I can tell you that Northwest requires you to go to the counter at the departure airport to pay the fare to carry on your pup. You will need to make that reservation ahead of time as they do have a limit on the # of dogs on the plane, so you'll want to reserve that space. I don't know if they will require you to take them out of the carrier if you were to show up with them in it when you come to the counter.
They will require you to take the pup(s) out of the carrier when going through security, carrying the pups through the metal detector and putting the carrier through the conveyor scanner. Security will check to make sure you have the appropriate ticket for the pup(s).
My feeling is the NW counter will be your biggest obstacle. Also, the size limit is 15 lbs including the carrier, so you will be bordering on that, NW isn't very sympathetic about anything these days and even their employees must pay the $90 EACH way fare to carry an animal on board.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
__________________  Sissy & Angel |