Moving Across the Country

[ziggybird]

Hey all!

My fiancé just got a new job, and we have decided to make the move from Los Angeles to Miami.

We own 2 Meyers parrots (both 6 years old) and I want to make the move as easy and low stress for them as possible.

What's the best/safest method for transporting them out there? Driving (probably a 5 day drive), flying with them in the cabin with us, flying them out in the cargo hold?

Please share any advice you have!

 

[itzjbean]

I just had a bird shipped to me through Delta Cargo.

They won't ship if both ports are over 80 degrees (as of August) so it may be a little tricky to ship them in cargo right now, and United isn't shipping pets at the moment. I'm not sure of the protocol of having them int he cabin with you.

Hope all goes well in the move. I'd say fly them if you can, a 5 day car drive is a long time to transport birds.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Having had the experience of driving from New Mexico to Ohio with a screaming Patagonin in the passenger seat, I'd advise flying with birds in the cabin, especially if your birds are fairly quiet. With the Rb's noise, they'd have tossed us out over Kansas! I'm scared of cargo areas, but many people use that happily.
Really, if your birds don't mind a nice big travel cage, driving is an option.
Good for you, for planning so thoughtfully.

 

[condobirds]

I am too paranoid to trust my birds to strangers and depend on them to handle the birds with care. There have been too many instances where even dogs have died from poor decisions and handling. Don't know about traveling in the cabin with 2 birds. If this is what you choose, get everything in writing from the airlines, make sure they allow birds in the cabin, most don't. You may need to provide documents from vets, not sure.
My choice since you are moving to Miami, would be to drive. I would make it like a fun experience with them. It is hot and very humid here. Be prepared.

 

[Inger]

I flew across the country with Bumble in the cabin. It was a breeze. Go to each airlines’ website and check the pet policies. I flew Alaska. I suspect you can only fly one bird per human, unless they both fit safely in one carrier that will fit under the seat at takeoff and landing.


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[Scott]

For a move cross-country, I'd rank the choices as flying with pet in cabin most ideal, followed by driving in car, and cargo shipping last.

Most airlines have restrictions for total number of pets in the cabin; two in the same carrier is generally acceptable subject to the total. Seating restrictions apply, so choose and book early if this is your choice.

Temperature restrictions are critical when shipping as cargo. Not sure your time frame, but it is currently very hot in the L.A. area, and Miami is seasonally oppressive!

United has resumed shipping pets as cargo, but does not fly nonstop between LAX and MIA. Unless you wish to have your bird stopover in Houston, Denver, or Chicago, there are better choices!

 

[WinstonToBC]

Hi... If I had to rank the options I would go: cabin, car, cargo. I just flew an Eclectus that I inherited from Florida all the way to BC. It was a 16 hour trip. I took Delta from Ft. Myers to Seattle, WA. I had to do another airline to get to Canada as Delta uses Compass Air for that small flight and they do not take birds internationally. But, I had excellent experiences with Delta. I phoned in my reservation and they reserved a spot. I believe most flights have a 3 pet limit total. I also got a health certificate as some airlines require this. Some travel carriers will hold two. If you go this route, let me know if you would like info on the carrier I got. They are costly but worth every penny. Or, if you have any other questions regarding airports and birds. TSA was smooth as you go through an extra step at security.