Flying with pets post-9/11 is more challenging than ever. Here's what to expect if you travel with a bird.

FLYING WITH PETS is always a challenge, and since Sept. 11, tightened airport security has made the experience even more trying.

If you've ever flown with your parrot, you may find, as I have, that many security personnel are not quite sure how to handle an in-cabin bird.

New security procedures haven’t made the process any easier. You’ll have to get to the airport earlier, make sure your pet carrier is easy to search, and keep certain documents on hand to show as often as necessary.

Following are some tips on how to make your next trip as smooth and as easy as possible for you, airport security, and above all, your bird.

Before making reservations
Some things about flying with pets haven’t changed. Before you book a flight, make sure the airline you choose allows pets in the cabin. Not all do. Some may limit the size of bird to cockatiel or smaller. All airlines require that animals fit beneath the seat in front of you.

The low-profile #100 Cabin Kennel is airline approved and accommodates small-to-medium size parrots with no problem.

FAA regulations allow for only two pets in the main cabin, so your bird must have a reservation. Most airlines charge from $50 to $100 each way, which you will have to pay at check-in.

Also, you’ll want to get a health certificate for your bird from your veterinarian dated as close to the day of departure as possible and ideally 10 days from your return.

Not all airlines require a health certificate, but that may not matter if someone who is unaware of the policy stops you. It’s best to be prepared to present one, just in case. The certificate should require a visual exam from your vet at most.

Preparing your bird
You’ll need an airline-approved under-the-seat carrier. Most pet supply stores have the #100 Cabin Kennel, an inexpensive carrier that’s easy to clean and comes with either a solid or wire top. It measures 17 inches long by 8.25 inches tall by 12 inches wide.

Inside this carrier, you’ll want to place a small cage that comfortably holds your bird. This can be a simple rectangular wire enclosure equipped with a perch and a couple of food cups.

If these under-the-seat accommodations sound cramped, they’re roomier for a bird than you might think. African greys, most Amazons, some cockatoos, conures, pionus and small parrots such as cockatiels, lovebirds and budgies fit just fine.

Do not cover the bottom of the cage with paper or any other material or you may have to remove your bird so the cage can be inspected. Place a small bag of your bird's food and a bottle of water inside the carrier, but make sure there are no scissors, wire cutters or other sharp objects inside.

If possible, clip your bird's wings. The day of the flight, feed and water your parrot before placing it in the cage with food, millet, juicy fruits and an ice cube in the water cup.

What to expect at the airport
Ask your airline how early you should arrive with a pet. Most require at least two hours; some want you there up to four hours in advance. Confirm your flight and connections before leaving for the airport.

Since Sept. 11, the FAA has limited carry-on bags to one, plus a personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. Even though you’re paying extra for your bird, it will count as your carry-on, so you’ll have to check all of your luggage. Some airlines--but not all--have reinstated curbside check-in for luggage.

When you reach the counter, immediately inform airline personnel you have a pet that has a reservation and that you need to pay his expenses.

Present your health certificate and your bird’s reservation confirmation number. Don’t be surprised if the counter person doesn’t know how to process a bird's ticket. Just remain calm and wait patiently. There are a lot of armed law enforcement and military in the airport these days and you don’t want a misunderstanding to develop with anyone.

Make sure you get two receipts: one for your records and one stapled to your ticket. The latter proves you’ve paid for the bird. You’ll want to keep it and your health certificate handy to show again to airline or security personnel if asked.

A bird in the hand
Most airports have turned their x-ray machines up to the highest level and this may harm pets. When you approach the security screening areas, ask for a hand-search of your bird and tell them you can remove it from the carrier for inspection.

Hand the carrier to security and walk through the metal detector. Then gather your belongings and open the carrier and remove the cage with the bird inside.

Hold the cage so that security personnel can see it from all angles. They may ask that the empty carrier go through x-ray to make sure it does not have a false bottom.

There has been virtually no training among security personnel on how to inspect animals, especially birds. Most assume you have an animal that’s easy to remove, such as a cat or small dog.

Be patient and show your airline receipt, health certificate or any other paper they request. If all else fails, ask to see a supervisor.

A privilege, not a right
I’m sure I’m flying safer now than I was six months ago. However, flying is also more difficult, especially if you need to take a pet or show bird along.

Until skilled security personnel are trained to conduct uniform procedures across our country’s airports, air travel will stay challenging.

The important thing to remember is that flying with pets is a privilege, not a right. We’re at war, and our country has more important things to be concerned about right now. But if we all use a little planning and a lot of understanding, we’ll get through this time.

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