I wanted to see how some dove workers get their birds onto planes since 9/11. I used to be able to have them go with me on carry on, not any more. Only small birds are brought on as carry ons. Shamada and Lance Burton told me they use to carry them in there coats then transfer them into their cantainers. You can't do that now since they xray all coats. It will be costing me $500.00 to take my birds from S.F. to N.Y.
What have some of you done to get the cost down and have the birds fly with you?

Aren't doves classed as small birds?

I haven't travelled with my birds in a long time but I remember Ice McDonald saying that right after 9/11, his birds were held by the airlines and he had to borrow some local ones for his act. I'm assuming some of the restriction has been lifted by now.
Just an idea, but I ship doves all the time and use the post office. They guarantee overnight delivery, the birds are well taken care of and I've never had a problem. Maybe you could send your birds to someone in NY. The cost is only about $25 for a box of 4 birds. Like I said, just an idea.

Dave, don't know if I would trust the Post Office. Express mailed birds to Harry Murphy yesterday. He still has not received them. Huge journey from VA to MD. He took the day off to be there when they arrived. Went on line to track the package, and it only shows the acceptance here in Virginia.

Kingry, very unusual situation. I do know that there is a time cutoff and you must have the birds at the post office by that time or they don't travel. I always check that first and make sure I'm there in plenty of time. I also check to be sure the post office delivers overnight to the particular address. I did have a problem once when the tracking number was duplicated from another state. The birds travelled half way across the US before they were found. I was on the phone with the post office every hour and they went out of the their way to remedy the situation. The delivery was a day late but the birds were fine. I also make sure there is food and water in the box for them. I've made well over 100 shipments and only had the one problem.

I had them at the Main Post Office at 8 AM and was told they would be leaving for the airport at 9. They have food and water. I will call tomorrow AM to check their status.

Kingry, I'd really be interested in hearing what happened. Like I said, I ship doves frequently and would like to know if something has changed with the the postal service.

Tracking shows them arriving in Cumberland this morning. I was expecting next day with such a short trip. Harry should have them today.

Glad to hear that. Even though they aren't mine, I hate to think of the little guys cooped up in a box for very long.
I know Express mail can be either 1 or 2 day service. I always make sure when I ship that I specify next day delivery. That way they can tell me approximately what time they will be delivered. Sounds like they automatically defaulted to the second day service.

The Birds finally arrived (a day later than expected or paid for)! The birds are OK! They are now getting acclimated to their new home.

The Post Office could offer no explanation as to why it took so long and made profuse apologies.

Needless to say that I am greatly relieved that they made it ok.

I don't have anyone to recieve them in N.Y. They are not classified as a small bird. We found only cockateals and bungies are.