Can I bring a Coral on a plane with me?

johnny · 11/06/2006, 09:25 PM

I'm in st. louis for a few days and found some nice corals in the LFS here.... but I'm not sure if they'll allow it on the plane. On the way here, they asked that all liquids, creams, etc be place in ziploc containers and put on the conveyor seperately.

Has anyone travel with corals/fish lately? I'd hate to spend $100 on corals and have to toss them in the garbage can at the airport.

Nick

T Man · 11/06/2006, 09:40 PM

Good question Johnny, why don't you ship it to yourself, or ask the LFS to ship it. If you do a little research, I'll bet that you can air frieght the coral on the same plane. Either way, I don't see you boarding the plane with live goods. TinMan

drives300 · 11/06/2006, 09:49 PM

I dont know , a cup of coffee isnt allowed on a plane anymore.

Malifluous · 11/06/2006, 09:51 PM

I think ur going to have to check it in

johnny · 11/06/2006, 09:53 PM

I didn't want to ship them because I figured that would cost another $30. That's one more coral I could buy

Nick

petoonia · 11/06/2006, 09:55 PM

You should contact the airline. Thats the only way to know for sure.

Good Luck!!!

Chaotic Reefer4u · 11/06/2006, 09:57 PM

bummer...

turbonegro · 11/06/2006, 10:03 PM

Just check them in. Have the LFS package them up in a styro and put a fragile sticker on the box when you get to the airport. I did this when I came back from Macna.

pad · 11/06/2006, 10:04 PM

I have brought a few pieces on a plane in the last year. Last week I used an Extreme Super Gulp to hold onto my zoa frags just using wet newspaper. Worked great. I often use a small cooler and little water to bring them on board. I don't think I would do it with corals that need to stay submerged.

Indermark · 11/06/2006, 10:59 PM

I was just wondering what LFS in Saint Louis you went to?

Ryan

Murdock5150 · 11/06/2006, 11:14 PM

I brought some zoos with me on a plane shortly after 9/11. I carried them in a clear bag so the security people could check it out. I got some weird looks, but no problems at all. I would check with the airline to make sure though.

Sk8r · 11/06/2006, 11:23 PM

I'd ship 'em. It would be too sad to have them confiscated.

tkeracer619 · 11/07/2006, 02:04 AM

I would contact the airline and ask them. I would check them as normal luggage. Fragile is treated more like kick it less hard at most airports.

You can bring a dog or a cat along with you. They are like 80% water

Since liquids are not allowed. You will probably end up paying 30 bucks to check them as a pet. They don't kick the pets last I checked but who knows. They might since its in a box.

jgb23 · 11/07/2006, 07:44 AM

Johnny, I am in STL on business as well. Where is this store you speak of? I am always looking for new specimens. To your original question, I would have the LFS pack it in a styrofoam cooler, tape it up really well, and check it in. Dont try bringing it on the plane. TSA get freaked out when you bring liquids over 4 ounces. Imagine trying to explain what coral is? They may even make you check it in anyways. By then, you are at the airport with no materials (boxes, coolers, etc) and STL is a horrible airport so you would be totally SOL.

Rays · 11/07/2006, 08:10 AM

This was from an earlier thread. I worked at the TSA as a supervisor.

Quote:

The ban on liquids only applies to carryons. At this time you may still bring all the liquid you want in check-in, including wet wrapped frags. Thermos? Just cushion it well. Overseas frags would be a Customs issue, not TSA. I would not check with airlines for permission to put frags in check-in. Even before the liquid ban they were telling reefers no, because they wanted extra revenue for special shipping. HTH.

gcantu · 11/07/2006, 08:29 AM

I don't think they will let you because my co-worker and I have been traveling these past couple of days and the airline has been making people dispose of liquids before they go through the metal detectors. They usually have someone with a box or trashcan to place the bottles that people are not allowed to carry on. Again, take everyone's advice and call before you attempt because I don't think they will care what it is and would probably make you dispose it.

Rays · 11/07/2006, 08:56 AM

All you have to do is put them in checked baggage. Checked baggage is not subject to the same rules as carry on.

