I have flown cross country several times with Calleigh. I don't get a direct flight because this gives us time to stop, get water and potty. Although she wouldn't go potty until we arrived here in CA. I guess I'm lucky because she has always done well in the crate under the seat. I have unzipped it a few times to pet her. The last time I traveled with her we went Southwest and it cost $100 roundtrip. That was in 2014. I hope your trip went well.