Hi All,
I would just like to add that I am a flight attendant for American Eagle airlines (AA's Regional airline) and I also travel with our "fur baby" Bella. I have 1st hand knowledge about traveling with with pets.
I ALWAYS have pets traveling on my flights and 99.9% of the time they are quite as a mouse. Most of the time other passengers don't even know there is a pet on board. As a flight attendant, safety is the #1 priority for ALL passengers on board. If the flight is expirencing really bad turbulence. You DO NOT want your pet that is secretly lying in your lap to hit the ceiling of the aircraft. Trust me I've seen some crazy injuries do to passengers not adhering to seatbelt signs or flight attendants being slammed into the ceiling while doing a beverage service and hit unexpected turbulence. Keep your "fur baby" safely under the seat in a nice carrier.
As a passenger traveling with my "fur child" here are some tips:
* I prefer a "soft sided" carrier with lots of mesh windows for ventilation and visibility. These tend to be flexible to fit better under cabin seats then a "hard" carrier.
Example: If you were traveling on American airlines and you planned to travel from Los Angeles, CA to Green Bay, WI. You would be taking 2 different size planes to get from point A to point B. The regional airlines are small aircraft and the space underneath the seats and overhead bins are smaller. Most carriers also have a luggage strap to slip over the telescopic handle of your suitcase. (a free hand is always nice) Just something to keep in mind.
* Traveling on planes it tends to get cold and even colder on the floor of the aircraft. I like to keep a cotton dress or Tee on Bella to keep her warm or place a cozy pet blanket in the carrier.
* Going Potty I have not had to do this yet but it's my plan if I do. Bella uses reusable potty pads when she can't get outside to potty. **If your dog uses potty pads** If on a long flight take your dog (in pet carrier) to the lavatory. Try spreading out a potty pad on the floor of the lav, take your dog out of the carrier, let your dog go potty while you sit on the lid of the seat with the carrier on your lap. No guarantees that your pet will relieve themselves but worth a try. Also, the same applies to Airport restrooms too. Use the handicap stall for more room. Flush #2's Bring freezer ziplock bags to place urine soiled reusable potty pads.
* Some airports actually have desginated "pet relieving" areas. Check with airport websites or call the airport passenger information number associated with the airport.
**LAX has 2 pet areas that have small gated areas to stretch legs, get a drink and go potty. Both are located on the lower "arrivals" area 1 at terimal 1 (Southwest) and 1 at terminal 4 (American/American Eagle) both are outside of security.
**PSP has a grassy areas inside security and is very "dog friendly"
*Taking unopened canned wet dog food in your "carry on" luggage
DON'T DO IT. I've had it taken away by TSA. They considered it a liquid. Not sure about the small cans as my dog's food doesn't come in small cans. But if your dog eats a special diet or hard to find specialty food you may not be able to find it at your destination. Bring dry food in your carry on luggage and pack canned food in your checked luggage.
*Terminals When in the airport terminals let your dog walk if possible and if you safely have a free hand to do so. I see so many dogs in the terminals out of carriers and walking on a leash. Most airports never say anything but if they do be a responsible pet owner and nicely and respectfully comply.
These are suggestions and things that work for us and we hope they may help anyone who is new to traveling with a "fur baby or child" |