Do Airlines Weigh & Measure?? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

yorkiesmiles · 12-02-2007, 07:53 AM

I'm wondering what your experience has been with airline travel - will they weigh & measure the bag?? I'm flying Northwest soon & still haven't bought a bag - in part because of size limits.

Northwest says the bag can't weigh more than 15 pounds, even though I know other airlines say 20. I would like to get one of the bags on wheels, as I am taking 2 and together they weigh about 8 lbs and I think the wheeled ones will keep them from knocking together and be easier for me to move thru the airport with. But almost every wheeled bag I see is outside of Northwest's measurements of 17Lx12Wx8H inches and they all look like they weigh too much by the time I add the dogs.

I also was looking at the new AKC Sherpa Carrier for 2 - but it's outside the measurements. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a bag & then be in trouble when I get to the airport.

And yes, I know what all the airlines say about flying with 2 dogs.

Mybabyboymax · 12-02-2007, 08:03 AM

We actually flew northwest when we went to get Macy and they did not check anything at all! no weight or measurements, we basically boarded the plane without anyone taking a second look at the carrier.

yorkiesmiles · 12-02-2007, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mybabyboymax

We actually flew northwest when we went to get Macy and they did not check anything at all! no weight or measurements, we basically boarded the plane without anyone taking a second look at the carrier.

What happened at the counter?? Did they just tag your bag? I'm assuming you had to prepay the pet fee and they knew you were bring a dog with you. Can I ask what type of bag did you use?

Mybabyboymax · 12-02-2007, 08:11 AM

I paid by phone before hand, so when we went to the counter they asked for us to put the bag on the counter they put a tag and that was all. we walked through security (macy in arms) bag on the belt and thats it. no one took the bag to measure it or weigh it with her in or out of it. I borrowed a bag from my cousin cuz mine was too big so i dont know the name sorry.

Sugar's Mom · 12-02-2007, 08:15 AM

i have never had an airline look in my bag or even ask for my health certificate. I always have a printed out e-ticket so all I have to do is go thru security. They do ask you to take the puppy out and carry them thru the scanner. the bag goes alone. As far as a wheeled carrier, you had better make sure anything you use has soft top corners so they can be mashed down and made to fit under the seat. if not, your dog will end up in the carrier with the stewardesses putting them where they put the other bags that passengers have that don't fit. I saw them pile some in the steardess compartment, last time I flew.

Suzy · 12-02-2007, 08:56 AM

I just had an idea... if you take a "wheelie" as a carry-on bag, in addition to your bag with the dogs in it, you could put the doggie bag on top of the wheelie and carry them around the airport like that. Plus, if you get a doggie bag with lots of pockets, you can use it as your "purse", and then with the wheelie you can carry stuff on so you don't have to worry about losing luggage!

Just a thought...

LuvtheCooper · 12-02-2007, 09:45 AM

I've flown with mine multiple times. No one ever weighs and measures. All they care about is they get their money, and the bag fits under the seat and you don't take them out. TSA could care less about the animals or their tickets. The flight attendants, I have found, are the most concerned over the animals...whether they fit under the seat and aren't taken out. Lately we have had great flight attendants and they even didn't care when we took them out, as long as no one else saw them. It's really FAA regulations they worry about. Best of luck. Oh yeah, I didn't spend alot on my bags, because that is the only time I use them, is when I fly.

yorkiesmiles · 12-02-2007, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvtheCooper

I've flown with mine multiple times. No one ever weighs and measures. All they care about is they get their money, and the bag fits under the seat and you don't take them out. TSA could care less about the animals or their tickets. The flight attendants, I have found, are the most concerned over the animals...whether they fit under the seat and aren't taken out. Lately we have had great flight attendants and they even didn't care when we took them out, as long as no one else saw them. It's really FAA regulations they worry about. Best of luck. Oh yeah, I didn't spend alot on my bags, because that is the only time I use them, is when I fly.

