Flying with reptiles...

Ok so I am going to be going to san Diego soon ish and was planning on checking out what reptiles i can find out there. Here is my question...

I am flying military and its a commercial 737, not like a c-130 but its military so i don't have to deal with all the BS rules, say I got something like a leopard gecko or crested or small ball out there would it cause problems to the reptile if I hand carried it on the flight?

I did it quit a few time while in the NAVY. Never had a problem.

That is awesome, well then i may be picking up a few things while I'm out there...

It's still not legal. My times were long ago. Might not be a good thing to do in these days. Most likely would be considered smuggling. Not worth it.

Why not ship them to yourself?

Shipping costs money, my flight is paid for by the navy... Its bassically free shipping...