Traveling quandry

OK, so my baby bird will be ready to come home in June and Im flying to visit family---conveniently, the breeder is about 3 hours away. I can either fly her home on the plane with me, or have her shipped. Neither is ideal but both have their challenges.

Scenario A: Pick her up from the breeder, take her on the plane with me.
Pros: Less stressful for all involved, immediate gratification for me, moderately less expensive--JUST.
Cons: Driving to pick her up before my flight isnt feasible, I want to spend time with the breeder going over things and it's too long a day for my mother, who will most likely be taking me to the airport. She's 86 and she smokes like a chimney so if I bring the bird to her home the day before I leave, I reallllly dont want Liesl exposed to the smoke so she'd have to stay in the garage. Not to mention mom wont be thrilled having a poopy bird in the house. Also, my husband will be picking me up, and I havent exactly told him that Im getting a bird yet

Plan B: Have the breeder ship her
Pros: much less fuss and bother, except I have to make a separate trip to the airport to pick her up (appx 4 hours round trip). I can pick her up privately and pretend she's a rescue so my husband doesnt catch on. (the issue isnt the bird, its the cost. I have a cage, i had a rescue, he knows I talk to rescue groups and attend bird club--so the arrival of a bird is kind of a foregone conclusion)
Cons: Its getting toward summer and Delta doesnt ship live cargo on hot days so it could be a real issue if they cut off shipping until fall.

Any brilliant suggestions? Anyone flying from Atlanta to Los Angeles anytime soon and want to bring a bird with them???

WOW you have a um situation there. I would Go with Plan B

I'd also go with plan B.

I know how super excited you are about your baby coming home (soon). It's so obvious, and you're putting a smile on my face when I read your posts.

If you're anything like me, you'll be SUPER anxious the day baby is coming home. Believe me, they 'fly' much easier than many people think. Baby is gonna be stressed one way or another, it won't make a lick of difference whether she's under your seat or down below.

Additionally, since we've talked about 'abundance weaning', what if your girl isn't quite ready the date you're returning home? Then you must be prepared to hand feed her.

I'd say Plan B as well. (As a husband myself, I'm reading rather selectively certain elements of this plan. :54

My main reasons for saying Plan B are A) It doesn't sound like a bird's frequent pooping policy would go over too well at your mother's home (though you could buy a pack of puppy wee-wee pads - unscented - and keep them under her at all times. That's what I do when visiting family with my birds), B) Sounds like you wouldn't have much control over her exposure to smoke in the home, which leads to C) I don't know how bird-friendly your mother's garage would be.

Not to mention Wendy's excellent point about abundance weaning. There really is no way to be sure your girl would be fully weaned by that date.

ok, so I layed the foundation today---husband is now aware that im actively seeking a bird and that one will be arriving---eventually...and has voiced no objections. So, i just need to posit this as a rescue and things will be fine Half the problem solved!

I vote plan B but wanted to tell you I love your pros and cons lists. I do pros and cons list all the time. Keep us posted on your decision!


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Update: Ive been laying the foundation for a few weeks now, joking about him becoming a "parront", etc...he knows Ive been attending bird club and was out looking at rehomes/rescues last weekend---and we have a cage, so it's not like this is a surprise, it's just how to get around the financial aspect. So I put it out there this week, after a lot of prepping--and said that I may be bringing a bird back from my trip home to visit family in June. His immediate reaction was to look at the dog and tell her she needed to up her game, she was about to have competition for mom's attention. (The dog decided to eat a rawhide chewie on the bed last night...made a HUGE mess, and she's not supposed to be up there). Whew! it's ok! YAY

STOP!

Check with Delta what documents they will require prior to even allowing the parrot on an Aircraft!

What kind of parrot are you getting? I do not care, but you need to confirm with your State Government what documents they require to allow that specific parrot into their State! There are restrictions on some parrots. Some States require Vet signed health documents with a separate of weeks and in some cases months between health checks. Other States require that the health documents are signed by a Certified Avian Vet. Try getting that signature at the last minute!

It is also likely that specific paperwork is needed from the Breeder i.e. Ownership Transfer Documents, Bill of Sale, etc....

If you are lucky, you may only need a couple of documents.

Assure that there are multi-copies of those documents attached to both the top and bottom and inside the travel cage!

Thanks for the heads up Sailboat. Delta is one of two airlines who allow birds in the cabin (maximum 4 pets per flight) and seems to be the carrier of choice for most breeders. The breeders know the requirements, certificates, checks, etc..for shipping, so it's all covered. Im still not sure how she's getting here because if she's not fully weaned when I visit, she wont be coming back with me. If she is fully weaned, then I'll make the decision about her travelling in the cabin with me if it's feasible (see above mentioned issues re: smoking parent). As much as Im ready for her to be here, i want to do it right, and obviously do whats best for her.

I'm going to be the odd voice out. Why? It's already in the 80's and I have serious concerns about temperature control on the plane.

