Snakes on a plane?

[Tiny Boidae]

So, push is coming to shove and I'm going to be moving by summer across the country. It's a three day drive so I'm flying there, but I've never done this sort of thing before. Not with animals.

So is there any way I can take five small snakes and two lizards onto the plane? I know they won't be allowed in the cabin, but I'm scared sfiff that they'll be handled roughly or put into the wrong compartment or lost like so much of my luggage has been. What should I do?

[Minkness]

Best option would be IF you have a friend or family member where you're moving to just ship them. If it's over night the day before you fly or even the day that you fly, you shouldn't have an issue, and they are safer that way. Also, cheaper than paying for pet travel by plane.

[Tiny Boidae]

Thanks. That makes me nervous still, but not nearly as bad. I've got family over there so it works out. Most of the airlines don't allow anything that isn't a cat or dog anyways, and those that do have heavy fees and express that there is zero liability if something goes south, even if it's their fault entirely.

Do you have any shippers that are generally recommended? I'll look into it but I've never traveled with them in anything but a car, so I'm stumbling in the dark as far as any of this goes.

[Nightflight99]

FedEx is the current standard for any nonvenomous reptiles that aren't huge. The shipping process itself is a lot easier than you imagine. You can make an account at SYR (http://shipyourreptiles.com/), order or pick up a few boxes and shipping supplies, and you'll be all set. You're going to want it delivered by 10:30am the next day, and the cost is usually anywhere from $45 to about $140, depending on the size and weight of the shipping box.

[Minkness]

Also make sure to get heat packs and use them properly. This time of year it's too chilly to send them without any heat.

[Tiny Boidae]

It probably won't be until April at the shortest, June at the latest. Sometime between then as I need to get the money to do all of this. I was going to be getting the python I wanted around then, already got all of the stuff, but I'll just wait until the fall then when most of them start hatching out. Get a cute lil baby.

Thanks though. I'll look into FedEx and figure the rest out on my own. If I have any questions though you'll hear about it.

[chairman]

Small, nonvenomous reptiles are allowed in your carry on luggage for some airlines. You'd have to check with your carrier and their contracted carriers to make sure it is okay. Then call your airport's TSA office, make sure that they know that reptiles are allowed through security and get the names of a couple supervisors to call over when you're faced with TSA agents that don't know the policies they're enforcing. I'd give myself an extra 30-60 minutes for security, too.

Shipping may be easier, but small reptiles can technically ride in the cabin.

[Tiny Boidae]

Do you know any flights that do this? I haven't seen any when I was looking at them. I'll probably just ship the snakes but I'd rather take the dragons with me, especially Mei since she stresses easily and I'd rather be there in case something goes sour for her.