Few people envision ever having to fly with their bearded dragons until the unexpected happens. When leaving the beardie at home is not an option, looking into how to fly successfully with the captive lizard becomes the next best option.
This article provides answers to the question “Can Bearded Dragons Go On Planes?” by revealing the nuances of air travel with non-venomous reptiles like beardies. We also discuss the best ways to ensure maximum comfort for the beloved pet lizard.
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Can Bearded Dragons Go On Planes?
Bearded dragons can go on planes but may be exposed to several dangers due to the uncontrolled heat and humidity in the environments. The best way to travel with beardies is on airlines that allow the lizard in the cabin. Putting bearded dragons in cargo or as checked luggage may lead to numerous problems.
Bearded dragons require temperature and humidity-controlled environments to thrive due to their delicate respiratory systems. The risks of respiratory infection, stress, and exposure to excessively low temperatures could be high when flying.
Bearded dragons are best left at home for a family member or friend to feed and monitor in the owner’s absence. However, there are instances when leaving them at home is not an option and the owner is forced to fly with them to the destination.
Sadly, finding an airline that allows bearded dragons in the cabin area can be next to impossible since the majority have outright bans or only allow reptiles in the cargo section. The few airlines that permit bearded dragons on board typically have stringent carrier dimensions that make it impossible to travel with adult lizards.
The average adult bearded dragon reaches 24 inches long but most airlines have maximum carrier dimensions of 18 inches. Traveling with an adult beardie in the cabin becomes impossible and the owner is forced to usher the lizard in cargo.
Speak To The Airline Before Ticket Booking
Getting refunds may be notoriously difficult in the airline industry which is why speaking to your preferred carrier about the travel policies for exotic lizards like beardies before booking is the way to go. Also, you don’t want to book a flight only for the bearded dragon to be turned away because of a full cargo section.
Besides, not all countries allow lizards to enter so speaking to the airline could clarify such problems in advance before it is too late. Australia is notorious for stringent laws against several exotic pets but many other countries have similar restrictions.
Even countries that allow bearded dragons often require current health certificates from a vet to certify the absence of diseases or infections.
How to Pack Bearded Dragons Properly For The Flight
Once the airline accepts to allow your beardie on board the next step is to make the necessary packing arrangements. Beardies are best placed in some sort of box with insulation and proper labeling to prevent them from getting lost.
External heating sources like hand warmers and heat packs could also come in handy to keep the lizard’s temperatures up throughout the course of the journey.
Choosing The Right Carrier For Bearded Dragons Flying On A Plane
There are no universal packing instructions for travel with bearded dragons because each airline has its own guidelines. Reading and following the guidelines can increase the chances of successfully getting the lizard onto the flight.
However, beardies will need to be placed in a box with insulators like styrofoam to cushion against falls or injuries that may occur in the course of the flight. The beardie itself should be placed in a soft breathable bag or plastic container with a couple of holes to promote healthy respiration.
Food, water, and other essentials should also be carried along during the flight in case of emergencies that could require feeding of the reptile at some point.
Additionally, the plastic bag should be stuffed with paper towels or dry paper strips to keep the bearded dragon stable throughout the journey despite prevailing conditions. Proper labeling of the reptile carrier is another important step that cannot be bungled.
The pet carrier should feature personal details like the owner’s full name as it appears in his or her passport, address, ticket number, and telephone number. The carrier should also be labeled as containing a non-venomous reptile with additional details like the number of animals it contains and their gender.
When Your Airline Won’t Allow Bearded Dragons Onboard In Any Form
Sometimes, none of the airlines available to your destination country allows bearded dragons in the cabin or cargo sections. In that case, a 24-hour live animal delivery service by couriers like DHL, FedEx, and USPS may be the way to go.
Couriers can only transport live animals if they are allowed in the destination country but the owner would have to provide health certificates and other requirements like a well-labeled reptile carrier, food, and water.
If possible, beardie owners may also drive with their reptiles on the road when no airlines allow the pets on board.
Which Airlines Allow Passengers to Fly With Bearded Dragons?
The majority of airlines have stringent restrictions against flying with exotic reptiles like lizards but there are a few liberal options. Here are the most popular airlines that allow bearded dragons on board for a fee.
All of the above airlines allow bearded dragons in the cargo section but not the cabin so owners should take note.
Conclusion: Can Bearded Dragons Go On Planes?
Bearded dragons can be flown on planes as long as you find an airline willing to allow them on board. These pet lizards thrive in the cabin section of flights but most airlines only allow reptiles in the cargo section.
Bearded dragons should be placed in comfortable carriers lined with styrofoam to ensure insulation from shocks during the journey. The beardie itself should be placed in a plastic bag lined with holes to guarantee ventilation throughout the journey.
Always check with the airline at the time of booking to be sure the lizard will be allowed on board. Also, read their instructions thoroughly to verify that you’re on the same page before the travel date. This can eliminate surprises that may hinder your travel plans.