Airlines That Will You Let You Fly With a Pet Bird

You want your feathered friend to be comfy, so choose a travel cage that’s specifically for birds and one that contains a perch. That way, your bird will have something to sit on, which makes your bird more comfortable, says Quesenberry. If you’re taking your bird into the cabin, you’ll need a soft-sided carrier that can stow under the seat during takeoff and landings.

Whatever type of carrier you get, make sure your bird gets used to it a few weeks before you travel, Quesenberry recommends. Let your pet explore their new cage and give them plenty of treats and praise for going inside. It helps if you put in a favorite toy or foods to entice them further.

If your bird is stressed whenever they goes in their carrier, then covering a clear-sided one may help calm her down once you’re onboard the plane. Although sedatives are generally not recommended, talk to your vet about them, especially if you have a cockatoo or other species of bird who screams a lot.

Another reason to take your pet for a checkup: To make sure your bird is travel-ready. Many airlines require recent health certificates when you’re flying with your pet bird—even on domestic flights.

Even airlines that allow parrots onboard may have blackout dates where no pets are allowed (like holidays) or strict rules about the size of carriers and how many pets you can bring onboard. If you already looked at the airline’s policies when you booked your flight, double-check before you go to make sure the rules haven’t changed.

You want your pet bird to be well-fed and hydrated on the trip. Because water bowls can spill, Quesenberry suggests putting some fruit in the cage to keep your bird hydrated, like apples or grapes.

If you can’t bring your bird onboard with you, they’ll have to fly cargo. And that’s where it gets tricky, because you must work with the airlines to make sure your pet is safe, says Quesenberry.

First, make sure the cargo is temperature controlled, and check the temperature for the hold area, where most pets fly. Next, check to see what the airline’s rules are for transporting your parrot to the plane. Some airlines will load pets last—and unload them first—so they’re not waiting around on the tarmac while baggage is being loaded and unloaded.

No matter when your pet is loaded, try not to travel during the hottest or coldest months. (Some airlines will even refuse to transport your pet bird in cargo during those times.) If you must travel during summer, book early morning or late evening flights when the weather is cooler.

Last, but not least, take a direct flight. Your pet bird will thank you.

Even pet-friendly airlines have restrictions for the size of the carrier and the size of your bird (most allow small household birds). Certain routes might be off-limits, and blackout dates might exist. Please consult with the airline before you book your flight.

• Alaska Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

• Southwest
• Jet Blue
• American Airlines

By: Linda Rodgers

Airlines that will allow you to fly with your pet bird in the cabin include Alaska, Delta, Frontier, Spirit, and United. 

Only some airlines allow pet birds in the cabin, and even pet-friendly airlines have policies that may include carrier size limits, blackout dates, route restrictions, the number of pets you can travel with, and pet fees. It’s wise to confirm the airline’s current policies before booking.

Choose a travel carrier made for birds, with enough space for comfort and a perch for your bird to sit on. Most pet-friendly airlines require the use of a soft-sided carrier that can fit under the seat during takeoff and landing.

Most airlines that allow birds in the cabin require a recent health certificate, even for domestic flights, so schedule a vet check before your trip to make sure your bird is travel-ready. Check the current requirements with your preferred airline well ahead of your travel dates to give you enough time to prepare. 

If your bird cannot fly in the cabin, cargo may be the alternative, but it requires extra planning. Confirm that the cargo area is temperature controlled, ask how the airline loads and unloads pets, avoid extremely hot or cold seasons when possible, and book a direct flight.