How to bring hermit crabs on a plane
In recent years, with the trend of pet diversification, hermit crabs have gradually become popular as a unique pet. Many people want to take hermit crabs with them when traveling, but how to bring hermit crabs on board safely and legally has become a hot topic. The following is a detailed guide on flying with hermit crabs, compiled based on hot content from the entire Internet in the past 10 days.
1. Airlines’ transportation regulations for hermit crabs

Different airlines have different regulations regarding the carriage of live animals. The following are relevant policies of some major airlines:
| airline | Hermit crabs are allowed | Is it necessary to declare in advance? | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air China | Yes | need | Health certificate required |
| China Southern Airlines | Yes | need | Economy class only |
| China Eastern Airlines | No | - | Live animals are not accepted for carriage |
| Hainan Airlines | Yes | No need | Need to bring your own breathable container |
2. Preparations for taking a flight with hermit crabs
1.Choose the right container: Hermit crabs need a breathable and safe container. It is recommended to use a plastic box with ventilation holes and pad it with a moist sponge or coconut bran to maintain humidity.
2.Prepare necessary documents: Some airlines require a pet’s health certificate or quarantine certificate. It is recommended to contact the local animal quarantine department in advance.
3.food and water: Food does not need to be provided for short-haul flights, but it is necessary to ensure that there is a small amount of water in the container to maintain humidity; for long-haul flights, a small amount of food is required.
3. Things to note on the day of flight
1.Arrive at the airport early: Since live animals require special inspection, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance to go through the procedures.
2.security check: Hermit crab containers need to be inspected by an X-ray machine. It is recommended to inform the security personnel in advance to avoid unnecessary trouble.
3.In-flight care: Hermit crabs are sensitive to temperature and humidity. Try to avoid placing the container in the luggage rack. You can ask the flight attendant to help place it in a suitable location.
4. Answers to popular questions
Based on web search data from the past 10 days, here are the most frequently asked questions about hermit crab flights:
| question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can hermit crabs be carried on a plane? | Most airlines allow carry-on carry-on, subject to container size requirements |
| Can hermit crabs be taken on international flights? | Need to comply with the entry quarantine regulations of the destination country, usually requiring additional documents |
| Do hermit crabs die in flight? | The risk is low with proper preparation, maintaining the right humidity is key |
| Need to buy a plane ticket for hermit crabs? | No, but some airlines will charge live animal transport fees |
5. Suggestions for alternatives
If your airline does not allow hermit crabs, consider the following alternatives:
1.Pet shipping service: Professional pet shipping companies can provide door-to-door hermit crab transportation services.
2.Temporary foster care: For short-term travel, consider leaving hermit crabs in a professional pet store or at a friend’s home.
3.postpone travel plans: If your hermit crab is in a sensitive period such as molting, it is recommended to postpone the trip to ensure its health.
6. Summary
Traveling with hermit crabs requires adequate preparation in advance, understanding the airline's specific regulations, and ensuring comfort and safety during the trip. With the diversified development of pet culture, I believe that more airlines will improve their transportation policies for niche pets in the future. It is recommended that owners who plan to travel with hermit crabs start preparations at least a week in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
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