Surprisingly, transporting live snakes in hand baggage isn't illegal in Germany, a spokesperson said on behalf of the German police, although necessary documentation is required. And Russia requires incoming snakes hold additional health-related documents, including veterinarian reports. Since the unnamed traveler did not possess the requisite paperwork, his sibilant companions were placed in quarantine in Moscow.
Don't worry about becoming the next Samuel L. Jackson in the US; the vast majority of American carriers do not allow "unusual or exotic" pets on board in passenger cabins, which usually excludes reptiles.
