Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially when bringing along reptilian friends. If you’re looking to fly with your bearded dragon, leopard gecko, or other reptile, you’ll want to know which airlines allow them in the cabin with you.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Only a handful of U.S. airlines—including American, Delta, JetBlue, and United—allow some reptiles like small lizards and snakes in the cabin. Most have restrictions on the type and size of reptile.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about flying with reptiles. You’ll learn key factors like size limits, eligible reptile species, necessary forms and fees, and tips to make travel smooth for both you and your scaly companion.

Airlines That Allow Reptiles in Cabin

American Airlines

American Airlines allows small reptiles like snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs in the cabin if they are in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds. All reptiles must remain in their carriers during the entire flight.

American does not allow crocodiles, tortoises, or venomous/poisonous reptiles in the cabin or as checked baggage.

Delta Air Lines

Delta permits domesticated, small reptiles like lizards, snakes under 20 pounds, and turtles as carry-on pets in an approved kennel under seat. Crocodilians, large snakes over 20 pounds, venomous snakes, and any pet posing a safety or public health concern are not allowed.

International passengers should check Delta’s regulations for different rules. Delta requires all reptile pets to remain in carriers during flight without visiting the pet relief areas.

JetBlue

JetBlue allows small, harmless reptiles like small snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and small crocodiles under 20 pounds in carriers that fit under the seat. Venomous reptiles are prohibited. All reptiles must stay in their carrier for the full duration of the trip.

JetBlue has an extensive list of countries they do not accept reptile pets on flights to, so international passengers need to verify regulations.

United Airlines

United permits reptiles like lizards, turtles, snakes under 20 pounds, frogs, and salamanders in well-ventilated kennels stowed under the seat on domestic flights. Venomous, dangerous, or exotic reptiles are prohibited.

For international flights, passengers must check with the destination country for their import regulations. United does not allow reptiles to be taken out of carriers during flight or brought to pet relief areas.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air allows small reptiles under 20 pounds like non-venomous snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, and small crocodiles as carry-on pets when in an approved carrier under seat. They prohibit iguanas, monitors, tortoises, venomous/poisonous reptiles, and exotic animals.

Reptiles must remain in carriers for the full duration of the flight. Allegiant does not allow reptile pets on international flights currently.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines permits small, harmless reptiles under 20 pounds like frogs, turtles, lizards, and non-venomous snakes in secure, well-ventilated carriers that fit under the seat as carry-on pets. Crocodilians and venomous/poisonous reptiles are prohibited.

Reptiles must remain in carriers during the entire fight without visiting pet relief areas. There are extensive regulations for importing reptiles to Hawaii, so passengers should verify requirements.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit allows domesticated, small reptiles under 20 pounds like non-venomous/non-poisonous snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs as carry-on pets when in an approved carrier under the seat. Crocodilians and venomous reptiles are not permitted. Reptiles must stay in their carriers for the full flight.

Spirit does not allow reptiles on international flights currently. Passengers should verify Spirit’s regulations as they frequently update.

Restrictions on Reptile Size and Species

Snakes

Most airlines do not allow snakes in the passenger cabin at all due to safety concerns. Exceptions may be made for very small harmless snakes under 20 inches long and kept in secure, escape-proof containers. Venomous snakes are prohibited.

Some airlines like Delta and United have an outright ban on all snakes, including emotional support animals.

Lizards

Small lizards under 20 inches long, such as geckos, anoles, and skinks, are generally allowed in the cabin if kept in a proper carrier. Large or venomous lizards like monitors and Gila monsters are typically prohibited for safety reasons. Airlines may restrict certain aggressive species like iguanas.

Documentation on lizard health and behavior may be required.

Turtles/Tortoises

Small harmless turtles and tortoises under 10 inches long can usually travel in the cabin if kept in a secure, sealed container. They count toward normal carry-on pet limits. Large species pose safety issues and are banned by most airlines.

Exception may be made for documented emotional support turtles.

Other Reptiles

Amphibians like frogs and salamanders face restrictions similar to small lizards and may be allowed on some airlines. Unique reptiles like chameleons, bearded dragons, and small crocodilians are handled on a case-by-case basis but generally face an uphill battle for cabin approval due to novelty, markings which could alarm passengers, uncertain temperaments, or safety issues.