Do you carry yours in separate bags or the same bag? What type of bag(s) do you use?

LuvtheCooper · 12-02-2007, 01:12 PM

I have to use separate bags, I have bigger yorkies

I just found some less expensive bags at my local pet store...they were around 25.00 each, no name brand. They have mesh at the front and sides and they unzip from the front and from the top. They will totally "squish" down too, so they fit under the seat. That is what they really care about...them fitting under the seat and staying there

Yorkiekids · 12-02-2007, 03:05 PM

When I got Sebastian they didn't weigh or measure.

yorkiesmiles · 12-02-2007, 05:36 PM

Thank you all for the feedback. I looked all over again online today & even found the under the seat measurements for the airplanes we will be flying on. I continued to be dismayed by all the sizes and even though I wanted something with wheels I liked your idea Suzy.

Then today I happened to go into Petco and looked at some things there - I had decided against the wheeled suitcase type of thing they had because I was afraid it was too wide at the base & too solid to squish down if need be under the seat. I even looked at one of their strollers that has a removable bag - that way I could get thru the airport with ease & have the bag to carry-on (& a way to get the dogs around for the KC 2008 Meetup

) --the strollers were on sale like $30 off.

I seriously looked at the beautiful black $99 Sherpa bag with the roll down shades. But LuvtheCooper, your words about not spending much money, because flying was the only time you ever used your bags - and I thought I'll be the same way as I already have a couple of fashion carriers and I don't even use them that often.

Then I saw a $16 clearance sign for a single bag that was left - it's royal blue - not the color I probably would have picked if I had a choice, but I tried the dogs in it and it was actually roomier when turned on it's side (like to go under the seat) than the Sherpa bag & fit to a tee the words I heard you all saying!

I just tucked the dogs in it again as I was measuring the bag at home. I had it zipped for a minute, then I unzipped it and told them both they could come out, but they both laid down and have been sleeping inside it now for almost an hour

- lol

So, I guess that's the bag

YorkieRose · 12-02-2007, 05:49 PM

I, prefer the soft sided bags, fit easier under the seat.....and I have never had anyone look at my dog, let alone weigh it...you have to take them out and walk through the metal detector with them...never had them look at the health certs..but they do if they are shipped...

celstu1 · 12-07-2007, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkiesmiles

I'm wondering what your experience has been with airline travel - will they weigh & measure the bag?? I'm flying Northwest soon & still haven't bought a bag - in part because of size limits.

Northwest says the bag can't weigh more than 15 pounds, even though I know other airlines say 20. I would like to get one of the bags on wheels, as I am taking 2 and together they weigh about 8 lbs and I think the wheeled ones will keep them from knocking together and be easier for me to move thru the airport with. But almost every wheeled bag I see is outside of Northwest's measurements of 17Lx12Wx8H inches and they all look like they weigh too much by the time I add the dogs.

I also was looking at the new AKC Sherpa Carrier for 2 - but it's outside the measurements. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a bag & then be in trouble when I get to the airport.

And yes, I know what all the airlines say about flying with 2 dogs.

I am flying 2 boys in 12 days. I got a sherpa backpack type bag. It meets the requirements and fits both my boys. (its a TAD bit tight for them, but not horrible) and they are 8lbs and 5lbs. I am PRAYING them & the bag do not weigh over 15lbs but I hear that the airline does not really weigh the bag!

What I dont get is .. I can see having a size restriction... but not a weight or age restriction. If they fit in the bag that you are allowed to bring, then you should be able to bring them in the plane. They do not put a weight restriction (or cost) on your normal carry on bag do they?? Nooo!! So why all the hassle and extra cost when the dogs become your carry on? I dont get that! **SIGH**

celstu1 · 12-07-2007, 09:59 AM

I bought this one

http://www.sherpapet.com/products/de...ddetail_post=Y

I looked online and found it for $50. I also bought some of those super absorbent soft pads that you can put in the carrier, the small fit perfectly in this carrier. It goes right on my back and its big enough (barely) for my 2 boys. One is 8lbs and the other 5lbs. I mean its a bit tight, but this is the biggest bag you can bring on the plane so Im stuck with it. They will be ok bc its a short flight... 2 hours, then a 2 hour layover, then 2 hours. They can hopefully handle that!

romeos mommy · 12-08-2007, 07:48 PM

it's good to see the airlines are not being too picky these days.

