Hi I have flown with Buster from CA to MA a few times and I have found that Buster who is a fairly calm Yorkie does get very upset when put under the seat while the plane is taking off. I had him in a pet flys carrier which is his den that he travels in for errands and just relaxing at home. He was so frantic clawing at the cage that when I snuck him out his tongue was purple and I was wondering how much oxygen he was getting under the seats and if the lack of air was increasing his anxiety. I too always bring an extra lightweight blanket that I pull over my shoulder and sit in the window seat so I can turn my back and hide the fact that I have pulled the carrier into my lap. As long as I have my hand in the opening and the carrier is on my lap he is pretty calm. But I have been chastised by the attendants when caught and have to put him back under as I would hate to be kicked off the plane or be unable to fly back. I did buy a new Snoozer carrier with lots of ventilation so I am hoping this might ease his anxiety in case in is due to limited air flow into his carrier.
Roll Around Snoozer Dog Carrier - Roll Around Travel Pet Carrier - Pet Carriers & Purses