Can I Fly With This?
Can I bring bird on a plane?
Quick rules for flying with bird in carry-on and checked baggage. Verdicts and conditions across the major aviation regions below.
🇺🇸 United States (TSA)
A handful of US airlines (Alaska, Hawaiian, and a few smaller carriers) allow small pet birds in cabin with advance approval and fee (~$100). Most major airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest) DO NOT accept pet birds in cabin or cargo. International travel requires CITES permits for many species and USDA health certification.
🇪🇺 European Union (EASA)
Most EU airlines do not accept pet birds in cabin or cargo. Some exceptions for small numbers with permits and veterinary certification. Highly regulated — avian influenza restrictions change frequently.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (CAA)
Pet birds cannot enter the UK as passenger baggage or in the cabin. Must be imported as commercial cargo with strict quarantine and licensing requirements. Avoid unless you have a specialist pet shipper.
🌎 Latin America
Most LATAM airlines do not accept pet birds. CITES permits required for parrots / parakeets / finches; avian-influenza protocols restrict imports.
🌏 Asia (ICAO / IATA baseline)
Most Asian airlines DO NOT accept pet birds in cabin or cargo (avian-flu protocols). Some exceptions on Thai, JAL with advance permits + species certification. CITES paperwork required for parrots, finches, raptors. Singapore + Hong Kong: import permit + 30-day arrival quarantine. Personal pet birds rarely cleared.
🇦🇺 Australia & Pacific (CASA)
AUSTRALIA: import of live birds severely restricted under Wildlife Trade Regulations — most personal pet birds CANNOT enter (only approved species via licensed importer, 30+ day quarantine at PEQ). NZ similar. Native species export from AU also requires permit.