Please share your experiences flying with your yorkie
 

So the holiday season is almost there. I am planning to watch my friend's dog for the holidays. Since she has two dogs, she will travel with one to her home, and I will watch my favorite yorkie. So As of now, I don't have any traveling plan, but I am thinking about flying to CA or somewhere for the holiday. So Guinness, the yorkie, has never been on the plane before. I am not sure if he would cry...

Please share your experience with your yorkie... good and bad experiences.....

Good question, Michiko! I'd be interested in what others say.

Boston to California is a long haul for a Yorkie. We just did it, and it was our worst flying experience yet. The main problem is airports. There's nowhere to let the little guy pee without leaving the grounds and having to go back through security. If you only have an hour and a half layover, there's no time to get him outside. Eddie did fine for the first stretch, but he was covered in pee after the last 4-hour stretch. We felt so bad.

My recommendation would be to schedule a longer layover, 3-4 hours so you can leave the building, let him pee and get back in through security before your flight leaves.

Next question is one I've been meaning to ask YTers: Our vet gave us a mild sedative that we used. I wasn't real pleased with having to do that, and I don't think it did any good. He was still real whiny for the first hour of the flight. And his glassy eyes were so sad it made me think it was a mistake. I don't think I'll use a sedative again.

You're going to be real tempted to let the pup out on your lap, but flight attendants are pretty strict about this. They demand you keep him in his carrier and under the seat.

I read an article that said it's a good idea to get your Yorkie accustomed to his carrier before the flight, and that made sense to me. Maybe place him in there during a couple short car rides and see how he does.

If anyone has had a better experience flying, I'd love to know what you did.

By law (FAA rules) they have to be in their carrier on take off and landing only so if you know this and they try to tell you it is also the law for the duration of the flight you at least know that this is simply an "airline policy" and you are not breaking any law when you take them out and hide them under a banket or whatever.

Mine are pad trained so I carry pads with me and I take them into the restrooms in the airport to pee in between flights.

I would not use a sedative (except maybe a homeopathic one) on my dog. I just don't think drugs are the answer.

It is good to have treats and things that are his favorite and will keep him occupied for a long time like bully sticks and greenies maybe if you can get the greenie away when it gets too small and might be swallowed.

Good luck.

That's real interesting, SoCal. Especially the FAA rules. I'm going to look into that before we fly again. Letting them sit on your lap would make the whole experience a lot more tolerable.

And thanks for the advice on meds.

This is good information!

I was actually planning to fly direct to California. I am not sure if I will go to California but that is where my most destination is for my vacation. There are a couple direct flights over there and I probably fly at night time.... Do you think it would be too long the flight? It's 6-7 hrs.. flights... yeah...it sounds too long....

Guinness usually doesn't go to bathroom between 11 p to 8:30 a though or a little longer.

My mom flew a few years ago with her dog and on the flight out, the attendant let mom take out the dog, but on the way back when mom took the dog out after take off, a different attendant made her put him back, saying that he couldn't be out because someone sitting near might be allergic to dogs.

Great info. I am probably going to fly with my yorkie overseas one of these days. I'm worried, because it is an 8 hour flight straight, that's without checkin times. Trixie is fully housetrained and does not want to go on a peepad. Should I consider the little diapers???

ya!..International flights too... could be really long..... what could we do in the situation!

If you go at night the attendants tend to leave you alone more, or at least this has always been my experience. Plus a later flight would be more so around the pups bedtime. I've heard of several people just hiding the pup under their blanket without the attendant even knowing. Hey what's the worst that could happen if they found out? They would just make you put him up, its not like they can kick you off or anything. It may be a good idea to get a small blanket that you use at home or start using one and take it to cover up with. I know that sometimes they give you blankets, but sometimes they don't plus if you took your own it would smell familar to the pup, like you and your home.

It may also be good to just stick a pee pad in the bottom of the carrier just in case and take a ziplock baggie to stick it in if any accidents occur that way you can zip away the pee smell.

You could also go get a him a new toy or take away his favorite toy for a little while before the trip (preferable quite toys) then give it to him during the trip. This way he will be so excited about a new toy or an old one that he's missed that it may occupy a lot of the time. I've also heard of people letting them suck on ice to pop their ears and just for a quick drink.

