Does anyone have experience flying with their pooch in cabin? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

MorkieMomii · 02-05-2010, 08:38 PM

Wondering if anyone has flown with their adult dog in the cabin with them. Did you fly first class or coach? What was it like, length of flight and what airline. Were the airline staff friendly about it, how about the other passengers? How did your dog cope and what about if they needed a potty break? Did you sedate or need to give something for nausea?

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CaraJo · 02-05-2010, 08:42 PM

YES! We flew during new years with Lillie! SHE WAS AN ANGEL!! I was sick to death over it and so worried they wouldn't let her on or something, or the crate wasn't the right size but everything went so smoothly.

I HIGHLY recommend American Airlines--the staff LOVED Lillie and we had no problems. ALso, just go to their website here Traveling With Pets | American Airlines Pet Policy On AA.com and at the requirements for the dogs/cats. We ended up buying the Sherpa bag. She 'just' fit in it...the baby has to be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. Luckily, Lillie is only 4lbs so it was a breeze and the flight was about 3 1/2 hours. She just slept the whole time..not a peep.

I wouldn't worry about it like I did...all went well! Let me know if you have any specific questions---the only thing I DIDN'T like about it was the $100 EACH WAY!

They SHOULD NOT charge for a small dog if they are not going to charge for a skin baby!

....it was worth it though.

pancakepat · 02-05-2010, 09:16 PM

I'm also wondering the same thing. I'll be flying next month. I did call the airline (southwest) & they except pets. 2 concerns. Have to put her under the seat in front of me. So the crate has to be airline approved. The crate can only be 8" tall. My little girl is 10 lbs & she fits in my soft sided crate ok. But don't know how it'll work out until I get seated & look things over. Flight is 2 1/2 hrs. I'm concerned about her getting cramped. Second concern is will she get sick or develop ear ache from the altitude?
Thanks for any help.

Armani Alexis · 02-05-2010, 09:46 PM

Armani travels very well, she does not need a potty break and does not have issues with nausea. She will be two years old next month. I have yet to find an airline that will allow you to travel with pets in first class. Each time we have traveled on Delta Airlines; we do however have a coast to coast trip in June on Virgin America. The staff was friendly and the other passengers never knew she was on the flight because she was silently tucked away under the seat in front of me. Armani was also in a Sherpa bag with a toy, blanket and treat enclosed. She slept most of the flight.

I also think that the fee is ridiculous considering the fact that they must remain under the seat in front of you and count as your carry on but it is worth it to travel with your pooch.

Best wishes on your pending travel!

llcornell · 02-05-2010, 10:40 PM

I have flown many times with Maggie on all airlines. I have a soft carry on bag that Maggie had spend alot of time in before flying. I used to take her in the car, movies, restaurants etc to get her used to the bag so the first time we flew she was so comfortable in the bag she just slept. I would do alot of car rides in the bag before hand. Ive seen many dogs in the airport sedated and I feel bad for them. I think if you put the time into getting them used to traveling in the bag they do fine. As far as potty breaks I didnt give her alot of water before flying and always did a long walk before, also we never flew more than 4 hours at a time so it wasnt necessary for her.

slantyeyedgirl · 02-05-2010, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pancakepat

I'm also wondering the same thing. I'll be flying next month. I did call the airline (southwest) & they except pets. 2 concerns. Have to put her under the seat in front of me. So the crate has to be airline approved. The crate can only be 8" tall. My little girl is 10 lbs & she fits in my soft sided crate ok. But don't know how it'll work out until I get seated & look things over. Flight is 2 1/2 hrs. I'm concerned about her getting cramped. Second concern is will she get sick or develop ear ache from the altitude?
Thanks for any help.

Your bag sounds fine. We took Ginger to Arizona a few weeks back. She was a little freaked out. She panted the entire time. I think all the sounds scared her. Our vet gave us some puppy sedatives so I gave it to her for the flight home and it seemed to help her relax. I recommend giving it to your puppy an hour before the flight. No sickness or earaches from what I could tell.