Domboski · 11/07/2006, 09:04 AM

I brought stuff back from Florida with me (checked in baggage) and they called me at the gate to ask me what it was mainly because of the liquid. After three calls, they let them go but when I arrived home, I found they opened the conatiners to check the liquid and did not shut them properly and all of the water leaked out. Everything was ok but just as a heads up. This was a few weeks ago (Miami to New York).

No matter how tight you pack them, they may open them to investigate. Try to find packaging easy for them to open and reseal preferbly clear like someone mentioned earlier. My stuff was in clear plastic ziploc tupperware with the screw on tops sealed with clear duct tape.

Travis L. Stevens · 11/07/2006, 09:29 AM

Why don't you call the airline and explain to them what is going on? They'll tell you the proper procedures. If you still feel uncomfortable, ask them if they can fax/email you a copy of their procedures so that if anyone gives you crap, you have proof that you aren't doing anything wrong.

goreefer · 11/07/2006, 09:33 AM

I have also brought home corals purchased when traveling. I usually end up going to a 'Dollar' store and buy the cheapest thermos container that I can find. Then I just seal it up and put it in my luggage.
If you check it in your luggage it is not an issue.
If you carry it on then you must follow the 3 oz rule.

RGV · 11/07/2006, 11:19 AM

I brought about 20 SPS frags back with me and packed them in soft coolers and put them inside my suitcase surrounded by my clothing. When I went to pick up my luggage at the carrosel, my suitcase was soaked and water was running out of it.
I opened it up when I arrived at my home and found a note inside saying that my suitcase was inspected. Unfortunately they must have opened some of the plastic bags and didn't reseal them properly. They also tore some of the bags. It was a mess. Fortunately it was a short flight and I only live about 10 minutes from the airport. Only two of the frags didn't make it.
If you check your bag, I think it would be advisable to tell them what is in your suitcase or cooler ahead of time so you may have them inspect it with you present. Many times this is not possible because they do the inspections in a controlled area.

jgb23 · 11/07/2006, 04:51 PM

RGV,

You are right about inspecting at a controlled area. However, TSA at STL checks the luggage by the ticketing counter (at least for Delta they do). I shipped a puppy home a couple weeks (checked in as baggage) ago through STL and the TSA guys were really cool. All I had to do was take the dog out and they inspected the cage. I am sure if you explain it to them, they will be more than happy to inspect it in front of you.

Tarkus70 · 11/07/2006, 04:53 PM

when I cane back from MACNA they would not let me bring Coral on the plane had to check it. Be careful due to baggage not being pressurized ( baggage persons claim not mine) the bags can and will pop. All of Mine popped and thank goodness I only lost one. I would tell them what you are checking and ask if you can watch them inspect them they will let you.

Sk8r · 11/07/2006, 05:25 PM

Also, the agency governing the checkpoint people is an entity over which the airline itself has no control. They contract, I believe, with the airport.

johnny · 11/07/2006, 10:43 PM

Thanks everyone for you input.

The two stores I stopped at were Beltds and Marine Solutions. I ended up purchasing three zoas from Marine Solutions, I left them there for tonight with my name on the tank in front of them and will pick them up when they open tomorrow morning. I figured it will be worth the chance because they're pretty nice pieces and I haven't seen the same sorta stuff in phili, so worth a shot.

I'm going to wrap them in wet newspaper/paper towels with no water other than the damp paper and put them in my carry on. If they won't let it go through, I'll have to go back and check it. Since there's no water, I'm hoping they'll let it go through.

Nick

11/06/2006, 09:25 PM	#1
johnny Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: PA Posts: 2,720	Can I bring a Coral on a plane with me? I'm in st. louis for a few days and found some nice corals in the LFS here.... but I'm not sure if they'll allow it on the plane. On the way here, they asked that all liquids, creams, etc be place in ziploc containers and put on the conveyor seperately. Has anyone travel with corals/fish lately? I'd hate to spend $100 on corals and have to toss them in the garbage can at the airport. Nick

11/06/2006, 09:40 PM	#2
T Man ~PPPPPPP~ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Emerald City Posts: 1,045	Good question Johnny, why don't you ship it to yourself, or ask the LFS to ship it. If you do a little research, I'll bet that you can air frieght the coral on the same plane. Either way, I don't see you boarding the plane with live goods. TinMan __________________ He that can have patience can have what he will. ~ Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: click the "TzFuture" folder in my profile

