Fish on Planes?

[Stephanie218]

Hi everyone,

Kind of random question: I'm transferring to college in Arizona this summer, and I'm flying out from CT. I've had my beta fish for over 2 years and I'd really like to bring her out with me. Do you know if its possible to fly with a fish??? Would the air pressure hurt them or anything?

I asked my dad who's a frequent international traveler and he laughed and had no answer - so....have any of you done this?

Thanks!

Stephanie

 

[localdriver]

Hi everyone,

Kind of random question: I'm transferring to college in Arizona this summer, and I'm flying out from CT. I've had my beta fish for over 2 years and I'd really like to bring her out with me. Do you know if its possible to fly with a fish??? Would the air pressure hurt them or anything?

I asked my dad who's a frequent international traveler and he laughed and had no answer - so....have any of you done this?

Thanks!

Stephanie

LOL that's got to be the question of the year!!

I would think someone at one of the airlines could best tell you how you would fly a fish. The pressures at cruising altitude are somewhat less than at normal sea level, while in an airplane, but I can't recall exactly what they are. A VET type person might be able to tell what effect, if any, slightly reduced pressures might have.

Good Luck!

 

[weregoingtodw]

I know that, at least on Southwest Airlines, you can't. I only know this because it was on an episode of Airline the other day LOL.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

I know that, at least on Southwest Airlines, you can't. I only know this because it was on an episode of Airline the other day LOL.

Funny, I was going to comment the same... Guess we watch the same channels. *grin*

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Interesting question.

Whatever you do, don't put the fish into checked luggage. Checked luggage gets a serious dose of x-rays (which is why you shouldn't put film in checked luggage). Also, the cargo hold is usually not heated.

So that means carrying the fish onto the aircraft -- if your airline allows it. At least the TSA won't zap the beta fish with x-rays. Here's what the TSA says about pets: http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1036.xml

I just did a Google search. Check the write-up from Tom Price at http://www.thekrib.com/Misc/moving.html

 

[manning]

Interesting question.

Whatever you do, don't put the fish into checked luggage. Checked luggage gets a serious dose of x-rays

Instantly, instead of a beta fish you have a .....glow fish.

 

[twinklebug]

I'm just typing out loud here... but why would a fish be treated any different than a small dog or cat that is carried in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you? So long as the container is pretty much spill proof that is.

Definately call a few airlines that you'll consider using in the future (I assume you'll be traveling with "fido" both to and from school as he needs feeding and a good tummy rub now and then )

 

[Vivianne]

Sorry but my reaction on reading your post is the same as your father. Although, I can relate I feed my co-worker's beta fish.

 

[FigmentGuy]

im a bit of a fish enthusiast(sp). I have 8 full fishtanks. First find out if its ok w/the airline that you transport the lil buddy as carry on. If so, then get a solid white styrofoam cooler and dont feed the fish at all that day (excess waste in travel water). The stryofoam cooler can be a real small one (im sure u can find it at a sporting good store, fishermen use them to keep bait in).. Go to your pet store and get a good "stress coat" protectant to add to the travel water. then put your lil betta into a bag. 1/2 water..1/2 air...twist it up, and wrap a rubber band around it tightly (like when you purchase a fish at the pet store.) Place the lil bag into the cooler. Make sure the bag cant move and slide around in there. (add a washcloth or so to take up space). The less jostling, the better. Put the cooler lid on.. A piece of tape on each side of the lid to secure it and your lil buddy should make a safe trip! (this is how fish are mailed, you can purchase fish and have them mailed to you). Once you get him to your new destination, wait a while before you feed him, only pour part of his travel water into the new tank and the rest Bottled spring water. (local water at a new location can be extra stress on a already stressed fish) retreat his new tank water with a bit more stress coat and leave the lil guy be so he can get situated and comfortable. Monitor the next few days for any illness signs.. Ie. Ick, fungus, finrots, poor posture/eating habits. Good luck!!!!!!!!!

 

[WDWsnooper]

It was a LONG time ago, but I have flown with fish. When I was in college I had goldfish and at the end of semester, they flew home with me. I carried them in a Mason canning jar in my carry on case. It worked nicely and the people who checked my carry on luggage got a grin out of it. That was long before 9-11, I would check with the airline regarding carry on small pets. I can't imagine why they wouldn't let you take the fish. Good luck, try to skip the xray and ask them to please inspect the container. Be appreciative of their extra time.
Snooper