Q: Hello :) I have a sort of problem with transporting my betta. See, I have to take a plane to get home and I need to know how the difference in altitude/air pressure will affect him, and if it's good or bad. Help? Thank you for any help you give me in the matter :)
Question submitted by Brandy, Virginia Beach - Virginia |
A: Well Brandy, I may not be the best person to ask because I do not fly (yop, I mean it) LOL. I do know however of many customers who flew in from foreign countries just to buy bettas from me and flew right back with them. In all cases, they HAND CARRIED the bettas on the plane.
Most airlines should be pretty nice about it, especially if it's only one betta. Then again, the betta could have a bomb strapped under its armpit. Wait. Bettas do not have armpits. OK, you're safe then LOL.
This is how to handle the safe transportation of your loved finned companion:
 |
Get a 1/2 gal plastic jar, with a tight lid that you can screw on tightly. Plastic will not break so I prefer it over glass. When traveling it is not hard to accidentally drop something, and if that something ends up being your betta you don't want the jar to shatter in a million pieces! |
|
Fill your plastic jar with about 2 inches of water, no more. |
|
Make sure the water you use is the same as the one your betta is used to, and the same temperature. |
|
Right before leaving, net our betta and gently release him in the jar. Screw on the lid tight. Do not punch any holes in it, the jar must be leak proof. |
|
Do not feed your betta the day prior to leaving. Do not feed him while traveling. |
|
Put the jar in a small hand carry bag, such as a soft plastic cooler, or a small bag. If possible, place a small towel around the jar to absorb possible shocks. |
|
When you check in, let them know you are hand carrying your betta. Especially at the X-Ray machine. It used to be they would not run the bettas through the X-rays. Of course things may be different now with all the paranoia with possible terrorism so expect to encounter possible complications depending on the person that is on duty at the time. If they are fish lovers, you might be OK :). |
|
Be sure that they do not take your bag to put it in the cargo area of the plane. You must carry the betta with you onboard the plane, in the passenger area, and you can place it above your head in the small carry one luggage storage locker. Your betta will be just fine. |
|
Make sure to open the lid for a few seconds every 6 hours, to get some air. With a 1/2 gal jar and only 2 inches of water, your betta probably has enough air to last about 14 days anyways ;) but just to be safe, if you can, do open it. |
Bon Voyage!
|
