Yes that is the written rule - however on long flights it often depends upon the flight attendances whether that rule can get stretched. also depends on how full the plane is (and today most are packed) and who your seat mates are.

Since we will be riding on a military chartered plane for the first leg of our trip from a military base I cannot say when we are leaving other than it is soon. I do know that it is designed to be just like a regular commercial plane but with slightly more (1-2") more leg room. From what we can figure out we don't think our flight will be completely full but then again stranger things have happened and it is the military where things always change last minute.

As far as eating on schedule we have tried that before and our little furbutts refused to eat. They held out longer than we did before we gave in to free feeding. Before car rides they generally eat a lot less than normal and have never been car sick so I hope my luck holds out on the plane.

One more question. For my flights in the states when I call the airline to confirm my in cabin reservation they say it has been requested but not ticketed that we have to talk to our travel agent to buy the tickets because they will not let me buy them on the phone. When I call the military travel agent they say to call the airlines. Does the request hold my spot for them and I just buy the ticket at the counter when we get to the states or is there some step I am missing?

Thanks for all of your replies! You all are wonderful! :thumbs up

You can't pay for your kiddos (and get their tickets) until you check in for your flight. They need to see you don't have a 20# dog in a 5 pound bag.

Also, the agent at the counter wants to be able to see that your dogs are not sick, and military flights, are as you said kind of a play it by ear thingy, regular rules don't apply, but that said, be ready just the same. Somebody will get a, trying to think of the most polite term, burr up theirs, someone else, the stew in the lovely green jump suit, will have a problem, that just is. Oh well. Regular carriers, the others are right, it is the FAA rules, dog must be in the carrier under the seat, but that is enforced by the stew, sometimes yes, sometimes no. Depends. Sorry about not being more help. Only help I can be is don't stress if you can, don't worry about food, as long as they drink water, bottled is best, and sleep. What else is there? Don't think about the stress of the travel, think about how nice it will be to be home. Again welcome home.