by Laurel A Rockefeller

Created on: October 26, 2008   Last Updated: January 26, 2012

Air travel with a pet. When most people talk about this, they are referring to a dog or cat. And then there are the bird people. Yes, avians traveling by aviation. And if you thought traveling with a dog or cat was challenging-you never tried flying with a cockatiel!

Actually I flew with TWO cockatiels-which I could do in one travel cage at the time I flew: July, 2000.

Here are some tips to help you fly with birds specifically:

1) Check airline avian rules. In July 2000, when I moved from the Midwest to New Jersey, I called ten different airlines and got ten different answers about their rules for flying with birds.

That was then. Post, 9/11, things have changed. Since January, 2002, I have periodically contacted the same airlines as I contacted in June, 2000. What I discovered has surprised me: the airlines keep changing their minds about what you can do.

So do what I did when planning my move by airline and call all the airlines. There is no such thing as the stupid question or question that should not be asked. And when it comes to birds, if you don't like what you are hearing, tell them.

2) Get the right travel cage: the airlines have approved a specific travel cage that will fit under the seats in the planes. The size of this standard cabin cage measures 10"W x16"L x8"H. What kind of bird can travel in this is largely going to depend on how far you are traveling, your airline rules, your bird's comfort zone, and somewhat the size of the bird.

When I moved with this size cage, my cockatiels were quite comfortable in this cage-as comfortable as two migratory birds who are not used to being caged at all will get being in any cage for 12 entire hours will be. But they could pace around, both of them, and not step on each other.

They had two perches in there that I had figured out how to secure through the air slots so they had a way of not slipping and sliding everywhere and handled the trip fine. And they had a toy and some millet for food. It was a setup they managed to deal with for a few hours. Which was the point.

3) Setup the cage properly: Assuming you can use the cabin cage and your bird or birds are fine within it, you need to make sure your cage is set up properly. Line the bottom with a towel. Put in a perch. Provide at least one millet spray as food (not loose seed which will spill). And absolutely put in at least one toy for your bird to play with. For a source of moisture, provide some sort of fruit or veggie. And of course, if you can find a water to attach a water bottle to your airline approved travel cage, a water bottle is better yet.

With these three foundations in place, you are ready to depart for your trip-which can be a lot of fun. I'll never forget my move and the special attention my cockatiels brought during the trip. Children rushed to see the birds. People came to help me with my bags and to help me get from one gate to another just because they wanted to play with the cockatiels. There's quite a rush that happens when your parrot starts singing a song in an airline terminal.

Here's to more parrots singing on airplanes!

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