DvlshAngel985 · 02-05-2010, 11:20 PM

My family and I traveled to TN for Thanksgiving last year with no problems! I think it was American Airlines, or their new partner line, I don't know that part was confusing. Either way, I took him in a purse like carrier, the Kwigy-Bo Alex bag, which is my everyday carrier.I did let him out while we waited for the plane, and on the flight (he slept on my lap under a blankie). It was a late night flight so the lights were off. Kaji is calm and quiet (a great traveler!) so I never have a problem with him. We even took him on a 6 hr car drive to the Grand Canyon for New Years.

I was only told once on the way back from TN to please carry my dog. I let him walk around Memphis airport.

Other than that, he was spotted out and about and no one said anything about it, neither passengers or staff.

MJJ56 · 02-06-2010, 06:58 AM

Cissy (now 8 mos.) and I traveled on an American Airlines 3 hr flight in Dec. We too used the Kwigy Bo Alex bag. After reading the advise in the YT Travel Section, this is what we did -
We did get our health certificate, although no one asked for it, we were prepared "just in case". I did not want to give a sedative and the vet suggested giving her a little Benadryl about 1 hr before the flight. After reading about some dogs panting on the flight, I also took a little hand held fan which I could put in front of the vent on her bag and just held it in between my feet so she was getting good air circulation. I also took her a toy, treat and a hand towel in case. I got her a little water from the flight attendent. I had also read that her experience on the flight would depend on the airline staff, which I can confirm. On the flight out, the attendent offered us two empty side by side seats so Cissy would be more comfortable. She told me she "just loved dogs". The only time Cissy was under the seat was during take off and landing, although she did stay in her bag, it was on the seat unzipped and she had her head out laying on the bag sleeping. On the return flight it was just the opposite, I had Cissy in her bag on my lap and the attendent was very upset with me, I had to "keep the bag zipped closed and under the seat". Even the passengers around us were upset because Cissy was causing NO problems, but as she said - rules are rules! So it definately depends on the flight attendent. The return trip was when I did use the fan and she did just fine. At the airports, I would put her unzipped bag in my lap and she was the hit of the airport, if anyone noticed they wanted to come see her.

She was better than I anticipated.
Sorry for the long post but I was a nervous wreck before the flight and I am trying to relieve some of your worry. Cissy did fine on both legs of the flight even though they were totally different experiences. Hope this helps a little. Good luck!

Britster · 02-06-2010, 07:02 AM

I was considering bringing Jackson with me to Colorado to visit my uncle since he offered to buy Jackson a ticket too but I'm just too worried about it. I'd be flying by myself and I don't know if I could do it. Jackson is 12lbs so I don't know how well he would fit under the seat, he probably wouldn't even be able to stand up? I'm not really sure though. He's not crate-trained, he doesn't like being in a crate or anything, but he's a wonderful traveler in the car. I don't know -- I'm just TOO worried to do it. If it was a shorter flight, I think I'd be less worried but MD to CO is 5 hours or more. If I was able to walk him through the airport on a leash, I think I'd feel more comfortable. And if I KNEW I was gonna be able to take him out during the flight, I'd feel better.

katie_n_me · 02-06-2010, 07:36 AM

Katie and I have flown about 4 times without incident. She had no difficulties at all. I even snuck her out of her bag and held her. Katie is 4.5 lbs. and had no problem with the soft-sided sherpa bag I purchased stuffed under seat. Make sure you get a soft carrier so you have no problems fitting it under the seat.

MorkieMomii · 02-06-2010, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaraJo

YES! We flew during new years with Lillie! SHE WAS AN ANGEL!! I was sick to death over it and so worried they wouldn't let her on or something, or the crate wasn't the right size but everything went so smoothly.