12-02-2007, 07:53 AM	#1
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 6,970	Do Airlines Weigh & Measure?? I'm wondering what your experience has been with airline travel - will they weigh & measure the bag?? I'm flying Northwest soon & still haven't bought a bag - in part because of size limits. Northwest says the bag can't weigh more than 15 pounds, even though I know other airlines say 20. I would like to get one of the bags on wheels, as I am taking 2 and together they weigh about 8 lbs and I think the wheeled ones will keep them from knocking together and be easier for me to move thru the airport with. But almost every wheeled bag I see is outside of Northwest's measurements of 17Lx12Wx8H inches and they all look like they weigh too much by the time I add the dogs. I also was looking at the new AKC Sherpa Carrier for 2 - but it's outside the measurements. I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a bag & then be in trouble when I get to the airport. And yes, I know what all the airlines say about flying with 2 dogs. __________________ yorkiesmiles & Roxy - Queen of quite-A-Lot & Bubba - Ambassador of the Little Gentleman's Club *Conversation means being able to disagree and still continue the discussion.*

12-02-2007, 08:03 AM	#2
Mybabyboymax Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: queens Posts: 1,644	We actually flew northwest when we went to get Macy and they did not check anything at all! no weight or measurements, we basically boarded the plane without anyone taking a second look at the carrier. __________________ Proud mommy to Max \| and \| Auntie to Macy

12-02-2007, 08:11 AM	#4
Mybabyboymax Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: queens Posts: 1,644	I paid by phone before hand, so when we went to the counter they asked for us to put the bag on the counter they put a tag and that was all. we walked through security (macy in arms) bag on the belt and thats it. no one took the bag to measure it or weigh it with her in or out of it. I borrowed a bag from my cousin cuz mine was too big so i dont know the name sorry. __________________ Proud mommy to Max \| and \| Auntie to Macy

12-02-2007, 08:15 AM	#5
Sugar's Mom Donating YT 7000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 7,318	i have never had an airline look in my bag or even ask for my health certificate. I always have a printed out e-ticket so all I have to do is go thru security. They do ask you to take the puppy out and carry them thru the scanner. the bag goes alone. As far as a wheeled carrier, you had better make sure anything you use has soft top corners so they can be mashed down and made to fit under the seat. if not, your dog will end up in the carrier with the stewardesses putting them where they put the other bags that passengers have that don't fit. I saw them pile some in the steardess compartment, last time I flew. __________________ Dee and all the Pretty Babies!!!!!!!!

12-02-2007, 08:56 AM	#6
Suzy 2 Pups=Double Trouble! Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 5,777	I just had an idea... if you take a "wheelie" as a carry-on bag, in addition to your bag with the dogs in it, you could put the doggie bag on top of the wheelie and carry them around the airport like that. Plus, if you get a doggie bag with lots of pockets, you can use it as your "purse", and then with the wheelie you can carry stuff on so you don't have to worry about losing luggage! Just a thought... __________________ Suzy Emma & Milli What's better than loving a yorkie? Loving two yorkies! Milli 's Remi!

