The reptile hitched a ride on the 18-hour flight from Mexico by slithering on to the plane unnoticed. It spent the trip from Cancun under a row of passenger seats, and was spotted only after the plane touched down in Glasgow.

Stunned members of the flight crew snared the 18in "feisty" snake, named Furtivo – Spanish for 'sneak' – and put it in a box, before it could escape.

Animal welfare charity, the Scottish SPCA were called out to remove the unexpected passenger after the incident on Tuesday.

Senior Inspector Billy Linton said: "I can only imagine Furtivo managed to sneak his way on to the plane while it was waiting to take off, although it is possible he has hitched a lift in someone's hand luggage.

"We can't be a 100% certain, but believe he is an American smooth-scaled racer. Racers aren't venomous but can bite and Furtivio is very feisty.

"He is still a juvenile and has a lot of growing to do.

"The staff at Glasgow Airport remained remarkably calm when faced with what must have been a rather unwelcome passenger."

Today, Furtivo was being looked after at the Scottish SPCA's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, Cardonald, where staff are seeking a new home for the stowaway who eats other reptiles – especially lizards – reptile eggs, frogs and small rodents.

Mr Linton added: "We have rescued several exotic creatures from international flights including scorpions, spiders, turtles and even giant land snails so this isn't as unusual as many people might think.

"Furtivo will remain in our care until we find him an expert home."

rebecca.gray@heraldandtimes.co.uk