American Airlines is the official airline of the 2002 National Cage Bird Show! (Click on their name to go to their website.)

Fly American Airlines, American Eagle, or American Connection Service to San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO), or Oakland (OAK) airports between November 12-18, 2002 and receive a 10% discount off the best fare you would normally get!

Reserve at least 30 days in advance to get the full 10% discount, after that, you can still get a 5% discount. Use this NCBS group discount code: A49N2AI. Phone 1-800-433-1790 any day of the week between 5 a.m. to Midnight central time to make your reservation. Do not call their normal reservation number. Do not book online. This cannot be combined with other special discounts such as military, senior, internet or child. Once the ticket is issued, name changes are not allowed.

The show committee chose American Airlines because they have been the most reasonable in accommodating travelers with birds. For example, they do not require a vet health certficate when traveling within the 48 continental states. They also allow up to 7 pet carriers on board each flight (see details below). Their rules limit 2 dogs or cats per carrier, but don't specify a bird limit. It is up to the discretion of the gate agent on what limit to apply, but most are reported to allow multiple small birds per carrier. If you check your birds in as cargo, there is no bird limit and there will be no extra charge if you don't exceed your baggage limit. Finally, American Airlines has many flights to all 3 airports close to the show. Please consider them when making your travel plans. We hope that with this discount, they will be able to give you the best price, in addition to being the most bird friendly carrier!

Here are some excerpts that would apply to NCBS travelers from the American Airlines Frequently Asked Questions.

3. Traveling with Pets

Q: Can I bring my pet with me?
A: American Airlines does allow passengers to bring dogs, cats 
   and household birds as checked baggage or as carry-on in the cabin.

   No carry-on pets to/from Hawaii or Transatlantic/Transpacific or 
   Central and South America (exceptions below for service animals). 
   No carry-on pets in the First Class cabin of flights operated with 
   a Boeing 777. 
   Passenger must check-in with pet at ticket counter. 
   Checked or carry on pets allowed on domestic flights in the 
   48 contiguous states, Alaska, Puerto Rico and USVI. 
   There is a carry on limit of one kennel per passenger. This may contain 
   two (2) dogs or cats but they must be the same species, ages between 
   8-weeks and 6-months, less than 20 lbs. and each small enough to fit 
   in one (1) kennel with adequate ventilation. They must also be able 
   to stand up, turn around and lay down in a natural position. 

Q: What types of pets are allowed?
A: Cats, dogs, and household birds are the only animals allowed to be 
   checked as baggage. A household bird is defined as a bird that can
   be domesticated and typically resides in the home. No poultry, wild, 
   undomesticated or birds of prey accepted as baggage. 
                 
Q: Is there a charge to bring my pet?
A: The charges are based on one-way travel and are as follows: 

   For travel within/between 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Puerto Rico and USVI
   $75.00 US / $110.00 CAD per kennel 
   For travel to/from Caribbean, Mexico, and the 48 contiguous states /Alaska and Canada*
   $50.00 USD / $59.00 CAD per kennel
   *Plus 7% Canadian Good and Services tax 

   The following applies to all destinations: 

   Charges are payable at the airport, American Airlines Travel Centers 
   or Travel Agency by check, cash, credit card or voucher. If not used, 
   the refund is to the original form of payment. 
   Kennel purchase price, if necessary, is in addition to above travel charge 
   Carry-on pet will count as the 45 inch carry-on baggage allowance. 
   Cabin pet service charges will apply. 
   Charges apply for each connection segment when the voluntary stopover 
   is 4 hours or more. Only one charge applies if a two-segment connection 
   is less than 4 hours. The Airport has the final word for allowing 
   acceptance due to connection time and the passenger must show receipt 
   of fee payment. 

Q: Do I need any health certificates from my veterinarian for my pet 
   traveling domestically?
A: A health certificate is not required by AA for the acceptance of pets 
   for travel in the cabin or as checked baggage within the 50 United States. 

Q: Do I need a special carrier for my pet? What is the maximum size I can 
   bring on board?
A: The maximum size for cabin pet carriers is 23" long x 13" wide x 9" high. 
   The maximum size for checked kennels is 40" long x 27" wide x 30" high*. 
   The maximum weight of pet and kennel (combined) cannot exceed 100lbs. 
   *Maximum size kennel not accepted on S80 or Fokker 100 aircraft. 

