Flying with Hermit Crabs?

Mormegil · Post by **Mormegil** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:35 pm

Any suggestions on flying with hermit crabs?

I've had no luck finding E's in Los Angeles, and am visiting family in New York. I'm considering checking out a pet store around here (maybe even Marc Morone's place, as I would think they keep good care of them).

So I'd like to know what I need to do to bring these guys along in my carry-on luggage.

I understand I need to declare them, and will probably have to call my airline ahead of time to get clearance.

Any suggestions on what kind of box would be appropriate? I'm thinking of following the suggestions for shipping hermit crabs, but I may need to be able to show them to TSA security people, so I need to be able to open the box.

I'm thinking of 3 teenies. Small at the largest.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:21 pm

The only time that I heard someone flying with crabs, the airline required them to have a vet check. I guess it was a pretty funny vet visit. If you are able to take them with you, you should find a small styrofoam container with a wet towel and hand warmers. Good luck and let us know what the airlines say.

Mormegil · Post by **Mormegil** » Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:41 pm

Nevermind. Southwest doesn't allow pets, only service animals. And I doubt anybody would accept a "seing eye hermit crab."

HERMEZ · Post by **HERMEZ** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:00 am

smuggle them

in a zip bag with moss etc etc in your carry on they usually dont check them

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:22 am

maybe bring a small KK with you an tell the people that it's for the safety of the crab, or else it might die. And hey, you're not lying!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:52 am

I also think I remember that someone said the airlines considered crabs a weapon! I sure do know that those claws are painful, but come on!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:09 am

I don't recommend trying to fly with them or smuggle them at this time! Last I saw, none of the airlines allowed them per their written policies on animals.

And yet, in Houston I boarded a plane where a cute little girl had a tiny kritter keeper complete with palm tree and a little pp from a coastal gift shop. The flight crew just gushed over her. So, if you don't have a darling child to carry the crab onto the plane, don't count on getting it home.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 5:01 pm

I once had to take an emergency flight home on United or American Airlines (can't remember which) and they said it would be an extra 90 dollars for my one crab. Needless to say, Pinchy just stayed with a crabsitter for awhile.

Willow · Post by **Willow** » Sat Jun 10, 2006 7:31 pm

If you want to skip the whole issue, you can just pack them up carefully and Express Mail them to yourself on the other end. You can even address them to "General Delivery" if you don't have a new address set up (just make sure you pick them up as soon as you get there).