TSA question... tomorrow's flight...

[WinstonToBC]

Hi... Tomorrow is the day! Winston will be moving to BC. I am reading up on regulations and would like info on what machines he can't go through. I know he can't go through the X-ray conveyer belt. Does he go through the walk through metal detector? I just want to make sure I don't do something that will put him at risk. Thanks!

 

[Scott]

At last, Winston takes flight to his new home!! Bon voyage!!

My take on dealing with the TSA is a smile and outward willingness to cooperate goes a long way. They have awesome power but are the butt of social media jokes and individual ire; as humans they tend to have a bit of latent defensiveness. So, show up with a smile and ask them how to make the process easier.

You already know the basics; pets in carriers are never run through the carry-on baggage screening belt. They can be carried with you through magnetometers, the "old school" walk-through machines. AFAIK they do not emit but rather sense metal, and "alarm" when a pre-set value is reached. If the alarm sounds, they may let you try again after further purging of potential metal. They can use a hand-held device and/or pat-down to satisfy their concern. According to the next link, "Pets are not screened with advanced imaging technology." That refers to the walk-in whole-body scanners, as they do emit a type of radiation.

So, I'm guessing you and Winston will be offered a walk-through the magnetometer, only question is if he is caged or if they require him removed so it is just you and Winston sans cage. This link seems a good summary: https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2013/04/02/tsa-travel-tips-tuesday-traveling-can-be-dogs-and-cats-birds-etc

Good luck, hope the process is smooth and the flights are great! Let us know when you are able!!

 

[Inger]

When I traveled with Bumble, she didn’t go through either. I handed her (in pak-o-bird) over the screening table, I walked through the new machine, and they carried her into the private screening room. I took her out and they took the POB back and ran it through the baggage scanner. That’s how Seattle handled it, so when I left Virginia I just explained the process to them and they went along with it. They were not as organized as the SeaTac folks.


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[SailBoat]

Arrive early!!! Especially, if your flight is direct into Canada as it will be an additional layer of Security. Plus as so well stated above, the more you know and the Kinder you are will smooth the process. The Private Room is a common theme.

Enjoy your travels! Smiles will get you miles ahead!

 

[Owlet]

I have never traveled with my bird but I have with my dog and they walk us through the old school scanners and wipe my hands to test for bomb residue. I don't know if they would do this for a bird too but it's a possibility. It's just a quick wipe and takes a few seconds.

 

[WinstonToBC]

Thank you all so much. TSA was so smooth. When I put my things on the conveyer belt I requested for a private room as I have a parrot with me. An agent took Winston in his carrier while I walked through the image scanner. They patted me down and swabbed my hands. Then we went to a private room. One agent took the carrier to be scanned and swabbed. Winston was a huge flirt to the other agent while his carrier was getting screened. It took no more than 10 minutes and all of the agents were super friendly and helpful. I had a very positive experience.

He was excellent on two flights. Port of Entry was also smooth. Just waiting on the last flight into Canada.

 

[Jen5200]

Its wonderful to hear that travels are going well so far! So happy for you both and hoping for smooth sailing the rest of the way

 

[Inger]

Oh that means you must be in Seattle! I’m waiving at you and Winston from about 30 miles away!!! I’m so glad it’s going smoothly. [emoji5] Almost home, lil Winston!


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[TiredOldMan]

Godspeed Winston!:41:

 

[ChristaNL]

\o/ first flight was a succes, well done you two!! \o/

 

[Terry57]

I am so excited for both of you! Your journey in making this happen has been such an inspiration, and I am so glad Winston is now home with you. I hope the last leg of your trip went as well as the first part.

 

[EllenD]

Finally!!! It's awesome to have been able to watch this entire process happen from months ago when you started planning his long journey from the southern US to Canada, and it's gone pretty smoothly too...This is a great thread for anyone planning on doing the same trip from the US to Canada to have a step-by-step, responsible example of how to plan way ahead and do this the right way! Thank you for that!

I'm glad you had a positive flying experience..I have to say I'm jealous, as I am not allowed to EVER have a positive flying experience at all, no matter where I'm at or where I'm going...and that's by myself! I can't imagine what I'd go through if I had one of my birds with me, my God, they'd probably be euthanized by TSA with my luck. Thank goodness your trip with Winston went so well...

It does make me wonder what people traveling with a bird that is not at all tame or able to be easily-handled would do when they have to take the bird out of the carrier so it could be scanned...I'm having images of a parrot flying frantically all around a little tiny room, with their owner chasing them around and around with a towel, and then the bird landing on the head or shoulder of a TSA security guard and suddenly CHOMP! right on their ear or their nose...That would not make the rest of your flight experience a positive one...

ANYWAY, WE NEED PHOTOS OF WINSTON IN HIS NEW HOME AND WITH HIS NEW PARRONT!!!

 

[Scott]

Glad the journey began so well, hope the final segment was equally smooth!

 

[WinstonToBC]

We made it to BC! He was great on all three flights. As can be expected, he was exhausted when we got home. Poor boy. The Port of Entry was really smooth, too. I was prepared as I spoke to the supervisor directly and ensured I had all the correct papers. I met with an agent and had the originals, but me had also emailed images of the originals. The meeting was no more than 15 minutes. I think the key is to be prepared. The same goes for the Canadian side. They were unsure on one thing, but I had all my papers and told them who I spoke to and what I was told. They let us through within 15 minutes. We are just chilling today as he is getting used to 2 big dogs and his new cage. He had breakfast, a play on top of his playtop, and watched The Backyardigans. He is such a sweetie.