requirements and Recommendations

 

[MikeyTN]

We do staycation so that's not possible for us to do....plus there's too many to bring....lol

I'm being told by my best friend that she is booking us on a vacation to the beach soon and she already have someone that can watch the babies for us that's able to stay here at the house, her mother, whom we love and trust. So we really have no excuses....I'm just afraid to as certain babies require certain treatment, I don't think she's able to remember them all, plus cleaning time would kill her in a day....lol....

 

[JerseyWendy]

I have. But it's been 17 & 14 years ago. I flew from Oklahoma to Germany, with my cockatiel as carry on. And then in 1998 we flew back to the U.S., again as carry on. It was a piece of cake. All I needed was a health certificate going into Germany. Coming back was a royal pain in the neck because she didn't have a band, and in addition to the health certificate, I needed my vet to sign and stamp a clear photograph of her, identifying her, AND I had to make an appointment with an Import Veterinarian at John F. Kennedy Airport to check her out.

 

[mtdoramike]

I have. But it's been 17 & 14 years ago. I flew from Oklahoma to Germany, with my cockatiel as carry on. And then in 1998 we flew back to the U.S., again as carry on. It was a piece of cake. All I needed was a health certificate going into Germany. Coming back was a royal pain in the neck because she didn't have a band, and in addition to the health certificate, I needed my vet to sign and stamp a clear photograph of her, identifying her, AND I had to make an appointment with an Import Veterinarian at John F. Kennedy Airport to check her out.

The band thing is one issue that I have a problem with. Neither one of my birds are banded. But one good thing is I won't be going out of the country since the Virgin Islands are considered a US Possession and part of the US. Both of my birds are second hand, so no paperwork on either one.

 

[henpecked]

Mike, do you have a long time vet? With my unbanded birds i had to get letter from my vet stating they'd been mine for so many years and were healthy.This was back about 1980 and i was importing into US. My birds flew MAC (military air charter) and could travel on the same flight. They were usually fussy and ready to get out at final destination. IMO they traveled well and didn't have any real issues.

 

[mtdoramike]

No, unfortunately I have only used the same avian vet for less than a year. I wonder if it would make a difference if they were both micro chipped here before leaving?

 

[henpecked]

I would think having them chipped would help. Any way they can be IDed would be a plus.

 

[Kiwibird]

I wouldn't ever travel with my bird (or any animal for that matter) as a recreational thing, only out of necessity. My husband and I are moving in the spring (out of state, not out of country) and have been looking into the least stressful way to move our bird with us. It seems like we are going to have to get him microchipped (since he isn't banded) as well as the vet certifying he's healthy. We have pretty much decided against air travel (even though it's faster) and will just bring him in the moving van and find pet friendly hotels along the way. The thought of putting him in an acrylic box, sending him through the x-Ray scanner then shoving him under a seat for several hours without access to food or water, paired with the possibility he could start screeching mid flight simply isn't fair to him or other travellers. Plus, airlines can still decide to put pets in the cargo area just like luggage if they want (and I wouldn't allow that, period). At least in the front of the moving van, he would be in his familiar transport cage instead of the acrylic boxes for air travel, he can see the world going past, get some fresh air, have access to food and water, and if he gets frightened and screeches, it won't bother us. And if we weren't moving (thus absolutely unavoidable to take him on the trip) there would be no way I'd ever bring him on a vacation. He wouldn't understand, and there's just so many dangers for an animal when traveling. I think you really need to look into this more, and if at all possible, find another means of transport besides air travel. And if your simply taking a trip out of town, leave him at home where he belongs. Find a reputable pet sitter with parrot experience (they exist!) or a trusted friend/family member who can take him in/come over 2x a day and care for him while your gone.

 

[henpecked]

I think Mike is talking about 6 months or more. ( I tried to tell him just to drop them off at my house)