Shipping on American Airlines?

[Vyxxin]

I wasn't sure where to put this, and would've just sent out PMs if I knew which breeders ship Can someone tell me the procedure for shipping with American Airlines? If you use another airline, it may still be helpful so DO post. I'm looking for procedure as well as requirements and costs. I've got 5 chinchillas that a buyer wants shipped, and my most local "live cargo" airport is American Airlines. ALSO, how old/young do you ship chinchillas. Thanks for your help!

 

[Snickers]

When I had animals shipped from Shoots he always used Delta Airlines if that helps. The price was the same if it was 1 chin or 6 chins depending on how many holes.

 

[Vyxxin]

Not sure, I'll see what all's local. I know the nearest live cargo airlines are in Pittsburgh (2.5hrs from me) but the only one I know there is AA. Delta could also be there...not sure...hmmm...any input on shipping, did they come with vet checks? Are the Ryerson style carriers suitable? How many animals did you get shipped in at once and what was the cost?

 

[mishalaa]

Delta no longer requires health certificates for chinchillas. I once helped with a shipment of 11 animals on Delta, it was just under $250. The carrier was a Ryerson 10-hole with a 2-hole very securely duct taped to the top. It would still be $250ish if just shipping the 2-hole alone.

 

[Vyxxin]

Okay, there IS a delta in Pitt so it doesn't matter if I use Delta or AA. I was reading on carrier requirements, and it says they NEED to contain a food/water dish on the inside of the carrier?

What types of feeding/watering equipment is used for this type of carrier?

 

[mishalaa]

I don't think we had food or water dishes. You can stick a hay cube in there but anything else, especially water, will just spill out during transit.

Also, the holes were zip-tied shut to keep them from popping open during the flight. I've had problems with chins getting out of Ryerson carriers in my car going to and from shows if the latch is bent, so I thought that was a nifty way of solving that potential problem.

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

I shipped 10 animals from TerBear here on the list about 2-3 years ago, and used a 10 hole. At at time they did need a health certificate, but they didn't need water, and the trip was from Ohio to Spokane,WA, and they did just fine. I paid approx $250 for shipping. I think all they had was some hay, or hay cubes.

 

[Vyxxin]

Thank you for the input! I'm having a hard time dealing with the airports because I'm talking with them over the phone. Instead of answering my specific questions they keep directing me to their website which isn't 100% useful. I would just speak to them in person but the airport is like 2.5hrs away! SO, I want to be sure of things BEFORE I book...do NOT want to arrive at the airport and be deniedd shipment due to not follow protocol.

 

[threewingedfury]

I've shipped with Continental before without a health certificate.

 

[Snickers]

My chins didn't have any water but they had feed. The cost was around $250.00 which was last year. They came in the carrier that Shoots made but he added more escape proof on it I forgot what was there since I gave the carrier to Sumiko.

 

[chechinchillas]

I have shipped with Delta and Continental. I prefer Continental, but both are very nice and helpful on the phone. I set up my arrangements with a "pet agent" and they help me figure out the best flight, figuring in the temperatures of different states. Canada requires care fresh bedding instead of pine. I put in a hay cube and have small transit water bottles taped to each individual compartement. I like Shoots carriers, because they are light weight, don't sweat and are a little more enclosed, but still provide good air circulatioin. I have shipped up to 18 chins at once and it was the same price as shipping 1 chin, $219, except of course I used 3 (6) hole carriers. Shoots shipping carriers run $20 to $25 each. They required live animal stickers and "UP" stickers on 4 sides. No health certificates. They ship from one temperature controlled hub to another. Haven't ever had any problems, all animals have always made it safely.