That's what I've been doing. I get him to practice step up onto the edge of the carrier. Since it's a top open carrier he can easily just fly out if I try putting him inside. There's no perch inside so maybe that's something I should do first. Drill a hole in it and put a perch in there...because it's not really a cage what I have. What I have is the link below. More a carrier box.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B006JVPL8A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ioaCFbRQVHCT8
I'm not anywhere near you so I can't help with transportation.
But I can give advice on how to transport them. you should have a carrier that's made of solid, hard plastic with very small holes for ventilation. I like the Living World carrier because the ventilation holes are the petfect size to prevent escapes. There are other brands of similar carriers, this is just the only one I know of off the top of my head.
Then, have the bottom lined with some of the same bedding that will be in their cage, a small lightweight but opaque hide and some high water content veggie slices like cucumber.
https://www.amazon.com/Living-World-Pet-Carrier-Grey/dp/B006JVPL8A
I use this when I only need to transport 1-2 ratties for a short distance. Mine are also big chewers, so this cage is especially great because there aren't really any surfaces inside the cage that they can actually chew. It's rounded inside and everything is flush.
I would certainly hate for that turtle/tortoise to mysteriously vanish and end up with your cousin who specializes in caring for neglected reptiles. That would certainly be awful if it happened, and especially if there were no evidence to indicate anything other than the likelihood of the poor little guy having ~somehow~, ~mysteriously~ escaped over the summer while he was left completely alone, neglected and without food.
That would certainly be awful.
Side note: we like to transport our box turtle in a plastic carrier that’s been lined with wet paper towels, and has a generous layer of damp moss.
I sure do hope that little guy doesn’t mysteriously escape over the summer, but frankly, I think it’s probably likely, don’t you? An animal can’t be expected to somehow ✨magically✨ survive in captivity without fresh water or food. Surely it would try to get out and find food and water. Surely.
You’re a good person, OP.
Hello the vet is seeing us today but do you know if gerbils escape this? It’s all I have
Living World Hagen Pet Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JVPL8A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9AKDNFZM6SPRT2NY0BTP
Hello the vet is seeing us today but do you know if gerbils escape this? It’s all I have
Living World Hagen Pet Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JVPL8A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9AKDNFZM6SPRT2NY0BTP
Maybe one like this? It has a deep bottom, so you can fill it with bedding for him to hide in, and it is hard-sided, so he will feel more safe.
Living World Hagen Pet Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JVPL8A/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5WY31PZ7F5NC21JKFWM9
Personally, I think it would be better without the clear top, but maybe you can find something similar. And a water bottle that goes inside.
I have this one. It comes with a water bottle, but I don't like the clear top. We haven't used it yet.
Limited-time deal: IRIS Extra Small Animal and Critter Carrier, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VZSSDU/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_dl_NC07CM65EJP800ZAQ6KS
Most of the soft-sided carriers made for cats would work...but they are designed to allow the pet to see out, which is more likely to frighten a hamster, and the soft sides might be scary or they might chew it.
Whatever you choose, it MUST fit under the seat, so be sure to check measurements.
Bon voyage!
We transport our rats in this Living World small animal carrier, less than $11 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JVPL8A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_xJHzDbCH830DB
This is the cheapest and best quality/sized one I have found. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/you-and-me-small-animal-pet-carrier-large
This seems to be a very popular one but it’s more money and usually out of stock or you have to pay extra for shipping if you don’t have Prime or you use Chewy. Living World Hagen Pet Carrier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JVPL8A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zdzjFb96X61H7
Living World Pet Carrier, Red/Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JVPL8A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xbudDbVDD9F86
I use this one and I love it. I have three for all three of my girls. Cheap but sturdy. I put a towel or CareFresh bedding in for coziness.
I wouldn’t get one of these to carry her onto the bus with you. They’re smaller but she should be comfortable in there for a little bit.