Reptile Type Typical Cabin Rules
Small snakes under 20 inches Sometimes allowed with restrictions
All venomous snakes Prohibited in cabin
Small lizards under 20 inches Often allowed with carrier
Large monitors and iguanas Prohibited from cabin
Small turtles under 10 inches Allowed in secure carriers

Necessary Forms and Fees

Health Certificate

One of the most important documents you’ll need when traveling with a reptile is a health certificate from your veterinarian. This certificate verifies that your pet is in good health and free of any contagious diseases. It must be issued within 10 days of your travel date.

Some airlines may require an additional statement that your reptile has been inspected specifically for external parasites.

The health certificate should include details such as your pet’s microchip or tattoo number, when they last ate, and confirmation that they are not exhibiting any signs of illness. Your vet may also need to note the ambient temperature range that is safe for your particular reptile species.

Be sure to check with the specific airline you’re traveling with for their health certificate requirements, as these can vary. Most airlines provide a veterinary health form that must be completed. It’s also a good idea to call the airport quarantine office at your destination to ensure you have all proper documentation covered.

Airline Fees

There are usually fees associated with bringing your reptile in the cabin, which will depend on the airline. For example, on Delta flights within the U.S., the fee is $125 each way. For United Airlines, fees range from $125-200 each way depending on your destination.

These fees are generally for your pet reptile’s fare and their in-cabin spot. You’ll still need to purchase your own ticket separately. Some airlines may waive the fee if your reptile can fit in a small carrier under the seat in front of you, while others charge the fee regardless of carrier size.

When booking your tickets, be sure to notify the airline that you’ll be traveling with a reptile. They can confirm the current pet policy and fees. Payment for your pet is usually due when you check-in at the airport.

It’s a good idea to call the airline again 24 hours before departure to re-confirm that you are bringing a reptile onboard.

While the airline fees may seem high, keep in mind that this grants your reptile a reserved space in the cabin with you. The alternative option of cargo/baggage shipping can cost $200-300+ and is much more stressful for your pet.

Tips for Smooth Travel

Proper Enclosure

Selecting the correct enclosure is crucial for keeping your reptile comfortable and secure during travel. Hard-sided carriers with adequate ventilation work best. Attach a temporary label with contact details to the crate in case it gets misplaced.

Line the bottom with substrate or paper towels to soak up any messes. Include a small water dish and hide box so your pet has places to retreat if feeling stressed.

Leash/Harness

Some airlines require certain reptiles to be leashed or placed in a secure carrier when out of their crate. Invest in an escape-proof harness designed specifically for your type of reptile. Make sure to test it at home first so your pet can get adjusted to wearing it.

Brief periods out of the enclosure should only be allowed once you reach your destination, not during actual air travel.

Prepare Reptile for Travel

Proper handling is key to reducing travel risks. Schedule vet checkups in advance to ensure your reptile is healthy enough to fly. Reptiles can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, so always wash your hands before and after contact.

Keep temperatures stable leading up to the trip and avoid handling your pet for 48 hours beforehand when possible. This allows them to settle down and adjust to being in the travel crate.

Direct Flights

Booking direct flights without stopovers should be prioritized to minimize transit time and reduce the chance of mishaps like missed connections. However, you may have limited options depending on the airline and route.

Call ahead to get details on temperatures, pressurization, and duration for any layovers or delays so you can confirm conditions will remain safe for your reptile.

Airline Reptiles Allowed in Cabin
American Airlines Small snakes under 20 inches
Delta Lizards, snakes under 20 inches, tortoises
Frontier Lizards, snakes, turtles under 20 inches
JetBlue Domestic reptile pets permitted
Southwest Small, harmless reptiles
Spirit Snakes under 20 inches in approved carrier
United Lizards, snakes under 20 inches

As shown in the comparison above, rules can vary significantly for reptiles in the cabin depending on the airline. Be sure to check with your specific carrier well in advance about any restrictions or documentation required.

For more helpful information on air travel with reptiles, visit sites like www.pettravel.com and www.bringfido.com.

Conclusion

Bringing your reptilian companion on a flight may require some additional planning, but knowing airline policies and preparing properly makes travel possible. With a few key considerations for your pet’s health and comfort, you can feel confident bringing snakes, lizards, turtles, and more in the cabin on major U.S. airlines.

Safe travels!

If you follow airline guidelines and give your reptile pal the delicate, low-stress transport they need, you’ll both be jetting off on exciting adventures in no time.

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