Traveling With Gecko

[Haligren]

So I'm probably going to be buying a gecko from someone in Vancouver and I will be flying back. The flight is only 50 mins (I live in a city just north of it), and I've checked and intend on taking the gecko aboard the plane with me. I will be carrying the little guy/girl in a critter keeper with a thick layer of paper towels on the bottom and a small hide on top 'cause I don't want him feeling like he's out in the open. I'll also have a hand warmer in there for him/her so he won't get cold.

My question is, do you guys think he/she will be alright? I already have a tank set up for him/her for when he gets home. Although right now it just has the bare essentials until I can get some nicer stuff; UTH, repti-carpet, hide, water bowl. I'll be getting more hides when in Vancouver.

 

[Haligren]

Yes? No? :<

 

[BGalloway]

How big of a critter keeper? Because I would think that while traveling a small dark place would be best. If the container is too big I would think he'd just get tossed around and freaked out.

I think it sounds like a good plan, but if the critter keeper is big enough to have a hide in it might be too big.

My only advice is bring a thermometer so he doesn't get too hot or cold and if the critter keeper is too big try using a margarine tub or other plastic container; cut a hole in the lid and seal it with plastic canvas or screen and hot glue. Bring a hand towel to cover the container and keep things dark also it can be used pad the heat pack if his carry cage gets too warm (that's how my little guy travels).

 

[Haligren]

I do have a tea towel folded inside the critter keeper - the handwarmers will be wrapped in the towel - and it's about six inches long and six inches deep. I had thought perhaps it was a bit big...

I have to buy a new thermometer anyway for the new tank so he'll have one when traveling.

I'll probably do the container idea then, but the airport requires that the animal be in some sort of carrier. :\ I'll think of something. Maybe I could tape the container to the inside of the carrier so it won't jostle.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[Kwyk]

All Airlines don't allow reptiles and amphibians in their cabin as far as i know.
I guess you have to check him as cargo in a cardboard box with the proper size,insulation and markings(this side up,living animal etc.)

 

[GeckoGathering]

Airline Requires?????

I do have a tea towel folded inside the critter keeper - the handwarmers will be wrapped in the towel - and it's about six inches long and six inches deep. I had thought perhaps it was a bit big...

I have to buy a new thermometer anyway for the new tank so he'll have one when traveling.

I'll probably do the container idea then, but the airport requires that the animal be in some sort of carrier. :\ I'll think of something. Maybe I could tape the container to the inside of the carrier so it won't jostle.

Thank you for the advice.

If the airline will allow you to handle
it with you rather than in the baggage compartment (check it out)
..........50 minutes as you said in the 6X6 with heat pack
(available if or) when needed sounds fine.
If you have to carry it as baggage in the baggage compartment
I would suggest it be packaged as if it were to be shipped to you.
Deli cup inside a foam shell inside a cardboard box.
May be a 50 minute flight but figure how long total in how cold a
temp. to decide about heat packs..........
Most packaged for shipment go out at 4 PM
and guarantee delivery by 10:30 AM the next day. So roughly
18 - 20 hours.....and packed as described above
(weather temp. deciding heat pack, cold pack or none.)
Take care. HJ

 

[theclean1]

He should be fine..

 

[missdragonxo]

people ship their geckos over night which is 12+ hrs sometimes with just a heat pad so it should def be fine.

 

[Haligren]

I have a family member who works for the airlines in the security section. She said that it should be fine as people take their animals on as carry-on items all the time. Keep in mind this is a domestic flight, and not an international one.

But after checking on the website I'm not so sure. It says only domesticated dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals. Why they wouldn't allow a leopard gecko is beyond me, but whatever. I might have to ship it or perhaps have it ride back in the car with my in-laws. I flew, they drove. It's about a 8-10 hour drive though, but he'll have a heat pad and everything the whole way. I guess, I'll just have to see.

Thanks, everyone.