Hamster on airplane

Question
Hi Sheila,

I have a black bear syrian hamster who I adore and I cannot bear without for
5 weeks. I live in Florida and I'm going to New York ( a 2.5 hour flight) and I
was just wondering [if the airline says i can bring him with me] will my
hamster be OKAY on an airplane? Will he be in pain/go deaf/die?? Please
answer ASAP with ANY information. I don't have anyone to really watch him. I
need to know because I'm leaving soon. Thanks so much

-Sam

Answer
Hi Sam

Living in the UK I've never had to worry about this as if I travel anywhere and want to take a hamster I take the train - and if we go abroad our quarantine laws are strict so there's no point in even trying to get a hamster back in the country.  However, I have read about people taking hamsters and other pets on planes.

The first thing would be to contact the airline - they will be able to advise you: firstly - whether they can take a pet, secondly - if they are happy to take a hamster (they will probably have specific requirements on cages etc - i.e. they might want a certain type of carry case, i.e. one that the hamster can definitely not escape from! and also they may have certain measurements for the carry case.  Thirdly, they will advise you the cost of carrying him - which you might find is a lot of money!

Having never done this before I can't say for sure, but I don't see any reason why your hamster can't go in a plane - providing it isn't too old or ill, then it should be fine.  The area where animals are kept has its temperature regulated - it's not like putting an animal in with the baggage where it is very cold.  The airline will be able to discuss this with you and any precautions you may need to take.  They usually have their own vet/animal centre so they would be the best people to discuss this with.

Hope this helps and you have a good trip.