I fly with my babies and I also hand deliver puppies that I sell. I just use a soft-sided (well vented) puppy carrier that fits under the seats. They have always done well. I always tell the new owners to keep an eye on the puppy's ears just in case the cabin pressure hurts them. But I have never be told of any problems. And mine have never had problems.
The stewardess will give you a small glass and some water, but my babies usually aren't interested in food or water till we stop. They usually sleep, or if they don't the stewardesses will let me hold the carrier in my lap once we are in the air. And they let me unzip one end enough to stick my hand in the carrier and pet the pup.
When you go through security, you will have to take the puppy out of the carrier to carry her through the metal detector, as they don't run the puppy through the x-ray machine....lol. I have always had a very positive experience with flying. (Arrive early, as the security people and other people in the airport want to oooooh and aaaahhhh over the baby. I don't let anyone else hold the puppies, but they're free to talk baby talk to them. And believe me... they do! LOL)
I know in Texas you have to have a health certificate from your vet. But they have never looked at it. They must be 8 weeks old, I think before you can fly with them. (But each airline could have different rules.) Both Continental and AirTran will only allow 2 pups per plane. It ran me about $80 each time. That's a lot less than gas these days!
Anyway, whatever you decide, have a great trip. |