Being at your mom's for a day isn't the end of the world. We use Publix puppy pads and Lysol wipes for any poop issues. He isn't going to care about being in a cage for another day, in fact I'm sure staying in the cage will provide a level of comfort and familiarity. The security of being in his own space will help things from getting too hectic, and poop isn't really a concern if he's caged.

The other thing I've learned recently is this - babies are potato birds! Oliver is just now starting to show interest in moving around. Up until now, he has only cared about being fed. It took days for him to even move around his cage, as the breeder had him in a baby cage for his safety while learning to perch and such. I truly didn't realize how baby-like these guys are.

There are a few good Avian vets in Atlanta, one is even 24 hours.

If it were me, I would want to fly. Knowing I can control what the bird is exposed to, and being able to feed them as needed makes me a lot more comfortable.

I understand shipping has been uneventful for many birds, I just can't imagine putting my child on a flight unaccompanied (though my parents did with me!) let alone a baby bird.

The other consideration for my opinion is I can't fly anymore due to my health so it wouldn't even be an option for me to NOT ship a bird. Maybe I'm just living vicariously?

Regardless, you've overcome the biggest obstacle in making sure your husband is on board. I'm sure the baby will be fine either way.

I have to agree with Brittany. Temperature control aboard an aircraft is quite different between the cargo hold and passenger compartment. While the latter is pressurized, it is subject to high temps on the ground, particularly after boarding in hot climates. Beyond the aircraft, the "chain of custody" between aircraft and terminal can be spotty. Some airlines use climate-controlled vans in transit, but I have seen pet carriers left near the loading platform for quite a while. Most airlines have good procedures, but they are only effective if followed by employees.

My preference would be travelling to keep the bird in my custody, though I concede the vast majority of animals travelling by air arrive safely.

I agree, the holding temp on the ground is a fact0r---especiallly in summer, which is my main concern. While Delta does cut off shipping pets when temperatures rise, its still not ideal...plus all of those noxious fumes on the ground. Hot tarmacs and fuel fumes arent ideal for any pet.

The cabin issue is the inverse. First, it's $170-$190 to bring the pet on board--not cheap--AND they have a limit of 4 pets per flight, so Im not quite sure if I have to reserve my space in advance with my flight when I book or not. I talked to an agent last month about it and he was less than helpful. Then there is the under seat dimension (the agent wouldnt give any specs unless I named a specific flight) and they can vary depending on plane, aisle, middle, etc. Airplanes can be notoriously chilly, especially on the floor where the vents are--again, not ideal for the bird. It's a 5 hour flight. Then there is the carrier...since I dont know what height under the seat is, I have to assume a maximum dimension of 10" and i will need a soft sided carrier in case i have to squish the top a bit to fit. That doesn't sound like a lot of headroom for a bird. Delta doesn't require a health certificate for pets in the cabin (they do as cargo--i assume this is for liability should something happen to the pet) but I will likely get one anyway.

Anyone with travel experience have suggestions?

That's my concern exactly. Atlanta is HOT in June. Very hot. Delta has had some cases of mistreatment in the past and that worries me with a delicate bird. Especially if left out on the Tarmac.

I use to fly weekly for work, over 8 years I did this. I was flying home from San Juan, Puerto Rico once and kept hearing noises, little Birdy noises. A man across the aisle from me had a baby African grey he was picking up, in a small pet carrier, and he was checking on him, offering water, etc. The bird was under the seat in front of him, which yes you do have to pay for, however to ship there is a cost too. I've flown many an Embraer ERJ 145s, small plane that seats about 50 and seen many ranges of pets onboard.

I brought my schnauzer onboard in a soft kennel which is was 13x13x19, in inches and she fit nicely. The African grey was in a smaller hard carrier so regardless of what you fly, Embraer 145, 737-200, 747, 757, Airbus, MD-80 etc., you will be fine.

Also, it's rare to see 1 pet on a plane so you shouldn't have a problem with bringing your baby onboard. I have been on flights where large dogs were in the cargo hold and the flight crew provided updates on the pets, but that is dependent on the pilot too.

And a recommendation, if the people in your row try to hog the space under the seat in front of you, make them move their stuff, you paid for that space. Trust me, I have done it. If there are space issues, bring it to a flight attendants' attention, show them your baby, you will get special treatment, smile and be super polite too. Trust me it works! Also the flight attendants do have a closet, I've seen them go out of their way to place a pet in a carrier in their closet so the flight isn't held up and everyone is happy. They do want to help and love fur and feather babies. On one flight they let a dog come out of the kennel and sit on his owners lap. He was great, no issue.

Oh and there was a flight I was on, 737-300, we took off and minutes into the air the flight attendants announced if anyone was lost a cat, hit your call button, we have him the back valley, lol!!!!!

I think the most laborious issues are going through TSA screening because you have to remove the animal from the carrier, hold it and walk through the scanner.

