Taking a bird on a plane can incur various costs depending on the airline’s policies, the type and size of bird, whether it will travel in the cabin or cargo, and other factors. While rules and fees vary, most airlines do allow birds to fly with passengers in the cabin or as cargo for an additional fee. Careful planning and preparation is required to ensure a smooth travel experience for both the bird and owner.
Airline Policies on Flying with Birds
Most major airlines in the United States allow birds on flights but have restrictions on the types and sizes of birds allowed in the cabin or as cargo. Airlines also limit the number of birds per passenger and require advanced reservations and documentation such as health certificates and import/export permits. Fees are charged for in-cabin and cargo birds.
For in-cabin birds, airlines including American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest and Frontier allow a maximum of two pet birds per passenger. Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines allow only one pet bird per passenger in the cabin. The types of pet birds allowed in the cabin are generally small parrots, parakeets, canaries, finches and cockatiels. Large parrots and birds of prey are usually not permitted in the cabin.
Airlines have various size and weight limits for cabin birds, but most restrict birds to those that can be safely stowed under the seat in front of the passenger. Carriers range from 8.5-18 inches in length and the bird must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. Weight limits are typically 20 pounds or less for the bird and cage/carrier combined.
For cargo birds, airlines are more flexible on types and sizes of birds they transport. Large parrots, chickens, pheasants and other large birds species can often be transported as cargo. Airlines have limits on how many birds can be shipped per flight and may restrict certain breeds. Fees are charged based on the size of the kennel and shipped weight.
In-Cabin vs Cargo Transport
When considering transporting a bird by air, owners must decide whether to have the bird accompany them in the cabin or ship the bird as cargo:
- In-cabin: The bird travels in an approved carrier under the seat in front of the owner. The owner is responsible for caring for the bird by feeding, giving water, and maintaining appropriate temperature throughout the flight. Costs include the pet fee and possibly an upgraded seat to accommodate the bird carrier.
- Cargo: The bird is shipped as live animal cargo and handled by airline personnel. The bird travels in a customized crate secured in the temperature-controlled cargo hold. Costs include the cargo shipping fee which can be expensive. Risks include exposure to temperature swings, airport noise, and handling stress.
In general, in-cabin is recommended for small birds when the owner is also traveling. Cargo transport is typically used for larger birds or when the owner is not flying. Some key considerations for choosing between in-cabin and cargo are:
| In-cabin | Cargo |
|---|---|
| – Bird is with owner | – Allows large bird breeds |
| – Less risky, less handling | – Temperature controlled |
| – Hearing/noise concerns | – No cabin space constraints |
| – Size limits for bird/cage | – Higher cost for large birds |
| – Shorter airport time | – Time in airport cargo facility |
Airline Fees for In-Cabin Birds
Airlines charge a pet in-cabin fee for transporting a bird in the aircraft cabin. This ranges from $100 to $200 each way per bird. Here are the roundtrip in-cabin pet bird fees for major U.S. airlines:
| Airline | Roundtrip Fee |
|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | $100 |
| Allegiant Air | $100 |
| American Airlines | $200 |
| Delta Air Lines | $200 |
| Frontier Airlines | $120 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $175 |
| JetBlue Airways | $100 |
| Southwest Airlines | $150 |
| Spirit Airlines | $110 |
| United Airlines | $200 |
This fee only covers one bird carrier in the cabin per passenger. If transporting two permitted birds, the fee is double. Some airlines offer discounted pet fees for military personnel. Upgrades to business/first class seating may be required or recommended for large bird carriers.
Airline Fees for Cargo Birds
For cargo birds, airlines charge a shipping fee based on the travel distance and size of the bird crate. Unlike dogs and cats, there is no set cost per weight rate. Cargo fees are determined by each airline based on crate dimensions, distance, and other factors. Longer flights typically cost more. Costs vary widely but can range from $150 to over $2000 for large exotic birds traveling long distances.
For example, to ship a Macaw parrot in a 26″ x 24″ x 30″ crate from Los Angeles to New York on Delta would cost approximately $475. Shipping an African Grey parrot in a medium-sized crate from Miami to Atlanta on American would be around $225.
Airlines may offer discounts for military members. Costs do not include charges for required USDA veterinary health certificates, which can range from $100-$250 depending on the vet.
Cost Factors
Here are some key factors that impact the total costs for air travel with a bird:
- Bird size – Larger birds require larger crates for cargo which costs more. For in-cabin, large birds necessitate seat upgrades.
- Number of birds – Fees are per bird for both in-cabin and cargo.
- Carrier or crate – Proper carriers approved for air travel are required. Prices range from $30 to over $250 depending on size and type needed. Crates also required for cargo at additional cost.
- Veterinary health certificate – A certificate signed by a vet verifying the bird’s health is required within 10 days of travel at a cost of $100-$250.
- Import permits – Entry requirements for international destinations can add $100 or more.
- Peak travel times – Higher demand results in higher airfares and fees during periods like holidays.
- Non-direct flights – Connecting flights often doubles pet fees.
- Refundable airfare – Recommended in case plans change, but costs more.
Estimated Costs Based on Examples
Here are some sample estimated costs for flying with birds under different scenarios:
Small bird in cabin for 1-way domestic US flight:
- Airline pet fee: $100
- Carrier: $40
- Vet certificate: $125
- Total: $265
Medium parrot in cabin for roundtrip US flight:
- Airline pet fees: $200
- First class upgrade: $500
- Carrier: $100
- Vet certificate: $150
- Total: $950
Large Macaw parrot as cargo for 1-way international flight:
- Airline cargo fee: $1,500
- Crate: $300
- Vet certificate: $250
- Import permit: $150
- Total: $2,200
Tips to Save on Costs
Here are some tips that can potentially help lower the costs of air travel with birds:
- Book non-peak travel dates to avoid high airfare and fees.
- Compare multiple airlines’ pet policies and fees.
- Consider ground transport for shorter distances.
- Use airline-approved carriers from previous trips if still compliant.
- Crate train bird to avoid seat upgrades for cabin transport.
- Book direct flights with no connections to avoid multiple pet fees.
- Weigh costs of cabin vs. cargo for large birds.
- Research least expensive USDA-approved vet for certificates.
Conclusion
Birds can safely travel on airplanes in the cabin or cargo hold when proper procedures and protocols are followed. Costs range widely based on airline policies, flight distance, number and size of birds, timing, and chosen accommodations. For in-cabin birds, fees are typically $100-$200 roundtrip per bird. Cargo costs are variable but can be $150 to over $2,000 for large exotic birds on long flights. With careful planning, preparation and comparison shopping, bird owners can find the most practical and cost-effective options for air travel with their feathered companions.
