Owais Crawford
Snakes on a plane? It's a question that's slithered its way into many a traveller's mind. The short answer is: it depends. While some airlines may permit snakes in the cargo hold, provided they are packaged correctly, most airlines prohibit snakes from travelling in plane cabins. This includes emotional support snakes, which are no longer allowed on airplanes. So, if you're planning to fly with a snake, it's best to consult the airline's rules before booking your flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Snakes in the plane cabin | Generally not allowed. |
| Snakes as checked baggage | Allowed by some airlines, provided the enclosure meets regulations. |
| Snakes in cargo | Allowed by some airlines, provided the enclosure meets regulations. |
| Emotional support snakes | Not allowed. |
| Permits | May be required for some exotic snakes. |
| Enclosure requirements | Must be made of specific materials, be large enough for the snake to turn around, and be securely closed. |
| Food and water | Written certification is required that the snake has been fed and offered water within 4 hours of the flight. |
| Acclimation | Snakes should be allowed to acclimate to their shipping tanks a few days before traveling. |
| Temperature | Snakes are sensitive to temperature changes, so the cargo hold may be too cold. |
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What You'll Learn
Snakes are not allowed in the cabin of most airlines
Snakes are prohibited from travelling in plane cabins by most airlines. This includes emotional support snakes, which were banned from flights in 2020. However, some airlines do allow passengers to transport snakes in the cargo hold or as checked baggage.
Airlines that allow snakes on their flights include American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue. However, each airline has specific requirements that must be met. For example, American Airlines requires that the snake's enclosure is made of wood, metal, plastic, or a similar material, and has a secure metal door that's shut with cable ties. Delta requires that snakes are taken to a Delta Cargo location at least three hours before departure.
To prepare a snake for travel, it's recommended that owners acclimate their snake to its shipping tank a few days before the flight. This will help prevent the snake from going into shock when it enters its temporary home. Owners should also ensure that the snake's container reflects its home environment to minimise stress and include substrate, a hiding place, and some food.
The cost of flying with a snake can vary depending on the airline and destination. For example, American Airlines charges $200 per enclosure for checked baggage, while shipping a snake with a company can cost upwards of $4000.
Overall, while it may be challenging to find an airline that allows snakes in the cabin, it is possible to transport them as cargo or checked baggage by complying with the necessary regulations and requirements.
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Snakes can be transported as checked baggage if packaged correctly
Snakes are prohibited from travelling in plane cabins by most airlines. However, some airlines will allow snakes to travel in the cargo hold, provided they are packaged correctly.
American Airlines, for example, permits snakes to travel as checked baggage or on cargo flights. The airline charges $200 per enclosure for a checked-in pet snake, or $150 to Brazil. However, Delta does not allow passengers to fly with their snakes as checked baggage. Instead, passengers must take their snake to a Delta Cargo location at least 3 hours before departure.
To be packaged correctly, the snake's enclosure must meet commercial kennel regulations. The enclosure must be large enough for the snake to turn around and sit comfortably. It must be made of wood, plastic, metal or a similar material, and have a metal door secured at the top and bottom with bolts or screws. The door must be kept closed with zip ties throughout the flight, and there must be no way for the snake to escape.
To minimise stress, the snake's container should reflect its home environment. This can be achieved by putting substrate in the tank and providing a hiding place. A few days before travelling, owners should let their snakes explore their shipping tanks so that they do not go into shock when they enter their temporary home.
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Snakes can be transported as cargo, but it may be harmful to their health
Snakes are generally not allowed in the cabin of a plane, and must be transported in the hold as cargo or checked baggage. However, this may be harmful to their health.
According to the TSA, pet travel restrictions vary by airline and airport, so it is important to check with the airline before travelling with a pet snake. Most airlines do not allow snakes in the cabin, and some explicitly ban them, along with other reptiles. Snakes are not considered service animals, which are defined as dogs trained to help a person with a disability, and are the only animals still allowed on planes as emotional support animals.
