UPDATED: Flying with a Parrotlet: Airline Rules & Regulations

Navigating the friendly skies with a bird, especially a small one like a parrotlet, requires careful planning and consideration. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of flying with a parrotlet. Learn everything from airline rules and regulations to pre-trip preparations to in-flight tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your feathered friend.

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Pre-Trip Preparations

There are several things you’ll want to have squared away when air travel is in your parrotlet’s future. Be mindful of checking the following things off your list before flying with a parrotlet.

Vet Check-up:

Before leaving home on any lengthy journey, schedule a visit to the avian veterinarian. Knowing that your parrotlet is in good health and fit for travel offers peace of mind. This is a good opportunity to obtain a health certificate if required by the airline or the destination.

Flight Regulations and Documentation:

Research and familiarize yourself with your specific airline’s policies regarding traveling with birds. Some airlines have specific requirements (more on this below), such as where parrotlets are allowed to travel or the size of the cage. Ensure you have all necessary documentation and any permits required at your destination.

Travel Carrier:

Invest in a well-ventilated and secure travel carrier that meets airline regulations. In most cases, this just means a cage that will fit under the seat in front of you if your parrotlet is allowed in the cabin of the airline you choose. If your parrotlet is required to ride in the baggage hold, you’ll want an even more secure travel cage as the airline staff will be handling your bird. The last thing you want is for your bird to get out of the cage somehow.

Allow your parrotlet time to acclimate to the carrier before the trip to reduce stress during travel. Make sure the carrier is comfortable with familiar perches, toys, food, and treats.

Identification Tags:

Attach multiple identification tags to the carrier with your contact information. Don’t allow them to hang into the cage as your parrotlet might chew them during transit. 

In case the carrier is separated from you during the journey or if your bird is riding in the baggage hold, these tags can be crucial in reuniting you with your feathered friend.

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Check-In and Security

Arrive at the airport well in advance to allow adequate time for check-in procedures and security clearance. If you are required to remove your bird from the travel cage at TSA, request to do so in an enclosed room instead of at the checkpoint itself. 

This is recommended regardless of whether or not your parrotlet’s wings are clipped. There is much hustle and bustle at TSA and you don’t want your bird to fly away or end up on the ground where it could easily get stepped on. 

You may think that your bird is well tamed and would never fly away, but in a new and crowded environment with so many strangers, you can’t be sure they won’t get spooked. Security will most likely need to wand your bird.

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Airlines Rules & Regulations

Flying with a parrotlet involves more than just booking a ticket; it requires careful planning and adherence to airline rules and regulations.

This list of airline rules for flying with a parrotlet in the USA has been fact checked by the arlobird team. We personally spoke with each and every airline listed below. Although airlines may change their rules from time to time, the information below is up-to-date as of December 8, 2023.

Birds (and most dogs and cats) no longer qualify as emotional support animals and cannot be claimed as such.

Allegiant Air, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines: 

• Parrotlets are NOT allowed to fly on these airlines. 🙁

Alaska Airlines:

• Fees (one-way)
  • $100 for birds in the cabin
  • $150 for birds in the baggage hold
• Parrotlets are allowed in the cabin or the baggage hold for domestic (US) flights traveling to all states except Hawaii.
• A health certificate is required when your parrotlet is being transported in the baggage hold ONLY. The certificate must show the breed, sex, age, description of the bird, examination date, and signature from a veterinarian (rubber stamp signatures are not accepted).
• A health certificate is valid for transport when issued within 10 days of originating travel or within 30 days of return travel on the same ticket.

American Airlines: 

• Parrotlets are NOT allowed to fly on American Airlines.
• Parrotlets are, however, allowed to be shipped by American Airlines Cargo where they will ride in a pressurized and climate-controlled aircraft compartment. AA Cargo states, “While your pet waits for their flight, they will be in a climate-controlled area until they are given a ride to their flight for departure. When it’s time to board, your pet will be the last one on and the first one off the airplane on arrival. Once at their destination, they’re given a ride back to a climate-controlled area where they’ll wait for pick-up.”
• Fees (one way):
  • $290 plus tax (this amount can fluctuate depending on the departure and arrival destinations)
• Live animal bookings can be made within 10 days of flight departure. 
• Call the 24-hour animal help desk at 800-227-4622 or visit aacargo.com to book a flight for your parrotlet.