I forgot there are direct flights from Boston to California, so that does make a difference, Michiko. You'd probably be OK if you follow some of the advice on this thread. Now that I think about it, we flew from Boston to Anchorage, which was even longer. I can't remember the specifics, but I think Eddie went 11 hours without peeing and had his accident in the last 3 hours. That was too long. I think you'll be OK, just be prepared for some whining. And if you try hickey007's idea -- which I think is great -- just be careful you don't fall asleep. A YT member told me that's what happened to her, and her little guy went on a walkabout. The flight attendant was NOT happy with that. Personally, I think loose Yorkies on a flight would be a good way to cut the anxiety!

Cookie is pee pad trained, however he will not pee if I take out the pee pad in a really strange place like the Airport. What I plan to do and maybe this may help you. I'm buying him a nice belly band from GWlittle. I'm going to put the belly band on him for the duration of the flight which is 2 1/2 hrs.That way he will be dry when we arrive. If he does poop in his carrier, I can easily take it out during the flight. Make sure you buy an airline approved carrier. Most airlines approve carriers that are not bigger than :
18"L 12"W 8"H
If it's a soft top carrier that measures 9-10" ,most times they let you pass since you can still fit it under your seat.I just got one at Tinkerbellscloset that I love .

Genie

I have flown with my dogs and have no problems at all. My hubby and I are flying to Idaho to visit his parents in December and staying a little over 1 week. And (of course) we're brining our 2 babies with us. On the plane, I usually sneak them out of their carrier and hide them under a blanket. I would recommend bringing some Nutrical with you and occassionally giving your dog a little bit. I also brought a small toy and put it in their carrier -- although they basically slept the majority of the time.

I've taken Chewy on quite a few flights....from Cal to NJ and back again.
And once we went to NY instead of NJ.
The Vet gave me a mild sedative to give her, but I don't think she needed it. The plane ride made her sleepy anyway. I just used that once and never again.
Very important.........get the seat by an exit...ask ahead of time. That way you'll have lots of leg room and can put her in front of you or on the seat if no one is there. Most times, I kept her on my lap under the blanket, or on the seat next to me under the blanket. Just be cool and don't flaunt it and you can get away with anything. hehe
Also, ask for the leat popular flight, so there's not many people and you can have an empty seat next to you.
And, make sure you get at least one stopover (a couple of hours would be great) so you can get off and take her out and stretch. I always got off and took her outside where there was grass, and we would stay there or walk around till the flight was ready to go. And when I say stopover, if you can get a change of planes, that is better yet, because then there will be a good stopover..

Usually people are really nice to you and want to see your baby. In the terminals, I always took her out and carried her (make sure you're not carrying bags.....always check them in). When I sat down in the terminal, I took her out and let her walk around. I always went to a gate that was not populated, and sat way in the corner where not many people could see me. :thumbup:

Toby has been across country several times... We fly a lot from Los Angeles to Tampa. My vet's are always asking how many miles he has. I always make sure he has the health certificate, although I've never been asked for it. As far as taking him out -- there was one flight when the flight attendant told me I could take him out... but most of them always say they have to be in the carrier, under the seat. I learned very early, that he needs to be clipped into the carrier. He was about 8 months old and managed to "dig" the zippers open and went on a little exploratory trip of the plane. I woke up to the flight attendant announcing over the loud speaker "If anyone has lost a small dog -- please ring your flight attendant button." Sure enough, when I looked down -- Toby was nowhere to be seen. After ringing my button, here walks the attendant from the front of the plane -- Toby proudly sitting up on her shoulder, looking like he owned the place. Since then, he's always clipped in, but I find if I unzip the bag, he will settle down and sleep most of the way. Some of the attendants are cool, but there are others who are just nasty when they see him -- and are sure to "remind" me that he needs to stay in the bag.

Potty Issues
 

What I usually do is take my dogs to the bathroom on the plane and put their wee wee pad down on the floor. Then I let them out for a few minutes to stretch their legs and go pee pee. Just keep in mind that airplane bathrooms are EXTREMELY tiny and often stink. But at least they get to stretch for a few minutes and go potty if it's an emergency. Also, I put a wee wee pad down on the bottom of their carrier JUST IN CASE of an accident.

