Taking a Reptile as a carry-on in the US?

[jasjmm27]

Has anyone tried to carry-on a reptile in the states? It seems it is not advisable or "illegal" in some way, shape, or form?

If you have been able to take an animal as a carry-on (reptile) then which airline and when?

[Steve]

No go... airline regulations prohibit reptiles as carry-on.

[SailleSkinklover]

Snakes on a plane, anyone?
I wonder why a herp would be illegal as a carry on, if you had the proper carying case? Any suggestions/knowledge about this?

[jasjmm27]

That's what I figured, and what I have read...I really don't understand the regulations behind all that...other then poisonous reptiles dogs and cats are far more dangerous to humans...

Oh well, very frustrating, but the way it is, I guess.

[Fatal_S]

There's laws against having unrestrained animals in an aircraft, so I don't think you could ever just walk on with it and cuddle it during the flight.

The laws were made to stop this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN77b9DqEbc

[jasjmm27]

Snakes on a plane, anyone?
I wonder why a herp would be illegal as a carry on, if you had the proper carying case? Any suggestions/knowledge about this?

I think it is mostly due to the general lack of knowledge in the public in regards to herps and the possibility that they could be poisonous...

It is crazy how difficult it can be to get an animal from one place to another unless you make it your business to do that!

[Bird_Brain]

Are you moving or something? I guess I want to know why you are asking if you can fly with your reptile?

[jasjmm27]

Are you moving or something? I guess I want to know why you are asking if you can fly with your reptile?

Just looking into options for taking an animal to a friend. Shipping seems nearly impossible without a 2-3 week "application process" that I will probably go through anyway...just to be able to and driving is 12+ hours each way from here to there, so I was hoping flying might be an option...seems I am out of luck. It's no problem to wait the few weeks, just that my friend can't wait to have his new buddy with him! At any rate, it is just the process of looking into options at the moment...as well as a knowledge base for future reference.

[Steve]

http://www.delta.com/planning_reservati ... trictions/

Reptile, Amphibian, and Fish Containers
Reptiles, amphibians, and fish are only accepted as air cargo, not as carry-on or checked baggage. Shipments must comply with the container requirements of the current edition of the IATA Live Animal Regulations.

Reptiles, other than snakes, need to be placed in a container constructed of wood, plastic or corrugated material. For flight purposes, animals in this category include:

Caiman
Chameleons
Frogs
Geckos
Iguanas
Lizards
Newts
Salamanders
Toads
Safety and security concerns for Delta personnel and customers prevent removal of live snake shipments from shipping containers.

Delta will not accept shipments of live snake (venomous or non-venomous) or venomous reptiles for carriage from an unknown shipper.

Reptile, Amphibian, and Fish Containers
Reptiles, amphibians, and fish are only accepted as air cargo, not as carry-on or checked baggage. Shipments must comply with the container requirements of the current edition of the IATA Live Animal Regulations.

Reptiles, other than snakes, need to be placed in a container constructed of wood, plastic or corrugated material. For flight purposes, animals in this category include:

Caiman
Chameleons
Frogs
Geckos
Iguanas
Lizards
Newts
Salamanders
Toads
Safety and security concerns for Delta personnel and customers prevent removal of live snake shipments from shipping containers.

Delta will not accept shipments of live snake (venomous or non-venomous) or venomous reptiles for carriage from an unknown shipper.

[Bird_Brain]

Are you moving or something? I guess I want to know why you are asking if you can fly with your reptile?

Just looking into options for taking an animal to a friend. Shipping seems nearly impossible without a 2-3 week "application process" that I will probably go through anyway...just to be able to and driving is 12+ hours each way from here to there, so I was hoping flying might be an option...seems I am out of luck. It's no problem to wait the few weeks, just that my friend can't wait to have his new buddy with him! At any rate, it is just the process of looking into options at the moment...as well as a knowledge base for future reference.

I do know DHL will ship harmless lizards and all you ahve to do is fill out a paper and fax it to them. I also know that DHL isnt considered the safest shipper, although I have recieved several packages from DHL (live animals) with no problems. I have also had people ship their animals via UPS and it did not take them weeks to do it. Possibly because they just shipped it without UPS knowing. I honestly would just ship it via Next day Air. I would not go through all the paper work. Most, if not all, will not guarantee live arrival anyways if I remember correctly.

[Celeste]

UPS will ship live, harmless [non-endangered] lizards overnight. See:
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resour ... ve+animals

My local UPS Store would not accept a Prehensile-Tailed Skink shipment, but the local UPS Facility *did* once I showed them the printout from the above web page. (So print out a copy and take it with you, and don't go to a local neighborhood UPS Store, but go to a larger central facility). They may require you to sign a waiver of liability if the animal dies in transit, but don't be scared -- I've never known anyone yet to lose a reptile shipping via UPS. They do a good job!

The U.S. Postal Service will also accept them, but in the past were not quite as reliable for overnight shipments. However, it looks like they have partnered with Fedex for these now, so maybe they've inproved. You have to contact a local "Expedited Service Office", and a link for the phone number can be found here:
http://www.usps.com/send/waystosendmail ... ervice.htm

Of course, you also want to make sure the animal is appropriately packaged for the weather conditions expected, and you include heat packs as needed.

Good luck!

-- Celeste

[LittleFoot]

i have flown both delta and continental and taken my uros with me ( i had them before LittleFoot) One carrier said no problem as long as he was in a sealed container with air holes and he fit under the seat in front of me. The other time I said it was a small dog and had him in a black sherpa bag, they dont look inside them so it was a non-issue. The stewardess when we landed said he was the quietest dog she ever traveled with

[Tattoo]

I would be worried about the temp on a long flight. I always freeze when I get on a plane. Last time I flew my feet were nearly numb when I got to my destination. Hand warmers in with the skink for sure.

[Steve]

Again, the regulations are clear....
Unless you can get permission in writing, I wouldn't risk it.

[SailleSkinklover]

Stay away from USPS. Someone on another forum had a nightmare of a time shipping a Panther Chameleon that got lost for about three days. Both the shipper and the recipient called constantly everywhere they could think of and nobody could tell them where the package was, let alone when/where it had been last seen!
Somehow though, very luckily,the Cham arrived dehydrated but alive. The poor shipper said they would never ever ship United States Post office ever again. Can't say as I blame them! What an adventure that poor Chameleon must have had. . .
I've heard good things about both UPS and Fed Ex.

What about meeting your friend half way, that way its only a 6 hour drive for you and for them?

[Leigh]

Very good idea Sallie,meet half way,if your mate's that keen to get the goodies,they should at least make an effort.