Back in April I moved across Canada from Alberta to Ontario which meant I needed to transport Percy (black capped conure) with me. I had thought briefly about driving him but figured that several 12 hour car rides would not suit him too much and elected for air travel. In general everything went well - I purchased a flight approved carrier complete with built in perch and dishes. The Edmonton International Airport security screening went down without a hitch and everyone was VERY accommodating. The airline itself (I think I flew Air Canada) was excellent - the price to fly Percy was reasonable and they allowed me to board early to settle him underneath the seat. Overall this was a very good experience and the entire trip took maybe six hours.
Because this experience was so good I decided that rather than board him, I would bring Percy with me this holiday season as I flew back to Alberta for a two week vacation. This time I flew with New Leaf and boy was it a stressful time for Percy and I. My outbound flight was delayed by nearly three hours meaning poor Percy had to sit in his carrier for three hours BEFORE boarding the four hour flight to Edmonton. Then there was still an hour and a half drive home. All in all he spent nearly twelve hours in his carrier. Sure, he had water, food and a little toy to play with, but upon arrival at my parents house (he has a cage there and everything) he would not let go of me. He clung to the front of my shirt under my chin and refused to get off except to make the LARGEST poop I've ever seen. To me this indicates he probably didn't really do anything other than huddle in the corner for the duration of his time in the carrier.
A very similar (and worse) thing happened on my return flight. I arrived promptly at the airport at 6:30AM (Percy having been crated by 6AM), only to be told my flight had been delayed until 1PM!!! I had driven up from my parents house the night before with my boyfriend. Luckily I was able to go to his house and Percy could come out for a bit, but again he was very stressed and high-strung. When I finally arrived at the airport we were delayed by another hour. Basically, Percy spent almost the entire day in/on/around his carrier. Prior to this experience he's been pretty okay with being crated for travel, but now he is TERRIFIED of his carrier. If he even sees it he gets anxious.
I guess my main musing is that I chose to travel with him because I didn't want to board him for two weeks. I think boarding in general gets a bad reputation when really it depends on where you are boarding. I've had to board Percy once while I was away for work and the place he goes is great. Everyone on staff enjoys him and he gets to come out regularly in the day despite being flighted. I wonder now whether I should have boarded him for the two weeks rather than subject him to air travel. I guess it's all about choosing the lesser of two evils?
TLDR: Air travel with parrots is hit or miss and may be a worse choice (for my bird) than boarding for extended periods of time. I would appreciate your thoughts on this as cross-country travel is a regular part of my life (me and my partner are in a long-distance relationship due to our schooling).