If you are sending a snake as cargo, i.e. on a cargo flight, then it can be kept in a regular box. If you are checking it in as baggage on a commercial flight, then it will have to meet commercial kennel regulations. These regulations include the following: the enclosure must be large enough for the snake to turn around and sit comfortably, it must be made of wood, plastic, metal or something similar, and it must have a metal door secured at the top and bottom with bolts or screws, and kept closed with zip ties throughout the flight. There must be no way for the snake to escape.
However, travelling can be harmful to a snake's health. It can get cold in the cargo hold of a plane, and snakes are ectothermic, so they cannot produce their own body heat. Even on a short flight, the cold can be detrimental to a snake. A pet incident report by American Airlines described a snake that died before its owner picked it up, possibly due to the cold. In addition, if the enclosure is not adequately secured in the hold, it could shake or move around, which could hurt the snake.
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Shipping a snake separately is possible but expensive
Shipping a snake separately is possible but can be expensive. If you are travelling by plane, you may want to consider alternative options for your snake's transport. Some airlines will not allow snakes in the cabin or in checked bags. For example, Delta Air Lines only permits small dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin.
However, some airlines are more relaxed about their pet policies. Alaska Airlines, for instance, allows small dogs, house cats, domesticated rabbits, and household birds inside the plane's cabin. It is important to check with the airline before assuming your snake will be allowed on the flight.
If you do decide to ship your snake separately, there are companies that can help. Reptiles2You, for example, ships reptiles and has received positive reviews for its customer service. However, shipping can be costly, with one company charging around $4000 USD for their services.
There are some things to keep in mind if you choose to ship your snake. Firstly, you may need to create an account with the shipping company and show them that you can properly pack your snake. You will also need to consider the temperature guidelines for safe shipping and provide any necessary cushioning and labels. Shipping live animals can be stressful, so it is important to choose a company that will take good care of your snake.
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Snakes are not allowed as emotional support animals
Snakes are not typically allowed on planes, even if they are emotional support animals. While emotional support animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and some other laws that prevent landlords from discriminating against tenants with ESAs, airlines are not required to allow them on board.
According to the TSA, pet travel restrictions vary by airline and airport, so it is important to check with the airline before travelling with a pet. Some airlines, like Delta Air Lines, only allow small dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin, while others, like Alaska Airlines, are more flexible and allow small dogs, house cats, domesticated rabbits, and household birds inside the plane's cabin. However, Frontier Airlines specifically states that snakes are never accepted as carry-on items.
Even if an airline allows snakes on board, it is important to consider the potential stress and harm to the snake during the flight. Travelling can be a huge inconvenience and potentially harmful to any pet, and snakes may need to be kept in specific conditions, such as a certain temperature, which may be difficult to maintain during a flight.
While snakes can be emotional support animals for individuals with mental or emotional health conditions, they do not have the same public access rights as service animals. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks to help their handlers in their daily lives and are guaranteed accommodation in most public places, while emotional support animals are not. Therefore, even if someone has an emotional support snake, they may not be able to bring it with them on a plane or to other public places that do not normally allow pets.
In conclusion, while snakes can be emotional support animals for individuals with mental or emotional health conditions, they are not typically allowed on planes or in other public places. It is important to check with the specific airline and airport before travelling with any pet, including a snake, and to consider the potential risks and stress to the animal during travel.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airline. Most airlines prohibit snakes from travelling in plane cabins, but some may allow them in the cargo hold. Check with your airline before travelling.
Since 2020, emotional support animals are no longer allowed on airplanes.
The enclosure must be large enough for the snake to turn around and sit comfortably. It must be made of wood, plastic, metal or a similar material, with a secure metal door that's shut with cable ties. The snake must be fed and offered water within 4 hours of the flight.
Snakes are delicate and can be sensitive to air pressure and temperature changes. The cargo hold can get very cold, which can be detrimental to a snake's health.
You can ship your snake, but this can be very expensive. Another option is to have someone take care of your snake while you're away.