So there is my experience flying every Monday and Thursday each week for over 8 years. If you can't fly with your baby I still reccomend plan B, BUT stay on top of the shipping process. United was seriously dinged several years ago here in Houston for loading dogs, in August, on a luggage cart, rolling them to the gate and leaving them there. They died because of the heat. United here in Houston now has an extremely good program because of that. I've witnessed their Pet Care rides moving pets. They even have a pet hangout so pets can take a break. You definitely have a conundrum.


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Just for you and your baby, this is my laptop bag that I put under the seat. It's 11 inches thick, 17 inches long. and fits under every seat. I've used this bag since 2007 and haven't had any issue storing it under the seat.




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Taw5106 said:

I use to fly weekly for work, over 8 years I did this. I was flying home from San Juan, Puerto Rico once and kept hearing noises, little Birdy noises. A man across the aisle from me had a baby African grey he was picking up, in a small pet carrier, and he was checking on him, offering water, etc. The bird was under the seat in front of him, which yes you do have to pay for, however to ship there is a cost too. I've flown many an Embraer ERJ 145s, small plane that seats about 50 and seen many ranges of pets onboard.

I brought my schnauzer onboard in a soft kennel which is was 13x13x19, in inches and she fit nicely. The African grey was in a smaller hard carrier so regardless of what you fly, Embraer 145, 737-200, 747, 757, Airbus, MD-80 etc., you will be fine.

Also, it's rare to see 1 pet on a plane so you shouldn't have a problem with bringing your baby onboard. I have been on flights where large dogs were in the cargo hold and the flight crew provided updates on the pets, but that is dependent on the pilot too.

And a recommendation, if the people in your row try to hog the space under the seat in front of you, make them move their stuff, you paid for that space. Trust me, I have done it. If there are space issues, bring it to a flight attendants' attention, show them your baby, you will get special treatment, smile and be super polite too. Trust me it works! Also the flight attendants do have a closet, I've seen them go out of their way to place a pet in a carrier in their closet so the flight isn't held up and everyone is happy. They do want to help and love fur and feather babies. On one flight they let a dog come out of the kennel and sit on his owners lap. He was great, no issue.

Oh and there was a flight I was on, 737-300, we took off and minutes into the air the flight attendants announced if anyone was lost a cat, hit your call button, we have him the back valley, lol!!!!!

I think the most laborious issues are going through TSA screening because you have to remove the animal from the carrier, hold it and walk through the scanner.

So there is my experience flying every Monday and Thursday each week for over 8 years. If you can't fly with your baby I still reccomend plan B, BUT stay on top of the shipping process. United was seriously dinged several years ago here in Houston for loading dogs, in August, on a luggage cart, rolling them to the gate and leaving them there. They died because of the heat. United here in Houston now has an extremely good program because of that. I've witnessed their Pet Care rides moving pets. They even have a pet hangout so pets can take a break. You definitely have a conundrum.


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Click to expand...

Great information!! Most flights never reach the "pet limit" so the odds are a particular flight will have availability. Not all aircraft have closets for storage - in the quest for maximizing seat capacity many airlines have deleted any space beyond the overhead bins and under-seat storage.

While the under-seat dimensions vary by aircraft and seat type, this is guidance chosen at random and should be rather generic:

"In-cabin pet kennels
A pet traveling in cabin must be carried in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel. The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of the customer and remain there at all times. The maximum dimensions for hard-sided kennels are 17.5 inches long x 12 inches wide x 7.5 inches high (44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm). The recommended maximum dimensions for soft-sided kennels are 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm). Soft-sided pet carriers may exceed these dimensions slightly, as they are collapsible and able to conform to under-seat space without blocking the aisle. With the exception of birds, there may only be one pet per kennel, and the animal must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. Two birds may travel in the same kennel."

In many aspects of customer service these days, you may receive what you "transmit" by your actions. Not at all defending curt or rude handling, but an earnest request for help, a smile, and exhibition of patience goes a long way aboard a hectic cramped airliner. Animals often bring out the best in people, sometimes they are the best ambassadors for ourselves while travelling!

Two birds per carrier? PERKING HERE! My breeder was given a rescue? ekkie this week. Somebody walked into the local pet store, put the bird on the counter and said they couldnt take care of it any more and walked out--through a series of events it ended up with her since she's the local ekkie lady. What is going on in GA with green boys this month?? While I doubt that I will end up with two right now, it's fun to think about (wouldnt that throw my husband for a loop! I said one was coming home, not two), and of course there's always the quarantine issue for foundlings.

As for cabin temperature, a nice flannel blanket is more than sufficient. I keep my bedroom at 65 degrees and the birds do just fine when in my room for awhile. I usually just put them under a microfiber blanket and snuggle on the bed. To be honest, temp really isn't that big of a deal as long as you insulate the carrier with a thin flannel blanket.