[Becky]

I plan on bringing my dog down to TV over Christmas. Wondered if anyone here has ever flown with a dog in the cabin? I have checked with the airline and it is doable. Just how easy or difficult is it? How is security handled? Any recommended pet carriers? Don't worry if we are sitting by you, he doesn't bark! Thanks!

Becky

[JAV0108]

I flew with my dog to Albuquerque NM from TV last month. I think I was more nervous than he was. Everything turned out great though. I had him in a soft side carrier that I bought at Target so he was easy to fit under the seat when taking off and landing. Otherwise he was on my lap (still in carrier). I could have my hand inside petting him so he knew I was there and was calm. One of the flight attendants tried to get someone in the back of the plane to trade seats with me so I could kind of sneak him out of the carrier and on my lap but no-one would trade seats. He did not bark or cause any problem during flight at all. It cost me an extra $100.00 for him to fly but well worth it as I refuse to leave him. The airlines count the carrier as your carry on so don't bring another on unless you want to pay for it. Also, security was very easy, you put the carrier through and carry the dog with you.
Good Luck

The Villages, Florida.

Some of the regulars with small dogs at Doggie Doo Run Run take their dogs with them on some trips. They have not seemed to have problems. Careful with the medications though that you might give your pet to calm down. Believe that the altitude change has some strong effects on canine blood chemistry. http://www.quamut.com/quamut/traveli..._your_dog.html

[billethkid]

And by all means, never, NEVER have a dog put anyplace on or in the plane except the cabin. Not if you regard for your dogs safety, treatment and well being. Most Vets and dog organizations recommend against it.

It is not a humane way for an animal to travel.

BTK

Originally Posted by billethkid

And by all means, never, NEVER have a dog put anyplace on or in the plane except the cabin. Not if you regard for your dogs safety, treatment and well being. Most Vets and dog organizations recommend against it.

It is not a humane way for an animal to travel.

BTK

The Villages, Florida.

Believe many airlines have a weight and size restriction on bringing your dog into the cabin. The Doggie Doo Run Run people with a year + old Cocker Spaniel have to put their pet in excess baggage while someone with a Chihuahua or a Yorkshire Terrier or a Dachshund can bring their pet into the cabin area. Some airlines also seem to only alone service dogs in the cabin. http://www.bringfido.com/airpolicies.htm

"Southwest Airlines does not accept live animals in the aircraft cabin or cargo compartment other than fully trained service animals accompanying a person with a disability or being delivered to a person with a disability." from Southwest web-site.

[KathieI]

The Villages, Florida The Villages, Florida The Villages, Florida (let's not forget!!)

I'm so frightened to put my "kids" in the baggage area (or whatever they call it), I'm gonna drive 3000 miles (or thereabouts) with my babies in the back seat where I can watch them, hold them and take personal care of them. They'll be in their owns beds, sitting on quilts and pillows with their toys. :yikes: Are they spoiled or what??

I've heard too many horror stories and they are so important to me, I even bought a house that would fit their needs more than mine. I'm sure there are many of you out there that feel the same way.

Just saw Tal's post, and that's exactly why I'm not flying. They exceed the restriction to bring them in the cabin, plus there's too many of them....

Wish us luck folks, See ya Sept. 1, God willing!!

[redwitch]

It's been quite a few years ago but flew from California to Canada with my daughter and her Westie. No problems at all. They even let us go out by the gate so he could do his business as we waited for our plane in Dallas. And I definitely agree that a soft-sided carrier is best for traveling.

I used to show and breed Afghan hounds. I did have to ship a couple. When a possible, I'd pay someone who was flying to take the pup with them. If that was not possible, I sent by train. No way was I willing to risk a beloved animal (and I did adore all of my pups and dogs) to the plane's cargo area.

If your dog is the excitable type or just generally a barker, I'd recommend a mild trank about an hour before takeoff.

[Becky]

The Village Florida! Thanks for all the advice! I will only take him in the cabin with me. Would not ship him in baggage. He is very laid-back and not a barker. AA does charge $100 each way but worth it to me. And yes, I will surely be more nervous than he is! Good info about security too!
This eases my mind. Thanks! ;D

Becky

[KathieI]

Unfortunately, the spoiled, rotten Schnauzers bark, cry, whine, and puke, so no way am I going to impose them on the passengers in the cabin (and myself!). Nor am I going to put them underneath the plane, therefore, the long trek from LA to TV!!

Will keep you posted.

[SteveZ]

Originally Posted by Becky

I plan on bringing my dog down to TV over Christmas. Wondered if anyone here has ever flown with a dog in the cabin? I have checked with the airline and it is doable. Just how easy or difficult is it? How is security handled? Any recommended pet carriers? Don't worry if we are sitting by you, he doesn't bark! Thanks!

Becky

Check with your airline. Many refuse to transport dogs in the hold during the late fall, winter and early spring.

My spouse and I commute TV-to-DC and return every three months, and drive with our two terriers. As airline baggage handling gets more intense, its harder on the pets travelling as "baggage." That's a LONG time in a crate!

[pili]

We have flown with our dog in the cabin and it was fine. Dogs have to be under 20 lbs and fit under the seat in front. We gave our dog 1/2 tranquilizer two hours before the flight. He slept until we were ready to land (we flew from Chicago to Orlando). Have a blanket something soft for him/her to lay on. He started waking up before we landed and I open the top of carrier a bit and pet him. He was very good. Yes, it's expensive but worth it.

Pili

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by pili

We have flown with our dog in the cabin and it was fine. Dogs have to be under 20 lbs and fit under the seat in front. We gave our dog 1/2 tranquilizer two hours before the flight. Yes, it's expensive but worth it. Pili

My experience is the same as Pili.

When I go on a long trip, I drive my two dogs and cat. I would never, ever ship my 70 lb dog in cargo. The anxiety would kill him. And I've heard many, many horror stories about dogs being injured.

For a short trip, sometimes I take my small dog in the cabin. The most important thing is the height of the dog. The dog is supposed to be able to stand up in the soft-sided carrier, and fit under the seat ahead. My dog weighs only 10 lbs but has long legs. I gave him a tranquillizer so he'd lie down in the carrier; the airlines didn't even look at him.

Some airlines that used to allow dogs in the cabin have stopped permitting it due to passengers' allergies. Westjet still allows it, Air Canada has stopped. I'm wondering what other airlines permit dogs.

.

Originally Posted by barefoot at last

My experience is the same as Pili.

When I go on a long trip, I drive my two dogs and cat. I would never, ever ship my 70 lb dog in cargo. The anxiety would kill him. And I've heard many, many horror stories about dogs being injured.

For a short trip, sometimes I take my small dog in the cabin. The most important thing is the height of the dog. The dog is supposed to be able to stand up in the soft-sided carrier, and fit under the seat ahead. My dog weighs only 10 lbs but has long legs. I gave him a tranquillizer so he'd lie down in the carrier; the airlines didn't even look at him.

Some airlines that used to allow dogs in the cabin have stopped permitting it due to passengers' allergies. Westjet still allows it, Air Canada has stopped. I'm wondering what other airlines permit dogs.

.

The Villages, Florida.

United Airlines appears to still allow pets. http://www.bringfido.com/airline/United+Airlines

There is a limitation though-- "For the safety of your animal, United Airlines does not accept short-nosed dog breeds as either checked baggage or cargo from June 1 - September 30." from above link.

[tony]

Fly with a dog? Nope, not me, but I flew with Jan once. Does that count?

[samhass]

Anthony, Go to Grace's desk, please!!!