Airplanes and Pets
 

We recently closed on a home in St. Catherine. We are from Wisconsin and have driven down to Florida a couple times in the past few years. After the 2nd trip (20 hours each way, hotel overnight, lots of stress dealing with traffic, speed, semi trucks, mountains, etc.) we decided that flying to/from Florida was the way to travel in the future. We have a French Bulldog that we will be travelling with. If any of you have traveled with a pet on the airlines, would you mind sharing your experiences & recommendations? We already have the airline-approved pet carrier that will fit under the passenger seat.

Yes, buy all 3 seats because I don't want to sit next to a dog on a plane for 3 hours.

I have traveled with dogs on several different airlines. I did not see any difference between the airlines. As long as the dog is in an approved carrier it will be fine. Make sure you have water and a bowl for arrival.

I haven't seen any airline that even enforces the rules they do have. I was on 3 flights in 2019 where the dogs were not in carriers. only one of the pet owners even had a carrier and the animal was never in it. It seems strange to me that the airlines are more worried about pets and a pet owner being sad they can't fly with a pet versus people on the flight that may have severe allergies.

How do you think the dog will feel after being in that cage for hours? I don't like any animal on an aircraft.

"Cage"?

I've flown with our 13 lb Schnoodle... She fits comfortably in a soft side bag, with mesh sides and top. She must be under the seat during take-offs and landing, but during the flight, she sits, in my lap, in her carrier, with her head poking out the top, so I can pet her and keep her calm. I carry some treats with me to help keep her occupied, as well...

I specifically asked the flight attendant (on a SouthWest flight) if that was allowed and they were fine with it...

From Southwest's website....

Cats and dogs must remain in the carrier (including head and tail) and the carrier must be stowed under the seat in front of the Customer (owner) for the entire duration of the flight.

The ones not in a carrier are "service or emotional support dogs". The biggest scam around. My dogs were always in a carrier under the seat in front of me.



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9 most pet friendly airlines in America [Full List] | Million Mile Secrets

For starters, certain breeds of dogs with short-snouts are not allowed to fly on planes because of respiratory issues that may make it particularly difficult for them to breathe. If you’re an owner of one of these breeds, you may want to consider traveling by train instead:

Pug
Bulldog
French Bulldog
Japanese Chin
Neapolitan Mastiff
Lhasa Apso
Shih Tzu
Pekingese
Brussels Griffon
Bullmastiff
Affenpinscher
English Toy Spaniel

That breed list is for cargo not the cabin.

Half of all dog deaths are these breeds. Take your chances if you like. Those statistics have nothing to do with cargo. Not sure you would want your dog to have a miserable trip

If you truly love your dog please do not ship it in the cargo hold!!

Exactly especially with a short snout dog. Fortunately, most airlines do not allow them in cargo.

A friend recently flew out to Seattle to pick up a Pug puppy. He flew in the can to Boston. I owned a dog business in VT and many of customers flew the small breed short snouted dogs in the cabin.

OP so far only 3 posters that have flown with pets have given you anatomy your question.

We have used 4 different airlines, to fly with our pets. Never had an issue with the pet, or the airline. Most airports have a pet area to use prior to boarding, we try to board last. Never have used any drugs for travel, keep vaccine records in the pouch.

Over the years, Our French, Himalayan, pekingese, couple times a year. They have all traveled better than most adults and children. Never a peep, sleep through the flight. You will find most attendants want to take a peek, for the awwww factor. We have on cheaper flights bought middle seat, and put carry case under that seat. Never remove the pet from carry case. Safe travels.