We have now made four 6+ hour flights cross country with Bella. We bought her airline carrier way ahead of time and took her for car rides with the case open (she loves to ride in the car). We also took her to Starbucks in the case so she could get used to have people all around but not being able to get out.
We did this quite a few times so she was very comfortable in the flying case.
We also would cover the flying case and tell her "take a rest". She would settle right down and nap. We kept increasing the time of the "take a rest". So, she was used to napping in the case.
Day of flight with took her on an extra walk and made sure she had one last potty break before we entered the terminal. We had to take her out to go through security and she was a little nervous as we had to wait in line to go through the x-ray.
About 20 minutes before we got on the plane we sprayed her crate pad and blanket with the artificial pheramone (similar to what a lactating mom releases to calm her puppies) and we gave her a small dose of children's benedryll to relax her.
She goes under the seat, covered with her blanket and we say "take a rest" and she didn't make a peep the entire flight. I never take her out because we want her to know that she is in it for the duration. Some crews let dogs come out and some are very strict. We didn't want her confused.
We have her travel in her flight back a couple times a week and leave it out at home so it stays familar.
She has flown each time with absolutely no issues. In fact, no one even knew she was on the plane.
While my husband gets the luggage at our destination, Bella and I find the dog park and take a potty break.
I'm sure you'll be fine, I think the secret is preparation ahead of time so your furbaby feels secure with her case and being around people moving and talking that are strangers. Our Bella wants to meet everyone so we were worried she was whine because she wanted to get out to be with people. Thus our trips to Starbucks where people could talk to her and she could see them but not get out.
I still worry each time. I don't know if I'll ever have total peace of mind. But Bella is a good little traveler and we fly cross country with her twice a year .
Remember . . . vet certificate, rabies proof, airline pet reservation.
Good luck! |