I hope I can really get a ticket. I am planning on leaving to California on November 23rd on Wed then coming back on Sunday. I will be taking night flights for both of the flights. I have to buy him a carrier since the owner has only one for an another dog that she has. Plus I don't mind buying him a carrier since I spend a lot of time with him these days.. and he is like my baby. My friend, the owner, is a bit jealous that he is going to fly to California and she has never been to CA. I am just also worried because it would be his first time. I am gonna start looking on Jet BLue.. anyone has any experience? An another question is .... where and what size do you guys recommend me to buy a carrier. He is about 8 lb.

I am flying Jetblue and I just got there luggage requirement by email. So look for a carrier that is no bigger than this:

Your personal item must not exceed 18"l x 15"w x 8"h in order to fit under the seat in front of you
Even though you pay for your pet like $100 ,it still counts as a Personal carry on.
They just changed their requirements because when I booked our flights they gave me different measurements. If you get a carrier ,try looking for one that has a soft fabric top that way if it's 9-10" H you can still adjust it and fit it under your front seat.
I dont know how much you want to pay for a carrier but I got a really nice one at www.tinkerbellscloset.com . You also get a 20% discount since you are a YT member. Just ask her about it!

Genie

Thank you all for the info.. I am gonna check the site for carrier too.. I just checked Jetblue sites and other airline sites... Oh my god! Tickets price for Thanksgiving is just so crazy. My boyfriend is ... paying for it.. or his company will pay for me.. since he is a consultant traveling.. anyway.. either way.. I hope we can afford to buy the tickets.. It's about two three times more expensive. I am not worried about dog's fare.....even that is what I would be paying... :)

It is kinda confusing to buy a right size carrier but also exciting!!!!!!!! Time to kidnap my friend's yorkie!! WOohoo.. Of course I am kidding ;)

Since I JUST got home from NY on Monday and I live in CA, this thread is perfect for me. First off, from what I can tell you are planning on flying with 2 dogs. I know that Continental only allows one dog PER person. I was able to fly with 2 since my hubby was with me. My male chi had issues; he just kept panting. We put down the food trays and let both dogs sit in their carriers on top of the trays. That way they could see us. On the return I did the same but was told 4 hours into the flight that they couldn't be on the tray.
When you take off & land, you are supposed to have them on the floor. But I wait for the announcement of 'attendants prepare for landing/takeoff' and once they are seated, I put the dog (in carrier) on my lap. On our return, there wasn't anyone in the seat between me and my hubby so I put the dogs on the seat in their carriers. I eventually took my male out and let him sleep under the blanket. My female slept for the most part of the flight. Only the last 20 min. did she start to whine. I also bring A LOT of soft dog treats and give them to the dogs during take off and ESPECIALLY durnig landing when the cabin pressure changes. The treats help them swallow.
When I have flow in 1st class, the stewardess personally told me I could take her out and put her under the blanket. 1st class is a bit nicer. Obviously.
This flight was a direct 5 hour flight and they both held it for about 10 hours. I pottied them before I went through security and that was about it. I limited their water intake once they pottied. During the flight I let them lick ice. It is enough to keep their mouths moist without over loading their bladders.
I have also found the doggy stroller to be WONDERFUL. It keeps them contained and is a bit roomier. I just gate check it right before I board and it is right there when I get off. I love my stroller!!!

Hope these tips help!!

I have a few but my FAVORITE is the Celltei. http://celltei.com/activetoteopet1.html
I love it. I can carry my dog into restaurants and NO ONE knows. All but ONE window covers up and I just point that at the wall. I think someone might be selling one in blue denim in the producs for sale forum. But I would double check the weight limit on hers. It MIGHT be too smal.
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18333

Great info & ideas here everyone. Thanks :)

Hi all!


Well, Bender is officially an American dog now :) Yesterday we made the flight from Vienna to Orlando. It was Bender's first flight and I was very worried. He got to come in the cabin with me, and he had a very comfortable (cushy) carrying case I bought him, and he snuggled with his toy snail and penguin for the trip. I was so proud of him! He was in that thing for about 13 hours, with only a couple minutes here and there where I sneaked him halfway out to take a breather and look out the window. He didn't go potty in his case at all, and he slept mostly, only whining when the plane was gaining or losing altitude in large amounts. I think his ears hurt. I didn't use anything to 'dumb down' the situation for him, but we got lucky, and on the long portion of the flight there was no one in the seat next to me, so Bender's bag was strapped in next to me instead of under the seat.

