13 Airlines That Allow Pet Birds on Planes [2023 Pet Policy]
Traveling with pets has become increasingly common, and while dogs and cats are the most typical companions, some individuals choose to embark on journeys with their avian friends. Flying with birds presents unique challenges and considerations, but with proper preparation and knowledge, it can be a rewarding experience for both bird and owner.
In this article, we will delve into the practicalities of flying with birds, either in cabin or cargo, covering important guidelines, preparations, and tips to ensure a safe and stress-free journey.
Which airlines allow flying with birds?
The following airlines allow flying with pet birds in cabin:
The following airlines allow flying with pet birds and parrots in cargo hold:
It is important to note that each airline may have specific guidelines regarding cage dimensions, required documentation, and restrictions on bird species. Some airlines may also have limitations on the number of birds allowed in the cabin per passenger or per flight. Therefore, it is crucial to contact the airline directly or visit their official website to review their current policies and procedures before making any travel arrangements.
Aegean Air’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: NO
PERMITTED IN HOLD: YES
- Number of birds permitted: 5 birds per person
- Crate size restrictions: N/A
- Crate weight restrictions: N/A
- Fees for domestic flight: 40-90 EUR / 45-100 USD (approx.) depending on size and weight of pets
- Fees for international flight: 95-170 EUR / 105-190 USD (approx.) depending on size and weight of pets
- Additional information:
- Animals may not be accepted to be transported in the aircraft hold for a connecting time exceeding three hours.
For more information, check Aegean Air’s website.
Aeroflot Airline’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: YES
- Number of birds permitted: no limit, as long as the birds have sufficient space within the container
- Carrier size restrictions: 44 х 30 х 26 cm for a rigid carrier and the sum of all dimensions must not exceed 126 cm for soft pet carriers
- Carrier weight restrictions: cannot exceed 8kg (including carrier)
- Cost for domestic flight: 3,750 RUB / 57 USD (approx.)
- Cost for international flight: 75 USD
- Additional information:
- only one carrier permitted per person.
PERMITTED IN CARGO: YES
- Number of birds permitted: one bird per crate / customers may ship multiple crates
- Crate size restrictions: N/A
- Crate weight restrictions: cannot exceed 50kg
- Cost for domestic flight: 3,750 RUB / 57 USD (approx.)
- Cost for international flight: 75 USD
- Additional information:
- The crate should be made of rigid, shock-resistant materials and equipped with handles so that it can be lifted and carried by two freight handlers.
- The crate should be covered with a thick opaque cloth to prevent admission of light.
For more information flying with birds, check Aeroflot’s website here.
Air Europa’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: YES
- Number of birds permitted: in a single container up to 3 pets may be transported, provided that they are all the same species and that the maximum size and weight limits are not exceeded.
- Carrier size restrictions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Carrier weight restrictions: cannot exceed 8kg (including carrier)
- Fare for Mainland, Canary Islands and Balearic Islands: 27 USD
- Fare for Europe and Africa: 55 USD
- Fare for Long haul: 165 USD
- Fare for Inter Canary / Balearic Routes: 10.4 USD
- Additional information:
- The maximum capacity for pets in the aircraft must be respected, which is dependant on its characteristics. For PETC it is always the number of containers that counts and not the number of animals.
- On flights operated by ATR aircraft, the weight cannot exceed 6kg (pet + container).
For more information on birds flying in cabin, check Air Europa’s website here.
PERMITTED IN CARGO: NO
Air India’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: YES
- Number of birds permitted: 2 birds are permitted per flight and passenger
- Carrier size restrictions: 18 x 18 x 12 inches
- Carrier weight restrictions: cannot exceed 5kg (including carrier)
- Fees: varies depending on route
- Additional information:
- Carrier must be soft-sided.
- For flights transiting Middle East – live birds will not be carried as accompanied baggage.
PERMITTED IN CARGO: YES
- Number of birds permitted: 2 pets permitted per aircraft (check for availability)
- Crate size restrictions: N/A
- Crate weight restrictions: N/A
- Fees: varies depending on route and weight of crate
- Additional information:
- Birds must be harmless, inoffensive (not destructive to itself or the kennel), and require no attention during transit.
- For flights transiting Middle East – live birds will not be carried as accompanied baggage.
For more information on flying with birds, check Air India’s website here.
Alaska Air’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: YES
- Number of birds permitted: up to 2 birds of the same species and similar size may travel in the same carrier, provided no body parts protrude from the carrier and the animals are not in distress.
- Carrier size restrictions: 46 x 28 x 28 cm for soft sided carriers and 44 x 30 x 19 cm for hard-sided carriers.
