African Grey Carry-on and Airport Security?

Question

I am going to be traveling with my african grey and cockatiel and will be carrying them on the plane. A TSA guy at my local airport said I will be required to remove them from their carrier and walk them through the detector - and I'm afraid of their reaction and the fact that I will be traveling alone. Has anyone gone through security with a bird lately and will they require removal from the carrier?

Answer 1

This is probably true.  We have been made to remove our cats from their carriers and bring them through.  I'm not sure what to do about the birds.  Can you phone the airline ahead of time and request that your security check be done in an enclosed, less busy area in case the birds get spooked?  Or even a separate room altogether, away from the crowd?  They should be willing to work with you since they do not want a loose frightened birds on their hands.

Also, does the airline know you will be bringing them?  They might not let you on if you just show up with them.  We paid a fee to bring our cats on board, and had to show vet records to prove they were healthy and up to date on vaccinations, etc.

Answer 2

Make certain you have a reservation for your birds.  Most flights restrict the number of birds (and animals) that can fly in the passenger compartment.  At the security check, explain that you have live birds and ask to be taken to a room where you can remove your birds from the carriers.  They can then scan the carriers and you can return your birds to them.  Most airports are very cooperative.  Just be polite and arrive in plenty of time so you aren't holding up a long line at security.  (If necessary, particularly for a maybe flighty cockatiel, bring along a second carrier or box that can hold the bird while security scans it's carrier.)

Colette

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Parro...