Which Airline would fly cockatoos in the cabin?

[chocobyted]

Hi Everyone,
I will have to travel between California to Canada (Ontaria, East Coast) and have to take my cockatoo with me - he is migrating.

Is there any airline out there that would allow flying with a cockatoo in the cabin? Has anyone had any experience?

 

[chris-md]

In the cabin...where he can scream his fool head off and piss off every passenger within earshot, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

No way. Horrible idea.

 

[LaManuka]

I disagree chris, have you SEEN the way some people behave on aeroplanes these days? And their kids?? Having been an airline employee for 25 years I think I’d rather take my chances with the cocky

Sorry chocobyted I’m being no help - again!

 

[Noahs_Birds]

Have you ever though about getting it freighted separately? Saves a lot of disturbances on flights and is the best option
I have Freighted Finches from all over Australia to me, from Tasmania and even Kalgoorlie Western Australia, and not once have the birds been in bad condition, and is fairly cheap for me
Cheers
Noah Till

 

[chocobyted]

Thanks all!

I was going to get him in the cargo of the same plane I am flying with but then came across this post: Our Cockatoo Died Flying Cargo. Don?t Let This Happen Again. ? The Every Animal Project which is extremely sad to read So I started looking at options to see if it is possible to get him in the cabin with me.
I got him used to playing with wooden marbles for hours - while I work on the computer (for hours near his eyesight), so I am hoping that he doesn't go screaming as I will be within his eyesight as he never screams when that is the case.

 

[noodles123]

Noodles flew cargo once it it stressed her out a lot---plus the temperature on the tar mac wasn't controlled and her feet were freezing when I got her out (even though I asked about that). She was diagnosed with a bacterial infection shortly after--- it certainly stressed her out (but she did survive---I understand your hesitation though---especially because they don't require much in the way of health paperwork/disease screenings (nothing very official at all), and the possibility of exposure to other birds is high). She was terrified, I am sure.

If it comes down to that or re-homing your bird, I'd probably take the risk and fly her, but if you can avoid it, that would be best (obviously)

 

[Inger]

I don’t know about ‘toos specifically, but Alaska allows birds in the cabin and I believe Delta does as well. All of the airlines have pet in cabin info on their websites that will detail what is and isn’t allowed; i do recall that some don’t allow birds at all. They all charge you extra.

On Alaska you have to stow them under the seat at takeoff and landing. Probably the same on any other. Not sure you would be able to get an appropriate carrier that would fit, although Celltei (Pak O Bird people) do make a specific airline carrier that might work.


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[Scott]

United prohibited cockatoos in the cabin for decades. Just checked their site and cannot find the policy, perhaps they have relaxed the standard?

I am not a fan of transporting animals in the cargo compartment, while conceding may do with excellent results. Fact is the below deck compartments are fully pressurized on modern aircraft, though temps may vary considerably. Many airlines keep animals in safe areas until ~30 to 45 minutes prior to departure. Once the cargo door is closed, temps can soar until engines are started, as the airflow cascades from the passenger compartment with most aircraft. To save fuel, many flights taxi to the runway with a single engine, further restricting air conditioning. (you'll often notice this in the cabin) On arrival, the cargo pits are fairly cool, so taxi to the gate is low threat. As long as the temperature embargos are strictly adhered to, odds are the transport will be safe. But if you are travelling aboard the same aircraft, try to carry as "pet in cabin."

 

[noodles123]

I wonder if you could buy a seat for your bird if you could sufficiently strap her in to their standards. A cockatoo won't fit under the seat and there is no way that they will let you keep anything in your lap when taking off or landing.

 

[wrench13]

Make sure you check the laws on importing a bird in to Canada. He might have to sit in quarantine for a certain # of days.

A second seat might be the way to go. My band flew to England once, and the bass fiddle got its own first class seat ( cuz the airline wouldn't accept the wooden crate we had made for it ). I imagine a 'too in a pak-o-bird carrier would be OK in a second seat.

 

[SailBoat]

Hold-on there! Your Cockatoo isn't going anywhere until you have covered the needed Health Check by a Certified Avian Vet (CAV). Canada, like the USA have fair similar Import requirements for Parrots. A current Health Document Is Required!

