airplanes and tortoises

Question
I was wondering if you would be able to answer my question... i am flying home
for Christmas it is about an hour and a half flight... But i would like to take my 1
month old Sulcata on the plane with me... because i don't want to leave him
home along... IS that dangerous??? I was just wondering if he will be ok during
the flight or if there are any risks!!

Answer
Nicole,



There are serious risks associated with animals that ride in the cargo area.  I would not chance it, especially since you have a young tortoise.  Some of the risks include

then losing your turtle
temperature fluctuations in the cargo area
the stress it could cause your turtle (sedation is not recommended)

Now, if you are allowed to take him with you as a carry-on, he might be able to go.  I am not experienced in tortoise care so I can't give you the best answer.  Mark Adkins is the tortoise expert here and he returns from vacation on November 31st.  He suggests posting questions on

- http://www.turtleforum.com or
- http://www.tortoiseforum.com

in the meantime.

But I would say "heck no" if the only option is cargo area.

-Amanda