   Hard-sided containers 
   Constructed of wood, metal, plastic, similar material, leak-proof, 
   escape proof and door must fasten securely 
   Need ventilation on 2-sides in addition to door, room to stand/turn 
   around, sit and lie down in a natural position 

   Soft-sided containers
   Constructed of water-repellent, padded nylon with mesh ventilation 
   on two or more sides. 
   Pet must be able to stand upright in carrier 
   Although there are no USDA regulations governing the handling of 
   companion pets in the passenger cabin, and AA assumes no liability, 
   soft-sided pet carriers appear satisfactory in providing for the 
   needs of pets in the well ventilated and air conditioned environment 
   of the passenger cabin. 


Q: Are there any special concerns if I am traveling to Hawaii? 
A: Hawaii is a rabies free state and state law requires quarantine of 
   dogs/cats to protect residents and pets. All pet arrivals/connections
   in/through Hawaii must go via Honolulu.  There are no transit or 
   quarantine facilities in any other Hawaiian locations. 

   The following information applies to Hawaii only: 

   No carry-on pets to/from Hawaii - checked only. 
   
   Birds
   Household birds only. Poultry, undomesticated, wild birds of prey 
   are not accepted. 
   Birds are not subject to quarantine, but require: 

   Import permit obtained in advance from Hawaii Department of Agriculture, 
   PO Box 2520, Honolulu, HI 96804. Must be cleared by the federal veterinary 
   office. Free during normal office hours of 7:00 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. 
   Monday through Friday. 
   Health certificate signed by both passengers, veterinarian and by licensed 
   state veterinarian. 
   Birds are not allowed to be carried in the aircraft cabin. 

Q: Is the cargo area climate controlled?
A: The cargo compartments in aircraft are pressurized and maintained 
   at a temperature range of 50-70 degrees. 
                 
Q: Do I have to check in early because I am bringing my pet with me?
A: Pets traveling with passengers must be checked in at the ticket counter. 
   No curbside check-in is allowed. Please allow extra time beyond normal 
   check-in guidelines, but not more than 4 hours prior to your flight time. 
                 
Q: Do I need to be concerned about the weather if I am connecting?
A: Temperature restrictions have been established to ensure animals are not 
   exposed to extreme temperatures, heat or cold, in the animal holding areas, 
   terminal facilities, when moving the animals between terminal and aircraft 
   or on an aircraft awaiting departure. Live animals are not allowed to 
   travel as checked baggage from May 15 through September 15. If due to 
   temperature restrictions you need to send your pet ahead of you, 
   American Airlines Cargo or Priority Parcel Service can help. 
   Go to AACargo.com for more information.

Q: How many pets can I bring?
A: All destinations: 
   Pets Checked As Baggage
   American does not limit the number of pets checked as baggage up to the
   space available on the aircraft allocated for animals. The animals must 
   be in separate kennels unless they are of the same species and comparable 
   size, weigh less than 20lbs each and are between eight (8) weeks and 
   six (6) months old. 

   Pets In The Cabin
   Only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger may be accepted. Keep in mind 
   space is limited per flight: The maximum number of carry-on kennels per 
   jet flight is 7 total (two (2) in first class and five (5) in coach 
   and/or business class). Exception: Seeing eye/hearing service assist 
   animals and search dogs. 
                 
Q: Do I need to make a reservation for my pet to travel with me?
A: If you are planning to take your pet onboard and not check it, 
   you must call reservations to check for availability and then 
   make a reservation for the pet. 
                 

Q: What if I am connecting to another carrier?
A: Pets are not interlined between American Airlines and other carriers 
   (this includes codeshares). Pets must be claimed and rechecked
   to each carrier. You will be responsible for claiming the animal 
   and rechecking it with the other carrier. 
                 
Q: Can my pet travel, even if I am not? 
A: American Airlines Cargo and Priority Parcel Service ship pets to most 
   destinations. You can find information about pets traveling without a 
   ticketed passenger at AACargo.com, or by calling 1-800-CARGOAA 
   (1-800-227-4622).

Bird Air Travel Tips
If bringing your birds on board, get an approved pet carrier that fits under the seat. Buy or make a simple wire cage that fits inside the carrier. When going through security, ask for a hand check. The wire carrier containing the bird(s) can be completely removed for quick and safe inspection. Keep extra bird food and any necessary supplies with you in the event your flight is rerouted or delayed. Remember to remove nail clippers and scissors from your bird show travel kit and pack them in your check-in luggage. Provide water that won't spill by putting a clean, non-chemical sponge in a small water dish. Train the birds before the trip to recognize and drink from the sponge. Fruit or greens can also provide moisture during the trip. Finally, relax! These little guys are tougher than most people realize. If used to car travel to shows, cage birds can handle air travel just fine.

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