Delta Airlines:

• Fees (one way):
  • $95 for flights in the United States or Canada. (Parrotlets are NOT allowed to fly to Hawaii, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Guam.)
  • $200 to international destinations (some restrictions apply)
• Parrotlets are allowed in the main cabin of Delta flights.
• Your travel cage must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Your parrotlet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country and at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union.
• Special restrictions for seat selection apply. Learn more about pet travel on the Delta website.

Hawaiian Airlines:

• Fees (one way):
  • $60 for travel within the state of Hawaii
  • $225 for travel between Hawaii and North America
• Parrotlets are allowed in the baggage hold only for domestic flights.
• Household birds are required to have a Bird Import Permit. 
• Parrotlets are required to travel with an animal health certificate unless traveling solely within Hawaii. The health certificate must be dated no more than 14 days before the flight’s arrival at the destination. For more information please check out the pet policy on the Hawaiian Airlines website.
• Birds may be subject to quarantines.

* Please note: Although Hawaiian Airlines allows parrotlets on board, according to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch, pacific parrotlets are recorded under the prohibited list of animals and, therefore are not allowed into Hawaii. Even though the Arlobird team spoke directly with representatives of both Hawaiian Airlines and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, this is contradictory information. We were left a bit confused, so we encourage you to do your research before trying to fly to Hawaii with a parrotlet!

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In-Flight Tips:

It’s important to help your parrotlet feel as safe and calm as possible during air travel.

Comfort in the Cabin:

• If your parrotlet is allowed in the cabin, keep the carrier under the seat in front of you. Notify the flight attendants about your little travel companion, and follow their instructions regarding stowage during takeoff and landing.

Temperature Considerations:

• Be mindful of the temperature in the cabin or cargo hold. Parrotlets are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so ensure the conditions are within their comfort range. Consider using a carrier with good insulation and ventilation.

Hydration and Nutrition:

• Provide your parrotlet’s with enough food, water and favorite treats in the carrier. Just like when traveling with kids, it’s best to have extra on hand in the case of an accident or an unexpected travel delay. 

Quiet and Calm:

• Airports and airplanes can be noisy and stressful environments for birds. Avoid exposure to loud sounds whenever possible. Consider covering the carrier with a lightweight cloth or hand towel to minimize visual stimulation and to create a quiet and calm space for your parrotlet.

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Post-Arrival Considerations

You’ve arrived safely at your destination with your parrotlet. What now?

Full-Size Cage:

• Upon reaching your destination, allow your parrotlet some time to rest and recuperate from the journey in a full-size cage (similar to the one at home if possible). Set up a familiar environment with its favorite toys, perches, and food to help it acclimate to the new surroundings.

Exploration in Moderation:

• While it’s exciting to explore new places, introduce your parrotlet to its surroundings gradually. Avoid overwhelming stimuli, and provide a safe and secure space where it can adjust at its own pace.
• If the new space provides a safe environment for your bird to get out of the cage and exercise its wings, it’s a good idea.

Local Veterinary Contact:

• Identify a local avian veterinarian at your destination in case of any unforeseen health issues. Having a contact in the area can be invaluable if your parrotlet requires medical attention during the trip.

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Conclusion of Flying with a Parrotlet

Traveling with your parrolet can be a wonderful adventure. However, it requires careful planning, adherence to airline regulations, and a deep understanding of your parrotlet’s needs. From pre-trip preparations to in-flight considerations and post-arrival adjustments, prioritizing your parrotlet’s well-being ensures a positive travel experience for both you and your bird.

Remember, every parrotlet is unique, and their comfort and safety should be the top priorities throughout the journey. With the right preparations and a mindful approach, you can embark on a memorable journey with your parrotlet, creating shared experiences and lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Safe travels!

Have you ever flown with a parrotlet? Tell us what airline you used and what your experience was in the comments below.