Time is your biggest enemy here. Here in North America, you will quarantine in your home under the supervision of your CAV who will issue a Health Document. That document is only good for a very specific time. Once expired, the process has to be repeated...

Note, you are limited as to where you can enter Canada, once again, like the USA. With Ontario being your destination, you will be limited to Toronto, if you are lucky one or possible two additional International Import Centers in Ontario.

FYI: Highly recommend that you have your Parrot Microchipped!!! And, have that number included on all documents both Health and Transport!

So, regarding Airlines... Start with those that Provide direct flight from California to Toronto... Then contact each airline that offers that flight! From there determining each Airlines requirements. Note: They will want you to have all your paperwork completed and ready several days prior to departure and will likely direct you to Canada sources for such documents.

With a Cockatoo, (which species by the way?) buying a seat really makes sense as you can buckle the carrier in place. May need to use a belt extender!!!

NOTE: You could need 90 days to make this happen, so you have better get going.

FYI: Also, check the CITES status of your Too... If listed and your baby is under three years of age you will need a complete Hatch Certificate from the Breeder...

And, just one more Point!!! 90 days from now is in the hight of the Spring Migration. Nothing popped up last Fall, so with luck, this Spring should be the same.

 

[noodles123]

Hold-on there! Your Cockatoo isn't going anywhere until you have covered the needed Health Check by a Certified Avian Vet (CAV). Canada, like the USA have fair similar Import requirements for Parrots. A current Health Document Is Required!

Time is your biggest enemy here. Here in North America, you will quarantine in your home under the supervision of your CAV who will issue a Health Document. That document is only good for a very specific time. Once expired, the process has to be repeated...

Note, you are limited as to where you can enter Canada, once again, like the USA. With Ontario being your destination, you will be limited to Toronto, if you are lucky one or possible two additional International Import Centers in Ontario.

FYI: Highly recommend that you have your Parrot Microchipped!!! And, have that number included on all documents both Health and Transport!

So, regarding Airlines... Start with those that Provide direct flight from California to Toronto... Then contact each airline that offers that flight! From there determining each Airlines requirements. Note: They will want you to have all your paperwork completed and ready several days prior to departure and will likely direct you to Canada sources for such documents.

With a Cockatoo, (which species by the way?) buying a seat really makes sense as you can buckle the carrier in place. May need to use a belt extender!!!

NOTE: You could need 90 days to make this happen, so you have better get going.

FYI: Also, check the CITES status of your Too... If listed and your baby is under three years of age you will need a complete Hatch Certificate from the Breeder...

And, just one more Point!!! 90 days from now is in the hight of the Spring Migration. Nothing popped up last Fall, so with luck, this Spring should be the same.

if just flying within the states, there is very little required in terms of a health check (sadly).

 

[Flboy]

Hold-on there! Your Cockatoo isn't going anywhere until you have covered the needed Health Check by a Certified Avian Vet (CAV). Canada, like the USA have fair similar Import requirements for Parrots. A current Health Document Is Required!

Time is your biggest enemy here. Here in North America, you will quarantine in your home under the supervision of your CAV who will issue a Health Document. That document is only good for a very specific time. Once expired, the process has to be repeated...

Note, you are limited as to where you can enter Canada, once again, like the USA. With Ontario being your destination, you will be limited to Toronto, if you are lucky one or possible two additional International Import Centers in Ontario.

FYI: Highly recommend that you have your Parrot Microchipped!!! And, have that number included on all documents both Health and Transport!

So, regarding Airlines... Start with those that Provide direct flight from California to Toronto... Then contact each airline that offers that flight! From there determining each Airlines requirements. Note: They will want you to have all your paperwork completed and ready several days prior to departure and will likely direct you to Canada sources for such documents.

With a Cockatoo, (which species by the way?) buying a seat really makes sense as you can buckle the carrier in place. May need to use a belt extender!!!

NOTE: You could need 90 days to make this happen, so you have better get going.

FYI: Also, check the CITES status of your Too... If listed and your baby is under three years of age you will need a complete Hatch Certificate from the Breeder...

And, just one more Point!!! 90 days from now is in the hight of the Spring Migration. Nothing popped up last Fall, so with luck, this Spring should be the same.

if just flying within the states, there is very little required in terms of a health check (sadly).

From California to Toronto!