11/06/2006, 09:49 PM	#3
drives300 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 961	I dont know , a cup of coffee isnt allowed on a plane anymore. __________________ Water Param 79 degrees nit 0 amm 0 phos 0 salifers Calcium 450 salifer alk 11 dkh Ph 8-8.1 Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon,reef octopus nw150, 2 oceanflow mods, 2x 250w 10k mh, phos reactor

11/06/2006, 09:55 PM	#6
petoonia HereWeGoAgain... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,648	You should contact the airline. Thats the only way to know for sure. Good Luck!!! __________________ I've been in the hobby for about 10 years....(so I know a little bit)...(but not all that much).... Current Tank Info: 58G. Oceanic (Starphire). Mixed Reef

11/06/2006, 09:57 PM	#7
Chaotic Reefer4u ♥Acropora Aficionado♥ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hollister,Ca. Posts: 5,163	bummer... __________________ Live everyday as if it was your last, take time to smell the flowers, enjoy all things living, never take anything for granted, you just never know when your number might be up... Current Tank Info: * 90g. Reef Ready TruVu tank with 30g. Platinum Filtration Series Sump SpS Acro enthusiast *

11/06/2006, 09:51 PM	#4
Malifluous Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hawaii Posts: 417	I think ur going to have to check it in

11/06/2006, 09:53 PM	#5
johnny Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: PA Posts: 2,720	I didn't want to ship them because I figured that would cost another $30. That's one more coral I could buy Nick

11/06/2006, 10:03 PM	#8
turbonegro Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: york, PA Posts: 391	Just check them in. Have the LFS package them up in a styro and put a fragile sticker on the box when you get to the airport. I did this when I came back from Macna.

11/06/2006, 10:04 PM	#9
pad Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 523	I have brought a few pieces on a plane in the last year. Last week I used an Extreme Super Gulp to hold onto my zoa frags just using wet newspaper. Worked great. I often use a small cooler and little water to bring them on board. I don't think I would do it with corals that need to stay submerged. __________________ I want a sleazy button. Current Tank Info: 150 mixed, 2x ASMG3, OM Squirt, 2x 250 wt MH, 4x 96 wt PC

11/06/2006, 10:59 PM	#10
Indermark Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Troy, Illinois Posts: 670	I was just wondering what LFS in Saint Louis you went to? Ryan

11/06/2006, 11:14 PM	#11
Murdock5150 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 154	I brought some zoos with me on a plane shortly after 9/11. I carried them in a clear bag so the security people could check it out. I got some weird looks, but no problems at all. I would check with the airline to make sure though. __________________ Murdock5150 ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Currently building 210gl setup

11/06/2006, 11:23 PM	#12
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	I'd ship 'em. It would be too sad to have them confiscated. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

11/07/2006, 02:04 AM	#13
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	I would contact the airline and ask them. I would check them as normal luggage. Fragile is treated more like kick it less hard at most airports. You can bring a dog or a cat along with you. They are like 80% water Since liquids are not allowed. You will probably end up paying 30 bucks to check them as a pet. They don't kick the pets last I checked but who knows. They might since its in a box. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

11/07/2006, 07:44 AM	#14
jgb23 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 74	Johnny, I am in STL on business as well. Where is this store you speak of? I am always looking for new specimens. To your original question, I would have the LFS pack it in a styrofoam cooler, tape it up really well, and check it in. Dont try bringing it on the plane. TSA get freaked out when you bring liquids over 4 ounces. Imagine trying to explain what coral is? They may even make you check it in anyways. By then, you are at the airport with no materials (boxes, coolers, etc) and STL is a horrible airport so you would be totally SOL.

11/07/2006, 08:29 AM	#16
gcantu Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 79	I don't think they will let you because my co-worker and I have been traveling these past couple of days and the airline has been making people dispose of liquids before they go through the metal detectors. They usually have someone with a box or trashcan to place the bottles that people are not allowed to carry on. Again, take everyone's advice and call before you attempt because I don't think they will care what it is and would probably make you dispose it.

