Preparation Before the Flight:

• Check with your specific airline prior to booking your flight to insure that they allow bird carriers and parrots in the cabin.
• Inquire about restrictions the airline has regarding size restrictions for the bird carrier and for the bird.
• Make your reservation as early as possible. FAA regulations allow only two pets in the main cabin.
• Budget a minimum $50-$100 each way for your parot.
• Pay for your bird's ticket in advance and ask for at least two receipts
• Get a Passport Style Holder to keep your documents in (Health Certificate and Receipts for Pet's ticket)
• Obtain a health certificate for your parrot from a veterinarian within 10 days of return flight

Preparing Your Parrot For The Flight

• Purchase an airline approved bird carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The maximum height allowed is generally 8"-9". The Celltei Pak-O-Bird Air Cabin Bird Carrier and the Cabin Kennel Bird Carrier meet most airlines in cabin criteria.
• For small or fearful birds place a smaller cage inside the pet carrier in case you have to remove your bird for inspection purposes. Place a perch and food and water cups inside the carrier Do not line the carrier with substrate or paper prior to going through airport security.
• Clip your bird's flight feathers prior to going to the airport just in case you need to pull your bird out of it's bird carrier in the airport. The last thing you want is for your parrot bird to break a blood feather by getting it caught in the ventilation holes during the flight.

Day of Flight

• Feed and water your bird prior to placing it in the bird carrier.
• Place fresh fruits inside the food dish and millet in the carrier. Grapes and oranges are ideal.
• Place an ice cube in the water dish. It will melt and provide your bird with water during the flight..
• Confirm your flight before heading to the airport on the day of travel.
• Make sure that you have your parrot's reservation paperwork prior to leaving home.
• Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your flight so that you can get through airport security.
• At the airport, inform airport counter personnel that you are traveling with a live parrot with reservations when you check in.
• Request that airport security hand-search your bird carrier rather than allowing it to be inspected through the X-ray machine; If you must run the bird carrier through the X-ray machine, remove your parrot from the bird carrier.