I HIGHLY recommend American Airlines--the staff LOVED Lillie and we had no problems. ALso, just go to their website here Traveling With Pets | American Airlines Pet Policy On AA.com and at the requirements for the dogs/cats. We ended up buying the Sherpa bag. She 'just' fit in it...the baby has to be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. Luckily, Lillie is only 4lbs so it was a breeze and the flight was about 3 1/2 hours. She just slept the whole time..not a peep.

I wouldn't worry about it like I did...all went well! Let me know if you have any specific questions---the only thing I DIDN'T like about it was the $100 EACH WAY!

They SHOULD NOT charge for a small dog if they are not going to charge for a skin baby!

....it was worth it though.

Thanks, great link so much info.
Thanks to all, I was curious to see if flight travel would even work, I would like to take her with us to Orlando next year and starting to think about it now. Getting her use to the Sherpa bag now is probably where I will start.

Breny · 02-06-2010, 09:36 AM

Does anyone know if you can travel with two?

2girls · 02-06-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breny

Does anyone know if you can travel with two?

I have flown with both my girls however the airlines usually have a pet limit of 5 dogs per flight so it's best to purchase your pet ticket in advance. When I traveled alone with both girls in two seperate carriers I had to find under seat space at another seat. Flight attendants were accomodating and also allowed me to but the second carrier on my lap during the flight so we can all sit together. Airline rule is the carrier must be kept under the seat in front of you. I traveled with pets about 15 times in the past few years and never had problems with placing the soft carrier on my lap during flight and returning them to under the seat for take off/landing. We flew American Air, Jet Blue and Delta Song and United. Just make sure you are prepared should there be a delay.

2girls · 02-06-2010, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MorkieMomii

Wondering if anyone has flown with their adult dog in the cabin with them. Did you fly first class or coach? What was it like, length of flight and what airline. Were the airline staff friendly about it, how about the other passengers? How did your dog cope and what about if they needed a potty break? Did you sedate or need to give something for nausea?

.

I have only flown coach and I have always found the airline staff to be kind and helpful. When a traveled with both girls in separate carriers they helpful finding space for them. As for our longer flights I would place a pad down in the airport terminal away from the crowd and let them have a pee break. They would be leashed and harnessed of course. never had a problem. Just make sure you plan accordingly for a delay.

Princes mom · 02-06-2010, 02:43 PM

Great post!! I'm planning a trip to Newark, DE for my neice's college graduation. (UDEL) I have to fly and was wondering about traveling with Prince. One major concern...Prince is exempt from vacs because of his severe reaction to them. He uses topical heart worm preventative, but that's it. I do have a letter from the vet, but I'm not sure if that will be enough. We cannot let him get vacs, just for the flight. (I would end up missing the grad if he got sick like he had twice before). If worse comes to worse, my hubby would stay home with Prince.
We'll have to fly from ATL to PHL, then take a bus from Philly to Newark (DE). I think it takes about two hours on the bus, and I'm not sure if dogs are allowed on the bus. I remember reading about a lady in Tampa who was thrown off Greyhound because she had a dog! (How ironic is that...Greyhound)! I could rent a car, that would probably be easier and I have a GPS.
I'll make some calls this week.
I get a headache thinking about all of this.

02-05-2010, 08:38 PM	#1
MorkieMomii Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 225	Does anyone have experience flying with their pooch in cabin? Wondering if anyone has flown with their adult dog in the cabin with them. Did you fly first class or coach? What was it like, length of flight and what airline. Were the airline staff friendly about it, how about the other passengers? How did your dog cope and what about if they needed a potty break? Did you sedate or need to give something for nausea? . __________________ Mary

