Pet birds—parrots, parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, conures—cannot travel in a standard cat/dog carrier or the cage they use at home. Airline transport for birds is governed by IATA LAR Container Requirement #13 (CR#13), and if the container doesn't meet this standard, your bird can be refused at check-in. It's that simple.  

Why Standard Pet Containers Don't Work?

Pet containers are designed for four-legged animals, not birds. Without a perch and mesh-protected ventilation, birds can fall, injure themselves, or escape. A CR#1 crate without CR#13 modifications is not acceptable for air transport.

Critical Warning: Never Ship a Bird in a Household Wire Cage

• Household cages:
  
  • Are not escape-proof
  • Offer zero protection during handling or turbulence
  • Bend, collapse, and expose birds to injury
  • Leak waste, seeds, and debris into the aircraft

Why Birds Are Refused at Check-In? 

• Standard plastic carrier used with no modifications
• Household wire cage presented at the counter

Prepare Early (A properly prepared container protects your bird and prevents last-minute denials.) 

• Choose the correct CR#1 crate
• Add mesh, perch, and door-mounted food/water receptacles
• Review airline-specific labeling and documentation
• Confirm requirements with the airline

When Pets Fly® — All Rights Reserved.
This article contains original educational material created by Dr. Nelva J. Bryant for the purpose of promoting safe, welfare-focused air travel for pets. No part of this article—text, images, or graphics—may be copied, reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission from When Pets Fly®. 11/23/2025