First Flight With Jesse!
 

I just arrived in Miami this morning. It was my first time flying with him and his first time on an airplane. We flew Delta first class, which made the trip really comfortable.

I bough a Sherpa bag and left it out for Jesse to explore all week. Just before leaving for the airport, I gave him 1/4 of a sedative that my vet gave me. It really helped him relax. He was calm and quiet all through the airport, just curled up looking around and taking things in.

The woman at check-in didn't even glance at him or the bag he was in, she couldn't care less. No one else even looked his way. I don't think the flight attendants even knew I had a dog.

When we boarded, I put him under the seat in front of me in his crate. I knew he would get motion sick as we took off. He was totally quiet all through takeoff. Once in the air, he was quiet, but I could tell he was motion sick and panting (I found out later that he spit up in his carrier). I took him out of his carrier and slipped him on my lap under a blanket with only his nose sticking out. The wide seat in first class really helped. He was able to sleep next to me for most of the flight. We both fit no problem.

I put him back in the carrier for landing, and he was quiet until I took him out of it at the hotel and took him for a walk. I was so pleased!

Some tips. Fly red-eye! The fact that it was late, quiet, and dark on the plane really helped. It was dark, so he wasn't noticeable on my lap. Plus not many people were up and the stewards were not walking about much, so no one noticed or cared. I think a daytime flight may have been quite different.

What most surprised me was the lack of concern. Here I was fretting about the size of the carrier, the vents, the weight. Not one airline employee or security officer looked twice. As long as the dog was quiet, and the carrier fit under the seat, they couldn't care less!

Wow! Sounds like you guys did great! Very good tips included. I'm glad you made it safe and sound and without incident.

I'm glad to hear it all went so well! I know I'm going to have to fly with Max eventually and I've really been avoiding it, even when it would be SO much easier on both of us! Your tip about flying late at night is an excellent idea and I would never have thought of that myself. I am definitely keeping that one in mind! Thank you SO much! Oh...what was the sedative your vet gave you for Jesse?