02-05-2010, 08:42 PM	#2
CaraJo Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA Posts: 127	YES! We flew during new years with Lillie! SHE WAS AN ANGEL!! I was sick to death over it and so worried they wouldn't let her on or something, or the crate wasn't the right size but everything went so smoothly. I HIGHLY recommend American Airlines--the staff LOVED Lillie and we had no problems. ALso, just go to their website here Traveling With Pets \| American Airlines Pet Policy On AA.com and at the requirements for the dogs/cats. We ended up buying the Sherpa bag. She 'just' fit in it...the baby has to be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. Luckily, Lillie is only 4lbs so it was a breeze and the flight was about 3 1/2 hours. She just slept the whole time..not a peep. I wouldn't worry about it like I did...all went well! Let me know if you have any specific questions---the only thing I DIDN'T like about it was the $100 EACH WAY! They SHOULD NOT charge for a small dog if they are not going to charge for a skin baby! ....it was worth it though. __________________ Love in the heart wasn't put there to stay, 'love' isn't 'love' till you give it away...to a YORKIE! -Cara Jo, Lillie's Momma

02-05-2010, 09:46 PM	#4
Armani Alexis My Sweet Cupcake Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New York Posts: 4,390	Armani travels very well, she does not need a potty break and does not have issues with nausea. She will be two years old next month. I have yet to find an airline that will allow you to travel with pets in first class. Each time we have traveled on Delta Airlines; we do however have a coast to coast trip in June on Virgin America. The staff was friendly and the other passengers never knew she was on the flight because she was silently tucked away under the seat in front of me. Armani was also in a Sherpa bag with a toy, blanket and treat enclosed. She slept most of the flight. I also think that the fee is ridiculous considering the fact that they must remain under the seat in front of you and count as your carry on but it is worth it to travel with your pooch. Best wishes on your pending travel! __________________ pam & armani the more you celebrate your life ~ the more there is in life to celebrate until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened

02-05-2010, 10:40 PM	#5
llcornell Stop Puppy Mills Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: california Posts: 1,152	I have flown many times with Maggie on all airlines. I have a soft carry on bag that Maggie had spend alot of time in before flying. I used to take her in the car, movies, restaurants etc to get her used to the bag so the first time we flew she was so comfortable in the bag she just slept. I would do alot of car rides in the bag before hand. Ive seen many dogs in the airport sedated and I feel bad for them. I think if you put the time into getting them used to traveling in the bag they do fine. As far as potty breaks I didnt give her alot of water before flying and always did a long walk before, also we never flew more than 4 hours at a time so it wasnt necessary for her. __________________ Proud mom to Sam & Daisy

02-05-2010, 11:20 PM	#7
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	My family and I traveled to TN for Thanksgiving last year with no problems! I think it was American Airlines, or their new partner line, I don't know that part was confusing. Either way, I took him in a purse like carrier, the Kwigy-Bo Alex bag, which is my everyday carrier.I did let him out while we waited for the plane, and on the flight (he slept on my lap under a blankie). It was a late night flight so the lights were off. Kaji is calm and quiet (a great traveler!) so I never have a problem with him. We even took him on a 6 hr car drive to the Grand Canyon for New Years. I was only told once on the way back from TN to please carry my dog. I let him walk around Memphis airport. Other than that, he was spotted out and about and no one said anything about it, neither passengers or staff. __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

02-05-2010, 09:16 PM	#3
pancakepat Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Kansas, the sunflower state USA Posts: 242	I'm also wondering the same thing. I'll be flying next month. I did call the airline (southwest) & they except pets. 2 concerns. Have to put her under the seat in front of me. So the crate has to be airline approved. The crate can only be 8" tall. My little girl is 10 lbs & she fits in my soft sided crate ok. But don't know how it'll work out until I get seated & look things over. Flight is 2 1/2 hrs. I'm concerned about her getting cramped. Second concern is will she get sick or develop ear ache from the altitude? Thanks for any help.

