Flying with Fish - Air NZ

[alexyay]

Recent articles around the issue of transporting a goldfish on planes via Jet Star can make it sound as though Air New Zealand allows for fish to be transported as carry-on luggage (as many people have previously traveled with fish this way). Unfortunately this is not the case & I'd just like to clear a few things up (as this question comes up frequently):

 

Fish have previously been transported via carry-on however this may have been "allowed" for several possible reasons:

- The terminal lacked an X-Ray procedure and the fish went through unnoticed.

- The terminal has an X-Ray procedure but through negligence/packaging/etc (admittedly I'm not 100% sure how each item shows up) the fish was missed.

- The staff are unaware of the correct transport procedure (this is very common - it seems people frequently get different answers depending on who asked the question). 

- The staff are aware of the correct transport procedure but let it slip through (I cannot make this accusation obviously, just listing possible situations)

Typically, those who have asked before attempting to take fish on planes have been told it is not allowed. While someone may say it is allowed when calling via phone, you may be told on the day that it is not allowed. I would strongly suggest getting any answers in writing if you wish to gain a correct answer.

 

In regards to the recent situation, below is an email from Air NZ (to myself):

Thank you for your inquiry regarding Air New Zealand carriage of pets.
 
Please see our website for information on transportation of pets here, where it advises that: 'Air New Zealand allows domestic pets - cats and dogs (excluding any transported for profit e.g. racing greyhounds) and small caged birds to travel as checked in baggage on all domestic services'.
 
The carriage of a black moor goldfish on an Air New Zealand domestic flight recently was a one-off gesture of goodwill. This step was taken to ensure that 'Lil B' was not placed in a position where survival may have been jeopardised. This transport was not planned by the travellers but offered by Air New Zealand due to a situation they found themselves in.
 
Had the travellers booked their flight with Air New Zealand, our website makes this important information readily accessible. 'Lil B' was sent as cargo on a separate flight to the travellers.
 
I trust that the above information is helpful.

The fish was not allowed as carry-on luggage, and was sent on a separate flight via Cargo. According to the link, Air NZ allows cats, some dogs and small caged birds to travel as checked in baggage on all domestic services. Any other kind of pet or livestock must travel as Cargo.

 

Cargo info can be found here and prices can be found here (quoted below)

Pets* between Islands
Base Cost: $198.00  Base KGs: 20  Rate per KG: $10.00
Pets* within Islands
Base Cost: $120.00  Base KGs: 20  Rate per KG: $5.90

 

Unfortunately, this is not a particularly cheap service - making driving or shipping via Courier a more economical option in most cases. 

 

I'm writing this so that there can hopefully be an official answer for when this question comes up. People still, at times, have gotten away with transporting fish as carry-on luggage, however this is at your own risk, the risk of your fish and the risk of other's time (eg. your fish may be destroyed, you may incur extra costs, and as per the recent issue there may be delays for other passengers). I would personally strongly recommend not attempting to travel with fish via flight, especially as extra costs/destruction of fish has become more and more frequent. 

 

I hope this helps to clear some things up for future reference in regards to transporting fish via aircraft. It's truly upsetting seeing people have their beloved fish destroyed because there are so many inconsistencies in answers from others or from Air NZ themselves. Wishing all future fishies quick and safe travels  

[Benjansss]

There might be a proplem with fish but I've brought shrimp crabs etc as carry on on at least six different flights (air nz) 

[JJWooble]

Makes things a little difficult for anyone wanting to buy fish whilst on holiday, but always good to get a definitive answer- thanks Alex  

Though now I'm wondering if my silkie hens would pass as "small caged birds" if I were ever to fly with them (not gna happen )