12-02-2007, 09:45 AM	#7
LuvtheCooper & LuvtheCarley too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dripping Springs, Texas Posts: 1,389	I've flown with mine multiple times. No one ever weighs and measures. All they care about is they get their money, and the bag fits under the seat and you don't take them out. TSA could care less about the animals or their tickets. The flight attendants, I have found, are the most concerned over the animals...whether they fit under the seat and aren't taken out. Lately we have had great flight attendants and they even didn't care when we took them out, as long as no one else saw them. It's really FAA regulations they worry about. Best of luck. Oh yeah, I didn't spend alot on my bags, because that is the only time I use them, is when I fly. __________________ Delaina, Cooper & Carley http://luvthecooper.blogspot.com/

12-02-2007, 01:12 PM	#9
LuvtheCooper & LuvtheCarley too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dripping Springs, Texas Posts: 1,389	I have to use separate bags, I have bigger yorkies I just found some less expensive bags at my local pet store...they were around 25.00 each, no name brand. They have mesh at the front and sides and they unzip from the front and from the top. They will totally "squish" down too, so they fit under the seat. That is what they really care about...them fitting under the seat and staying there __________________ Delaina, Cooper & Carley http://luvthecooper.blogspot.com/

12-02-2007, 03:05 PM	#10
Yorkiekids Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida Posts: 12,409	When I got Sebastian they didn't weigh or measure. __________________ Susan, Piper & Sebastion

12-02-2007, 05:36 PM	#11
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 6,970	Thank you all for the feedback. I looked all over again online today & even found the under the seat measurements for the airplanes we will be flying on. I continued to be dismayed by all the sizes and even though I wanted something with wheels I liked your idea Suzy. Then today I happened to go into Petco and looked at some things there - I had decided against the wheeled suitcase type of thing they had because I was afraid it was too wide at the base & too solid to squish down if need be under the seat. I even looked at one of their strollers that has a removable bag - that way I could get thru the airport with ease & have the bag to carry-on (& a way to get the dogs around for the KC 2008 Meetup ) --the strollers were on sale like $30 off. I seriously looked at the beautiful black $99 Sherpa bag with the roll down shades. But LuvtheCooper, your words about not spending much money, because flying was the only time you ever used your bags - and I thought I'll be the same way as I already have a couple of fashion carriers and I don't even use them that often. Then I saw a $16 clearance sign for a single bag that was left - it's royal blue - not the color I probably would have picked if I had a choice, but I tried the dogs in it and it was actually roomier when turned on it's side (like to go under the seat) than the Sherpa bag & fit to a tee the words I heard you all saying! I just tucked the dogs in it again as I was measuring the bag at home. I had it zipped for a minute, then I unzipped it and told them both they could come out, but they both laid down and have been sleeping inside it now for almost an hour - lol So, I guess that's the bag __________________ yorkiesmiles & Roxy - Queen of quite-A-Lot & Bubba - Ambassador of the Little Gentleman's Club *Conversation means being able to disagree and still continue the discussion.* Last edited by yorkiesmiles; 12-02-2007 at 05:37 PM.

12-02-2007, 05:49 PM	#12
YorkieRose YT 4000 Club Member Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 7,207	bag I, prefer the soft sided bags, fit easier under the seat.....and I have never had anyone look at my dog, let alone weigh it...you have to take them out and walk through the metal detector with them...never had them look at the health certs..but they do if they are shipped... __________________ Pat, Kate, Becca and Pinkkee Prim

12-07-2007, 09:59 AM	#14
celstu1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hudson Posts: 3,753	I bought this one http://www.sherpapet.com/products/de...ddetail_post=Y I looked online and found it for $50. I also bought some of those super absorbent soft pads that you can put in the carrier, the small fit perfectly in this carrier. It goes right on my back and its big enough (barely) for my 2 boys. One is 8lbs and the other 5lbs. I mean its a bit tight, but this is the biggest bag you can bring on the plane so Im stuck with it. They will be ok bc its a short flight... 2 hours, then a 2 hour layover, then 2 hours. They can hopefully handle that! __________________ Mommy to Dexter & Fletcher Gentlemen's Club!!!

12-08-2007, 07:48 PM	#15
romeos mommy YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Voorhees, NJ Posts: 3,282	it's good to see the airlines are not being too picky these days. __________________ Bernadette & Romeo