If you’re a parrot owner planning a trip, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: can you bring a parrot on a plane?

The short answer is yes—but it requires careful planning, the right airline, and a clear understanding of the rules.

Flying with a parrot isn’t as simple as showing up at the airport—it involves specific carrier requirements, airline policies, and in some cases, international travel regulations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about traveling with a pet parrot, from booking your flight and choosing an approved travel carrier to understanding what’s required for domestic and international journeys,

Before diving into the logistics, there’s some reassuring news: flying with a parrot is generally considered safe when properly planned.

The key to a smooth journey is minimizing stress for your bird, using an appropriate travel carrier, and making sure both you and your parrot meet all airline requirements well in advance of your travel date.

Not every airline allows parrots, and policies vary widely. Depending on the airline, pet birds can travel in-cabin, as checked baggage, or in the cargo hold. 

Birds must be classified as “household or domesticated birds” for air travel purposes—a category that typically includes parrots, cockatoos, finches, budgies, lovebirds, canaries, and cockatiels

Here’s a simple overview of major U.S. airline policies as of 2026:

• Delta Air Lines
  Allows small household birds in the cabin on domestic flights for a fee of $99 per pet each way. Carriers must meet size limits (approximately 18×14×11 inches for soft-sided or 18×14×8 inches for hard-sided). Birds are permitted only on domestic routes within the U.S., excluding destinations such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

• Southwest Airlines
  Currently only accepts small vaccinated dogs and cats in the cabin. Birds are not permitted.

• Spirit Airlines
  Allows small household birds to travel in the cabin, provided they remain inside an airline-approved carrier for the duration of the flight.

• Frontier Airlines
  Permits small household birds on domestic flights, as long as they fit in an under-seat carrier. Larger birds—including macaws, cockatoos, and birds of prey—are not allowed. A fee of around $99 per segment applies.

• American Airlines
  Allows in-cabin pets but primarily lists dogs and cats in its official policy. Bird travel may require prior approval, so direct confirmation with the airline is recommended before booking.

The Bottom line: Always contact your airline before purchasing tickets. Pet policies—especially for birds—can vary, change frequently, and may differ by route or aircraft.

Traveling in-cabin is generally the safest and the least stressful way to fly with a parrot, since it allows you to keep your bird close and monitor their condition throughout the journey.

That said, not every parrot qualifies for cabin travel. Most airlines require that both the bird and its carrier fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. Larger birds—or those that need oversized carriers—may not be eligible for cabin travel and could be required to fly in the cargo hold (depending on the airline).

If cargo travel is necessary, extra care is essential. You’ll want to confirm that the cargo hold is temperature controlled and suitable for live animal transport. Many airlines also have strict temperature restrictions for safety, often limiting pet cargo travel when ground temperatures are extremely hot or cold (commonly above 85°F or below 45°F).

For this reason, spring and fall are often considered the most reliable seasons for flying with a parrot when cargo transport may be involved.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the overarching guidelines for air travel, but individual airlines ultimately decide whether pets are allowed in the cabin.

When an airline does permit in-cabin pets, the carrier is treated as carry-on baggage. This means it must fit securely under the seat in front of you, cannot block the aisle, must be stowed before the aircraft door closes, and must remain secured for the entire duration of taxi, takeoff, flight, and landing.

At TSA security checkpoints, small pets are generally allowed through screening procedures. If you’re concerned about your parrot becoming stressed or escaping during screening, you can request a private screening from a TSA officer for added safety and peace of mind.

Carrier size is one of the most important factors in determining whether your parrot can travel in the cabin. The carrier must be sturdy, well-ventilated, and equipped with secure latches. It should be spacious enough for your bird to stand and move comfortably, but still compact enough to fit securely under the seat in front of you.

For larger parrots such as Macaws and large Cockatoos, fitting under an airline seat is often not possible. In these cases, cargo transport may be the only option, depending on the airline’s policies.

Most airlines also require in-cabin birds to be calm and non-disruptive during flight. If you have a particularly vocal parrot, it’s a good idea to call the airline ahead of time to confirm their specific requirements and avoid any surprises on travel day.