 

[noodles123]

Hold-on there! Your Cockatoo isn't going anywhere until you have covered the needed Health Check by a Certified Avian Vet (CAV). Canada, like the USA have fair similar Import requirements for Parrots. A current Health Document Is Required!

Time is your biggest enemy here. Here in North America, you will quarantine in your home under the supervision of your CAV who will issue a Health Document. That document is only good for a very specific time. Once expired, the process has to be repeated...

Note, you are limited as to where you can enter Canada, once again, like the USA. With Ontario being your destination, you will be limited to Toronto, if you are lucky one or possible two additional International Import Centers in Ontario.

FYI: Highly recommend that you have your Parrot Microchipped!!! And, have that number included on all documents both Health and Transport!

So, regarding Airlines... Start with those that Provide direct flight from California to Toronto... Then contact each airline that offers that flight! From there determining each Airlines requirements. Note: They will want you to have all your paperwork completed and ready several days prior to departure and will likely direct you to Canada sources for such documents.

With a Cockatoo, (which species by the way?) buying a seat really makes sense as you can buckle the carrier in place. May need to use a belt extender!!!

NOTE: You could need 90 days to make this happen, so you have better get going.

FYI: Also, check the CITES status of your Too... If listed and your baby is under three years of age you will need a complete Hatch Certificate from the Breeder...

And, just one more Point!!! 90 days from now is in the hight of the Spring Migration. Nothing popped up last Fall, so with luck, this Spring should be the same.

if just flying within the states, there is very little required in terms of a health check (sadly).

From California to Toronto!

Thank you! I knew that when I posted, but didn't see it originally!!!

 

[chocobyted]

Thanks a lot SailBoat, your post is extremely helpful! I have about ~4-5 months to prepare right now and the port of entry would be Toronto (where my family lives right now).

It is an Umbrella cockatoo. Also what is Spring Migration??

 

[texsize]

I was going to say Quantas. If anyone has experience with Cockatoo's .

LOL

 

[Ira7]

I don’t think 99% of airlines allow a seat for an animal, unless it’s considered a service animal.

I can’t even travel with a paid seat for my guitar.

 

[SailBoat]

Thanks a lot SailBoat, your post is extremely helpful! I have about ~4-5 months to prepare right now and the port of entry would be Toronto (where my family lives right now).

It is an Umbrella cockatoo. Also what is Spring Migration??

Hmmm, good idea to enhance around that term...
Each year, a vast majority of Birds Migrate from the North to the South in the Fall: Fall Migration. They then reverse that trip from the South to the North, Spring Migration. This is driven by the vast reduction of food sources in the Great White North during the Winter months and the return of those food sources in the late Spring.

There are three major Migration Routes in the Americas: The Western (Pacific), Central Plains (Mississippi) and Eastern (Atlantic) Migration Routes.

So, why are they important to your moving to Toronto! Your trip crosses all three routes but you will only be interacting with the two outer routes Pacific and Atlantic. If there are any Bird Illness(s) 'of concern' being carried within the migration, transport of Birds can be Stopped by either or both Canadian and USA offices to limit spread of the Illness.

Since your move is in 4 to 5 months (June /July) you would be at the very end of the Spring Migration (June).

Regarding buying a seat for your Too. Early February a Mimi Horse traveled from Michigan to Florida. The owner was required to buy a seat for the Mini Horse... Sounds like seat purchase for an Animal falls under that caught all: Depending of the Requirements of the Airline...

Start your paperwork early!!! Once you have the requirements for entry into Canada (Toronto) provide the Health requirements to your CAV. Also, once you select you Airlines, Buy Early!!!

Enjoy!!!

 

[Scott]

California to Toronto non-stop flights likely limited to Air Canada and WestJet. Any U.S. carriers advertising non-stop will be a code-share* with either of those Canadian airlines.

*Code-share flights are operated on behalf of an alliance partner and fully disclosed.

 

[Squeekmouse]

My husband and I flew United Airlines from San Diego to Chicago with our African Grey in the cabin with us. When I looked up (and called) for their rules on pets/birds in the cabin, the only requirement was that the bird must be in an airline approved carrier (fits under the seat) and not be taken out during the flight. Trigger was silent during the flight (too scared and uncomfortable), and the whole thing was pretty smooth actually. Not that I'm eager to do it again, it was scary for both of us.