- Carrier weight restrictions: depends on aircraft model (check here)
- Fees: 100 USD each way
- Additional information:
- You may travel with a maximum of 2 pet carriers in the main cabin, only when you purchase the adjacent seat.
For more information on birds flying in cabin, check Alaska’s website here.
PERMITTED IN CARGO: YES
- Number of birds permitted: for information, please contact the Alaska Air Cargo service center at 1-800-225-2752
- Crate size restrictions: depends on aircraft model (check here)
- Crate weight restrictions: depends on aircraft model (check here)
- Fees: 100 USD each way
- Additional information:
- Birds must be harmless, inoffensive (not destructive to itself or the kennel), and require no attention during transit.
For more information on birds flying in cargo, check Alaska’s website here.
Alitalia’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: YES
- Number of birds permitted: up to 5 birds of the same species are permitted in one carrier as long as their combined weight is no more than 8kg.
- Carrier size restrictions: 24 х 40 х 20 cm for a rigid carrier and 28 x 40 x 20 cm for a soft carrier
- Carrier weight restrictions: cannot exceed 10kg (including carrier and food)
- Cost for domestic flight: 45 USD (approx.)
- Cost for international flight: 95-320 USD – check fees for your specific route here.
- Additional information:
- No pets can travel to the United Kingdom or Ireland.
PERMITTED IN CARGO: YES
- Number of birds permitted: contact Alitalia for information
- Crate size restrictions: depends on aircraft
- Crate weight restrictions: cannot exceed 75kg
- Cost for domestic flight: 45 USD (approx.)
- Cost for international flight: 95-320 USD – check fees for your specific route here
- Additional information:
- Birds must be in a rigid container.
- The body of the carrier must be made from fiberglass or hard plastic only.
- The EU and the Ministry of Health have placed a total ban on the importation of birds from Asia, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Romania and the Balkan Peninsula.
For more information on flying with birds, check Alitalia’s website here.
Delta’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: YES
- Number of birds permitted: one bird per carrier
- Carrier size restrictions: determined by your flight. You must contact Delta Reservations to determine the appropriate kennel size.
- Carrier weight restrictions: N/A
- Fees: 75-200 USD (depending on route)
- Additional information:
- Household birds are permitted on domestic U.S. flights only excluding Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.
Check Delta’s website for more information on flying with birds in cabin.
PERMITTED IN CARGO: NO
Finnair’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: NO
PERMITTED IN CARGO: YES
Bookings for birds must be made through a forwarding company, for example Travelcargo-Petexpress (check their website here).
Frontier’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: YES
- Number of birds permitted: N/A
- Carrier size restrictions: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
- Carrier weight restrictions: N/A
- Fees: 75 USD
- International: no (with exception to/from the Dominican Republic and Mexico)
- Additional information:
- Your pet needs to be harmless, not disruptive, odorless, and require no attention during flight.
For more information on birds flying in cabin, check Frontier’s website here.
PERMITTED IN CARGO: NO
Iberia’s Bird Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: YES (except birds of prey)
- Number of birds permitted: you can carry several birds of the same species in the same container if they are small and light enough
- Carrier size restrictions: 45 x 35 x 25 cm and the sum of the three dimensions cannot exceed 105 cm
- Carrier weight restrictions: cannot exceed 8kg (including carrier)
- Fee: 45-180 USD, depending on route
- Additional information:
-
Noisy birds will not be allowed.
-
For more information on birds flying in cabin, check Iberia’s website here.
PERMITTED IN CARGO: NO
Japan Airlines’ Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: NO
PERMITTED IN CARGO: YES
- Number of birds permitted: one large bird or two small birds permitted per crate and one crate per customer
- Crate size restrictions: N/A
- Crate weight restrictions: pet and carrier can weigh up to 32kg and total weight of pet, carrier and passenger’s baggage cannot exceed 100kg
- Fees for domestic flight: ¥3000-6000 / 28-56 USD (approx.)
- Additional information:
- You must prepare a letter of consent to the airline (letter template here).
For more information on flying birds in cargo, check Japan Airline’s website here.
Vueling’s Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: YES (except birds of prey)
- Number of birds permitted: one bird per person
- Carrier size restrictions: 45 x 39 x 21 cm
- Carrier weight restrictions: cannot exceed 8kg (including carrier)
- Fees for domestic flight: 39 GBP / 47 USD (approx.)
- Fees for international flight: 49 GBP / 59 USD (approx.)