Before flying with a parrot, it’s important to gather the required documentation in advance to avoid any last-minute issues:

• Health certificate
  Most airlines require a health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian confirming that your bird is healthy and fit to travel. This is especially common for international flights.

• Proof of legal ownership
  For international travel, you may also need to show proof that your bird was legally acquired. Regulations such as the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 limit the import of certain wild-caught birds into the United States, and many parrot species fall under CITES protections, which require proper documentation.

• Import/export permits
  Depending on your destination, import or export permits may be required under CITES regulations. In addition, many countries have their own wildlife import laws and quarantine rules that must be followed when traveling with protected species.

Planning ahead with the correct paperwork helps ensure your trip goes smoothly for both you and your parrot.

Flying internationally with a parrot is significantly more complex than domestic travel. Each country has its own import regulations for live animals, including household birds, and the requirements can vary widely depending on your destination.

In many cases, you may need an official health certificate issued by a federally accredited veterinarian, along with additional permits depending on the species and country of entry.

Some destinations also require mandatory quarantine periods upon arrival. Certain countries and regions have strict biosecurity laws, meaning your parrot may either be denied entry altogether or required to stay in an approved quarantine facility for days—or even weeks—before being released

It’s also important to be aware of species-specific and state-specific laws. For example, Quaker parrots (Quaker parakeets) are restricted or illegal in several U.S. states, including California, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Hawaii, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wyoming, which means travel to or through these areas may not be permitted.

Because of the complexity involved, international—and even interstate—travel with a parrot often requires planning months in advance to ensure all documentation, permits, and regulations are properly in place.

Preparation and routine are your best tools for a smooth, low stress flight with your parrot.

• Acclimate your bird to the travel carrier
  Start introducing the travel cage well before your trip. The more familiar your parrot is with the carrier, the calmer they’re likely to be on travel day.

• Cover the cage when appropriate
  A light cover can help reduce visual stress by blocking out movement and activity around them. However, the carrier must still remain well-ventilated and accessible for security inspection.

• Provide food and hydration
  Because water dishes can spill, many owners use high-moisture foods like apples or grapes to help keep birds hydrated. Always pack extra food in case of travel delays.

• Choose your seat wisely
  When possible, a window seat can help reduce stimulation from aisle traffic and sudden movement, creating a more stable environment for your bird.

• Never sedate your parrot
• Sedation or tranquilization is strongly discouraged by veterinary professionals, as it can increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular complications at altitude, and is not permitted by many airlines.

• Get a pre-travel vet check
  Before flying, ensure your bird has a clean bill of health from an avian veterinarian. This is also a good opportunity to ask about safe travel support, including diet, hydration, and stress-reduction strategies.

Many airlines also charge additional pet travel fees, which typically average around $100 per flight per pet.

For example, Delta charges $150 each way for tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025 (previously $95). Because these fees are applied per segment, it’s important to factor them into your overall travel budget when planning a trip with your parrot.

Before heading to the airport, it’s important to double-check a few key details to ensure a smooth trip with your parrot:

• Confirm your airline accepts your specific parrot species
• Reserve your bird’s spot in advance (pet spaces are limited per flight)
• Ensure your carrier meets all airline size and ventilation requirements
• Obtain a valid health certificate from an avian veterinarian
• Check for any blackout dates or travel restrictions (such as holidays)
• Pack appropriate food and hydration options, such as treats and veggies
• Attach a clear ID tag and care instructions to the carrier
• Review destination laws if traveling internationally or crossing state or regional borders

Running through this checklist ahead of time helps reduce stress and avoids last minute issues on travel day.

Parrots can fly on airplanes, but it takes the right airline, the right carrier, and the right paperwork.

With careful planning and preparation, traveling with your bird is absolutely doable—but it does require attention to detail and advance coordination.

Rules can change, remember to always contact your airline directly before booking to confirm their most up-to-date pet policies.

With the proper preparation in place, both you and your feathered friend can enjoy a safer, smoother, and more comfortable journey.