PodCast MP3 about the 7 Essentials of Keeping Pet Fish.

Dear Pet Fish Talk,

I wanted to write you and tell you about how I transport my two betta fish on the plane. I know that many people move or travel by air and want to take their fish with them, but are at loss at how to do it. I am a college student and often travel back and forth from school for winter and summer breaks. I have two lovely betta fish, Attila and Genghis, that are my constant companions. Since there aren’t any people left at school during breaks that can take care of them, Attila and Genghis are now seasoned travelers!

Most airlines allow tropical fish to come with you on the plane, and will not charge you for carrying them. However, TSA is much less welcoming to fish. The new liquid volume limits are a challenge, but luckily bettas can survive for short periods of time in small volumes of water. I buy a small 4 oz Tupperware container for each of my fish. I fill it almost full with their tank water right before I leave for the airport, and put my fish in at the last minute. I then put both of these small containers in a 1 quart plastic Ziploc bag, as per TSA regulations. I also carry a small bottle of water conditioner in the Ziploc, and two clean, empty peanut butter jars in my backpack.

When you get to the airport, go through security immediately. DO NOT let the agents put your fish through the xray machine! I usually carry a printout of TSA’s guarantee from their website, saying they will never put your pet through the xray machine. I also carry a copy of the airline’s guarantee that pets are allowed onboard, just in case. Tell the agents that you are carrying tropical fish and that they are welcome to hand-check them if needed. They can also go through the metal detector if required. Some agents can be difficult – don’t back down! You obviously aren’t carrying cyanide or gasoline – otherwise, how could your fish be alive?

After I get through security I head straight for the bathroom. I fill up the empty peanut butter jars with tap water, leaving a couple inches of air at the top, then treat it with water conditioner. Do the math before you leave for your trip so you know how much conditioner to use. I put my bettas in the jars, and they are ready for the plane!

Some airports are easier than others. Portlandhas been wonderful to my fish, whereas Burbank has been more difficult. You’ll get plenty of weird looks, but plenty of interested ones, too. My seatmates and the little children riding on the plane are often very excited about my fish, and talk to me about them nonstop. I even have had people start talking to me about how much they love their own betta fish!

I hope my experiences will help other people take their fishy friends with them when they travel or move. My fish are my family – I can’t leave them behind!

Sincerely,
Ellen G.