This was my baby's first flight, and first journey of any length. I made a reservation for myself and then called to make a reservation for him on the same flight, apparently one has 30 minutes to cancel a flight with no penalty if there is no room for the dog on the flight you've chosen.
Mogwi had been sleeping in his carrier for a few months (afternoon naps only because he sleeps with me)! He hides his toys in there and takes treats in there. Just before entering the airport building I put him in the carrier and zipped it closed (with all the mesh parts open so he could see out and breathe comfortably). He started to yelp a little but I managed the check in, paid the $100 one way fee and headed to the gate. The check in people were very nice and kept telling me how cute Mogwi is.
I have a Clear membership so I did not have to wait in a long security check line, I put my back pack and Mogwi's carrier on the belt and carried him through the scanner with me. He was very happy to be out the carrier, so I just kept him in my arms. We had 30 minutes before boarding so I took him with me to the ladies and put a wee wee pad down for him, but he was not interested.
I was sitting in the last row in the first class cabin, window seat. I asked the man next to me if he minded that I kept my doggy on my lap and he said "not at all" then the stewardess asked him if he minded and he said no, so she let me hold my baby all the way to DC (I put him safely in the carrier for takeoff and landing).
I seemed to enjoy flying! He looked out of the window when he was not sleeping. I did not sedate him. I did take him for a walk before we left the house and I had an evening flight which helped.
When we deplaned I took him straight outside where he went pee immediately, then I went back in to get the bags. Everything went very well.
The flight home went swimmingly well also until the actual flying part! Again I was in the last seat in the first class cabin, my neighbor had no problem with Mogwi being on my lap, but the stewardess did! She told me very sternly that he had to stay in the carrier under the seat in front of me.
My baby yelped and cried all the time, disturbing all the other passengers and I was distraught. I picked the carrier up and put the whole thing on my lap, opened the front 'door' and put my arm all the way in so Mogwi could lie his head on my arm, he immediately fell asleep and slept until descent.
I don't know why the rules are the way they are, I thought maybe it was because some people are allergic, and some dogs are badly behaved and would run about the cabin! But service dogs would also cause allergic reactions just like pet dogs. I also don't understand why I paid more for my 5lb Yorkie to fly that I did for my own ticket!! Just for him to be treated like luggage??
Still, I am bringing him home to England in July, in the cabin of a Lufthansa plane. I hope the crew like dogs......