02-06-2010, 06:58 AM	#8
MJJ56 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: TX Posts: 374	Cissy (now 8 mos.) and I traveled on an American Airlines 3 hr flight in Dec. We too used the Kwigy Bo Alex bag. After reading the advise in the YT Travel Section, this is what we did - We did get our health certificate, although no one asked for it, we were prepared "just in case". I did not want to give a sedative and the vet suggested giving her a little Benadryl about 1 hr before the flight. After reading about some dogs panting on the flight, I also took a little hand held fan which I could put in front of the vent on her bag and just held it in between my feet so she was getting good air circulation. I also took her a toy, treat and a hand towel in case. I got her a little water from the flight attendent. I had also read that her experience on the flight would depend on the airline staff, which I can confirm. On the flight out, the attendent offered us two empty side by side seats so Cissy would be more comfortable. She told me she "just loved dogs". The only time Cissy was under the seat was during take off and landing, although she did stay in her bag, it was on the seat unzipped and she had her head out laying on the bag sleeping. On the return flight it was just the opposite, I had Cissy in her bag on my lap and the attendent was very upset with me, I had to "keep the bag zipped closed and under the seat". Even the passengers around us were upset because Cissy was causing NO problems, but as she said - rules are rules! So it definately depends on the flight attendent. The return trip was when I did use the fan and she did just fine. At the airports, I would put her unzipped bag in my lap and she was the hit of the airport, if anyone noticed they wanted to come see her. She was better than I anticipated. Sorry for the long post but I was a nervous wreck before the flight and I am trying to relieve some of your worry. Cissy did fine on both legs of the flight even though they were totally different experiences. Hope this helps a little. Good luck! __________________ Jan Cissy Bodie Rosco

02-06-2010, 07:02 AM	#9
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,814	I was considering bringing Jackson with me to Colorado to visit my uncle since he offered to buy Jackson a ticket too but I'm just too worried about it. I'd be flying by myself and I don't know if I could do it. Jackson is 12lbs so I don't know how well he would fit under the seat, he probably wouldn't even be able to stand up? I'm not really sure though. He's not crate-trained, he doesn't like being in a crate or anything, but he's a wonderful traveler in the car. I don't know -- I'm just TOO worried to do it. If it was a shorter flight, I think I'd be less worried but MD to CO is 5 hours or more. If I was able to walk him through the airport on a leash, I think I'd feel more comfortable. And if I KNEW I was gonna be able to take him out during the flight, I'd feel better. __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier Last edited by Britster; 02-06-2010 at 07:03 AM.

02-06-2010, 07:36 AM	#10
katie_n_me Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Danbury, CT Posts: 74	Katie and I have flown about 4 times without incident. She had no difficulties at all. I even snuck her out of her bag and held her. Katie is 4.5 lbs. and had no problem with the soft-sided sherpa bag I purchased stuffed under seat. Make sure you get a soft carrier so you have no problems fitting it under the seat. __________________ You know what you know; you know what you don't know; but, you don't know what you don't know. - Linda

02-06-2010, 09:36 AM	#12
Breny My Tiny Treasures Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: . Posts: 11,790 Blog Entries: 3	Does anyone know if you can travel with two? __________________ http://Brenysbabies.com

02-06-2010, 02:43 PM	#15
Princes mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 4,566	Great post!! I'm planning a trip to Newark, DE for my neice's college graduation. (UDEL) I have to fly and was wondering about traveling with Prince. One major concern...Prince is exempt from vacs because of his severe reaction to them. He uses topical heart worm preventative, but that's it. I do have a letter from the vet, but I'm not sure if that will be enough. We cannot let him get vacs, just for the flight. (I would end up missing the grad if he got sick like he had twice before). If worse comes to worse, my hubby would stay home with Prince. We'll have to fly from ATL to PHL, then take a bus from Philly to Newark (DE). I think it takes about two hours on the bus, and I'm not sure if dogs are allowed on the bus. I remember reading about a lady in Tampa who was thrown off Greyhound because she had a dog! (How ironic is that...Greyhound)! I could rent a car, that would probably be easier and I have a GPS. I'll make some calls this week. I get a headache thinking about all of this. __________________ Prince, rest in peace. We miss you and love you so much. Last edited by Princes mom; 02-06-2010 at 02:46 PM.