11/07/2006, 08:56 AM	#17
Rays Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Mansfield, Ma Posts: 948	All you have to do is put them in checked baggage. Checked baggage is not subject to the same rules as carry on. __________________ What! I need this too? Current Tank Info: 90 seahorse, 60 hex seahorse, 55 reef

11/07/2006, 09:04 AM	#18
Domboski Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Manhattan Posts: 143	I brought stuff back from Florida with me (checked in baggage) and they called me at the gate to ask me what it was mainly because of the liquid. After three calls, they let them go but when I arrived home, I found they opened the conatiners to check the liquid and did not shut them properly and all of the water leaked out. Everything was ok but just as a heads up. This was a few weeks ago (Miami to New York). No matter how tight you pack them, they may open them to investigate. Try to find packaging easy for them to open and reseal preferbly clear like someone mentioned earlier. My stuff was in clear plastic ziploc tupperware with the screw on tops sealed with clear duct tape.

11/07/2006, 09:29 AM	#19
Travis L. Stevens Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Perry, OK Posts: 13,946	Why don't you call the airline and explain to them what is going on? They'll tell you the proper procedures. If you still feel uncomfortable, ask them if they can fax/email you a copy of their procedures so that if anyone gives you crap, you have proof that you aren't doing anything wrong. __________________ Travis Stevens Current Tank Info: Restarting 28g Bowfront

11/07/2006, 09:33 AM	#20
goreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 825	I have also brought home corals purchased when traveling. I usually end up going to a 'Dollar' store and buy the cheapest thermos container that I can find. Then I just seal it up and put it in my luggage. If you check it in your luggage it is not an issue. If you carry it on then you must follow the 3 oz rule.

11/07/2006, 11:19 AM	#21
RGV Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Mission, Texas Posts: 11	I brought about 20 SPS frags back with me and packed them in soft coolers and put them inside my suitcase surrounded by my clothing. When I went to pick up my luggage at the carrosel, my suitcase was soaked and water was running out of it. I opened it up when I arrived at my home and found a note inside saying that my suitcase was inspected. Unfortunately they must have opened some of the plastic bags and didn't reseal them properly. They also tore some of the bags. It was a mess. Fortunately it was a short flight and I only live about 10 minutes from the airport. Only two of the frags didn't make it. If you check your bag, I think it would be advisable to tell them what is in your suitcase or cooler ahead of time so you may have them inspect it with you present. Many times this is not possible because they do the inspections in a controlled area.

11/07/2006, 04:51 PM	#22
jgb23 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 74	RGV, You are right about inspecting at a controlled area. However, TSA at STL checks the luggage by the ticketing counter (at least for Delta they do). I shipped a puppy home a couple weeks (checked in as baggage) ago through STL and the TSA guys were really cool. All I had to do was take the dog out and they inspected the cage. I am sure if you explain it to them, they will be more than happy to inspect it in front of you.

11/07/2006, 04:53 PM	#23
Tarkus70 Twinkies everything Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: North Haven CT Posts: 105	when I cane back from MACNA they would not let me bring Coral on the plane had to check it. Be careful due to baggage not being pressurized ( baggage persons claim not mine) the bags can and will pop. All of Mine popped and thank goodness I only lost one. I would tell them what you are checking and ask if you can watch them inspect them they will let you. __________________ Can't Sleep Clown's Will Eat Me ---------------------------------------------- Current Tank Info: Nothing at this time

11/07/2006, 05:25 PM	#24
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Also, the agency governing the checkpoint people is an entity over which the airline itself has no control. They contract, I believe, with the airport. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

11/07/2006, 10:43 PM	#25
johnny Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: PA Posts: 2,720	Thanks everyone for you input. The two stores I stopped at were Beltds and Marine Solutions. I ended up purchasing three zoas from Marine Solutions, I left them there for tonight with my name on the tank in front of them and will pick them up when they open tomorrow morning. I figured it will be worth the chance because they're pretty nice pieces and I haven't seen the same sorta stuff in phili, so worth a shot. I'm going to wrap them in wet newspaper/paper towels with no water other than the damp paper and put them in my carry on. If they won't let it go through, I'll have to go back and check it. Since there's no water, I'm hoping they'll let it go through. Nick