Also, we had a sad experience when going through customs. There was another lady on our flight that was moving back to the US from Europe, and she was about in tears because I had Bender. Supposedly the US embassy in Germany told her that she couldn't take her dog to the US because it wasn't born in America. I don't know who she talked to, but they didn't know what they were talking about. As long as the dog is up to date on his/her shots it's perfectly fine. Anyway, she was forced to give her dog away before leaving. Bender was born in the Czech Republic and raised in Austria. The customs guy didn't even look at his shot record! He took one look at Bender and said "You are such a cutie, how could I not let you in? Welcome to the US."

Anyway, that's our story. :animal36

Oh yes, and I forgot. I had a scare in Vienna, because during the security check they forced me to put Bender through the xray machine! I was so afraid it would hurt him, and I fought with them but they insisted. Luckily, all the other security checkpoints let me take him out of the bag to hand inspect him. I hope the trip through the machine doesn't have any bad long term effects. :(

A Yorkie in an X-ray machine? My God, I'd have thrown a fit. I don't know how they could get away with it, Austria or not.

I was furious, but it was either let him go through it, or leave him in Austria... :(

P.S.- Just so you know, most airlines have a weight cap at 6kg (around 12lbs), this is including the carrier. So whatever you get as a carrier, make sure it together with the dog meet the req.

There ought to be someone you can complain to. That just seems so wrong. I wonder if you can write the U.S. embassy over there and find out how you can lodge a complaint. Maybe talk to a vet here first and see if that is as dangerous as it sounds.

I'm glad Bender did well on the flight, though. Sounds like you have a terrific dog to make that long flight.

You know, call me dumb, but I've wondered here lately what they did when you got to that part with the dog. I figured they would have you take it out and carry it through with you or hand it to someone to inspect, but there was this voice in the back of my head saying well maybe they do make you put it through the x-ray machine. I guess though most people have you tkae the dog out, only in rare strange occasions do you put the dog through the x-ray.

I wonder if they just wanted to see the dog go through and that's the reason they made you put him through. I wouldn't put it past some people, you know they just thought it would be funny or neat to see the dog.

I still don't even believe they can get away with that, and I'm gonna write some letters and see if that was an exception or the rule. For Christ's sake, how many drugs is a Yorkie going to be able to hide?

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!! If I had $766.90 I would love to visit my parents whom I haven't been able to see for 5 years. Anyway.. my boyfriend got the tickets for me and my (actually my friend's) yorkie to fly to see him for Thanksgiving. Well.. actually.... $650.. his company is paying because he works consulting company and traveling for his job.. so he gets to buy one-round trip tickets for him or me once a week. But.. $766.90...?????????? It's just so crazy! I am so glad that he got permission from his boss at least. When we get tickets.. it's around $250-to under $500. This is a lot of money for domestic flights.

Boston to Oakland, Ca
Total for 1 Passenger
Fare price $ 602.79 USD
2 Pet fee $ 100.00 USD
Taxes $ 64.11 USD
Total price $ 766.90 USD


I Decided to get a small Sherpa carrier for the dog. I got it on ebay. I hope he can fit in it nicely. It was decently cheap, so it won't be too bad if it doesn't fit. My friend has a medium one of her shizu and likes it.

Anyway... I will really get freaked out if my yorkie has to go on x-ray!! I hope Logan Airport security is not so evil.

Even tickets were expensive and I feel bad about others paying for it... but I am very happy at least that I finally got tickets for us!! So I am really FLYING with a yorkie!!!!!!!!!

That's the best way to go -- when someone else pays for the trip!!! Anyways... congratulations! And make sure you get your health certificate, just in case!

They need to be accustomed to the carrier. You can start by putting them in it under your feet when you're eating dinner, watching tv, etc. Once mine figure out that the carrier means they get to go somewhere, they don't seem to mind. I put them in it with a chew bone.

The very best thing to line it with is a Pooch Pad. You can get them at Petsmart. It's a soft pad that doesn't bunch up and it has a anti-microbial, anti-odor, absorbent cover that will soak up any pee and keep it from getting all over him. Taking a pee pad along and letting them use it in a terminal bathroom (or even on the plane as someone said) could also work. The ones who are seasonsed travellers whether it's in a plane or a car seem to figure out that nothing's going to happen and it's time to sleep.

Good thread. I especially appreciate the info from Kim about airline regs vs airline policy when it comes to having them out of the carrier. I quit worrying about them making too much noise after a couple of flights with screaming babies and a group of children climbing over seats and wrestling, etc.

CJ