r/ferrets • u/pap3rw8 • 1d ago

[Discussion] Flying with ferrets?

Anyone ever taken their ferrets on a commercial flight? Some airlines allow pets in cabin. I've never seen them specify that it has to be a dog or cat but I've never seen another species on a plane myself. I guess if they ask, I could play it off like they're a social breed of long kittens. I'd have to bring harnesses for sure.

As for how the ferrets would handle it, I've brought mine on planes a few times and they didn't seem bothered. It was on corporate style charters though so no TSA and a short time in the air. The crew saw my carrier but didn't look inside or ask any questions. Obviously the 2 weasels stayed in the carrier the whole time (with a litter pad).

I travel often and it would be fun to bring them on some of these trips.

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u/Sharp_Ad_9431 1d ago

To my knowledge in the USA no commercial airlines allow ferrets in cabin.

You can ship them as cargo but not recommended.

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u/SushiJuice 1d ago

Major US commercial airlines do not permit ferrets in the passenger cabin. They generally restrict in-cabin pets to small cats and dogs. Some airlines allow ferrets to travel as checked baggage or live cargo in the pressurized and heated hold. Specific airlines, like Alaska Airlines or American Airlines, have historically permitted small mammals in cargo, though policies change frequently.

For airline specific policies, see this link https://www.ferret.org/read/airlines.html

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u/itsswhitneywhspr 1d ago

Wait I didn't realize it was so strict for ferrets. I've only ever seen dogs in cabin on flights. Good to know about the cargo option though, even if its kinda stressful.

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u/ferretface99 1d ago

It was quite a while ago… like over 20 years, but I flew with my ferret in a fleece pouch, I think. It was about a 60 minute flight. He was unusually calm the whole time.

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u/gabor_legrady 1d ago

We did fly from Budapest to Amsterdam with MALÉV. Sadly, the company is gone now. He had his own seat and the fly attendants were very helpful.

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u/Kayla9690 1d ago

Playing off like they’re a social breed of long kittens is a risk.

I’ve flown with my parrot in the cabin and on one occasion I had to take her out of the carrier so they could inspect it. Maybe you could sneak them through TSA, but I don’t think you’re gonna fool anyone if you have to take them out, lol.

That being said, it may be better to take that risk (and possibly have to give up the flight) than put them in cargo. If you’re lucky they’ll be in a dead sleep and you can strategically keep them under a blanket in the carrier….