- Additional information:
- Animals whose special characteristics (unpleasant smell, poor health, inadequate hygiene or violent behaviour) may cause distress or danger to fellow passengers and crew will not be allowed.
- Hard-sided carriers not permitted.
For more information on birds flying in cabin, check Vueling’s website here.
PERMITTED IN CARGO: NO
West Jet’s Pet Policy.
PERMITTED IN CABIN: NO
PERMITTED IN CARGO: YES
- Number of birds permitted: two to six per person, depending on aircraft / two within one crate
- Crate size restrictions: 101 x 68 x 76 cm
- Crate weight restrictions: 45 kg (up to 100 lb.)
- Fees for travel within/between Canada and the U.S.: 100 – 118 USD
- Fees for travel between Canada/U.S. and all destinations outside the U.S.: 200 – 236 USD
- Additional information:
- Crates must be hard-sided and have any wheels removed.
- Although WestJet accepts birds in checked baggage, not all pets are accepted in all countries.
For more information on birds flying in cargo, check West Jet’s website here.
Flying with birds: Preparation.
Keeping birds and parrots calm whilst travelling may seem like a daunting task as they can be fragile creatures, calmest when enjoying the comfort of their own homes.
Proper preparation is key to ensure the well-being and safety of your bird during the journey. Take the following steps to prepare for flying with birds:
Select an appropriate travel cage.
As well as ensuring that your cage is within the airline regulations, you must ensure it is comfortable for your bird. You must make sure that the cage is spacious enough for the bird to move around comfortably but small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. The cage should be sturdy and have secure latches and be well-ventilated.
Get your bird used to the travel carrier.
When flying with birds, they will need to spend large amounts of time in their travel carriers. So, you want to make sure your bird is comfortable with it.
Begin by acclimating your bird to its travel carrier or cage well in advance. Gradually introduce the bird to the cage, allowing it to explore and become comfortable with its surroundings. This will help reduce anxiety during the journey.
It’s also a good idea to do some practise runs leading up to your flight, to get your bird used to their travel carrier outside the home.
Cover the cage when flying with birds.
Covering a bird’s cage during travel can help create a calm and secure environment for the bird.
Flying can expose birds to various new and potentially stressful sights, such as unfamiliar people, objects, and movements. Covering the cage helps block out these visual stimuli, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in birds. It creates a sense of security and provides a familiar and enclosed space, similar to their natural nesting or sleeping areas.
FAQs when flying with birds.
What bird species are allowed on airplanes?
This depends on which airlines you are flying with However, generally, your bird will need to be a 'non-offensive household' bird. In other words, your bird must be a pet and not a wild bird. Household birds include parrots, cockatoos, parakeets, cockatiels, budgies, canaries and finches, among others. Most airlines won’t allow chickens or other poultry on their flights. Airlines also usually require that your bird is odourless and quiet.
Can I take my bird on an international flight?
It depends on the airline that you are flying with, your destination country and stopover countries, and the duration of your flight. You will need to check policies of different airlines as their rules all vary. For example - United Airlines does not permit pets on flights to, from or through Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand and other locations. Certain airlines will not allow birds on extra long flights, as this puts them at a greater risk of harm and stress.
How do I book a flight when flying with a bird?
Before booking a flight with your bird, make sure that they will accept your bird on board. Only some airlines will allow birds on their flights, and sometimes they are only permitted on specific routes. Additionally, most airlines will only allow two pets of any kind in the cabin per flight. Therefore you will need to reserve a spot for your bird on your flight. For the least stressful journey, try to book a direct flight and avoid traveling during busy periods.
What documents do I need when flying with a bird?
The documents required varies widely depending on where you are traveling from and to. Export and import requirements vary widely between countries. Generally, you will need a health certificate for your bird, to show that he/she is fit and healthy for travel. Health certificates for your bird are only valid for 10 days. Therefore you will need to obtain it within 10 days before travel. Additionally, if you are planning on staying at your destination for over 10 days, you will require another health certificate for your return flight.
Conclusion
When flying with the airlines listed above, it is possible to take your bird on a flight with you.
Please note that airlines usually have different rules for different aircrafts, routes and destination countries. Therefore, it is very important that you check policies for your specific route.
Additionally, most airlines have a restriction on the number of pets they allow per aircraft, so make sure you check availability before booking.
Hope you have found this helpful.
For information on how to keep a bird or parrot calm while travelling check 7 Easy Ways to Keep a Bird or Parrot Calm While Travelling.
For a detailed guide on choosing a bird travel cage check Guide to Best Bird Travel Cages & Carriers [+BEST SELLERS].
Happy travels!
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