On the Charlie Carrier, there is actually a good deal of mesh for ventilation, and I actually know several people who actually purchased theirs specifically for flying. It's actually an ideal combination of both being very structured, and having a good deal of mesh for ventilation. I can definitely understand everyone's concern that that a dog would certainly need proper ventilation! And at first glance at the Charlie bag...if the flap is down..., you can't see the ventilation, but it is definitely there.

There is actually a very long panel that runs from one side of the bag, across the top, and down the other side of the bag. You can certainly leave the flap down across the bag for complete and total concealment of your dog in a store etc...but there is a good deal of mesh. And you can roll up either one side of the bag or both. If you were just running around etc... You have the option to roll up both sides, they have two clasps on the top center of the bag that each side can be attached to at the top of the bag if you roll it up. On one side, it is open at the top, and it has mesh at the bottom..so that the dog has the option to stick it's head out and enjoy the scenery:) and on the other side, if it's rolled up, that entire side is mesh.

And for airline travel, you can actually roll back the flap to expose the mesh for better ventilation. Obviously, you probably wouldn't open the side for the dog to stick his head out and visit so that the bag is still closed to meet airline requirements etc.

It is one of the most structured of any of the purse style bags that I have ever seen, and it really does hold it's shape. I think that this combined with the mesh does provide a good deal of ventilation. It actually seems to be the best of both worlds. IMO Because you are able to have a bag that just looks like a designer quality gorgeous bag, but then it is extremely structured, holds its shape to allow ventilation, and has both a side that is mesh, and the option to have the side open.

Also, the attention to detail on this bag is amazing!! The cushion is nice and thick, and I've seen picture after picture where dogs actually get in these on their own in the house and sleep in them as their bed :) As you can probably tell from my post, I've looked at her bags for quite some time.:)

I like being able to read everyone's thoughts and reviews of various products on YT!! And the other carriers mentioned do seem nice as well!! I just wanted to point out that there is more ventilation than it might initially appear. Oh and also, I'm sure there are others of you that do this as well, but I have one of those cooling mats...it doesn't require water or to be put in a refrigerator. It's just a gel mat that cools the dogs..I place this in the bottom of my own carrier just as an added safety mechanism...plus my dogs love it:) The pressure of the weight of their body is what causes the cooling mechanism on the mat... I never have to do a thing to it. I found cooling mat at Marshall's for $8, but they have them by precision pets online.

You obviously received your bag and love it too! I love the idea of those cooling mats and am going to check that out next week will be my first airline experience. I will be sure to post how that goes. I'm nervous but hopeful since Zoe does so good in her bag and has had lots of exposure going out. I think she will feel safe in her bag.

I am sorry but I can't really recommend something because I don't like carrying her around in stores, she is nosey and craves attention so she wants to keep sticking he head out, and it is stressful to keep pushing her down. Each dog is different, my friend carries her yorkie that is about 4.5 lbs in a louis vuitton purse, the dogs lays quietly in it for hours and it has no ventilation except for the opening. If your dog is calm and does not get frantic and start panting hard you can get away with less ventilation. I find it's quicker to leave her home, or take the stroller. My comments were mostly made in reference to airline travel, because I still think for airline travel it's best for your dog if you use a small structured carrier that is more like a crate than a shopping dog tote. However several people seem to have good luck with the ones that can be disguised as purses, their dogs seem calmer than Lola so I think that's why it works for them.

I think what I would do if you have not carried your dog around is buy an inexpensive canvas beach tote with a structured bottom that is tall enough
so you pet can lay down and not stick their head out. I would punch some random holes in it, then try it out and see if you dog is suitable to toting around while running errands, if they are calm and lay down, then and only then would I invest in an expensive dog carrier. good luck

:D:eek:oh I WANT the Charlie but at 600.00 dollars I will keep wanting:)

The main thing that is better about the lux bags is the fact they are real leather. I guess it is a question of how you spend your money and how much you use the bag. I love my kb.. would love to have a lux bag but just not possible now..

I had to laugh just now when I read your comment about having to keep poking her head down in the bag repeatedly:) The visual of her popping her head out over and over as if to say, "Excuse me. ...why are you sticking me in here don't you know who I am," cracks me up!!

I guess it's also bc I can relate, but mine is the opposite of your's. In the bag I currently use, when I don't have the bag all the way open, I close the top piece... they know that means to get in their "house," and they never again attempt to poke their head up. They are content as can be to lay in there and watch everything going on out the side of the bag.

So, I thought the first outing in their stroller would be a breeze, and boy was I wrong!!:eek::eek: I have had the stroller in my house for quite some time, and I just hadn't taken it out anywhere. Well, I had my two dogs and my foster dog all going to the vet, and I have never had such chaos. They all kept popping their heads out of the stroller screen and trying to find a way to get out. So, I have some work to do before my next stroller outing:D:D

I got my Charlie Carrier! Love it!!!! It is everything that I have read and more. In response to pricing... I purchased the Charlie w/tan stitching.. it is on special right now for $389... Where to buy Lucy's Luxuries carriers, hair accessories, bag blankies, leash/harness sets. In response to some posts about ventilation... I also find it is completely adequate....
Thanks for the tip about the cooling mats!
I read another post about pockets... the Charlie is constructed so that when you use the outside very large pocket you are not putting any pressure on your baby inside their space. I have seen carriers where the pocket is actually inside the pet's space or where there is no wall and your wallet presses against your baby. This bag is very well thought out. Again this is my second Lucy's Lux carrier... and I have to say that I am already more in love with this carrier then my first (didn't think that was possible). I actually purchased the additional x-long shoulder strap too. After speaking with Jamie I thought this would be perfect for me when I am traveling through busy airports.. it enables me to wear the bag messenger style and frees up my hands for my luggage.

I agree with the previous poster that the design of the pockets is really good. They expand outwards, and they do not compress in on the wall that is against your dog. So, any personal belongings you choose to put in the bag do not lay against or on your dog in any way. There is just so much detail to this bag. The Charlie bag has the structure, cushion and features that gives dogs the security of having their own special little "house." Yet, it comes packaged in such a way for you that it looks, feels, and carries like a designer bag. You can tell more about the structure by looking at all of the photos on FB.

I actually have a brand new Charlie bag that still has tags on it that I am going to sell. It arrived yesterday. I bought it specifically for air travel with both of my dogs. However, it is the tiniest bit too small for the both of them. It is ideal for either one of them individually.... But, I need one that I can use for the both of them. I have watched this bag for quite some time until it went on sale. So, I bought this on a great sale, and it was actually less than what the bag is for sale for now. I'm going to start a thread with all of the info if anyone is interested.

I really do love this bag, but I just need one that both of my dogs can use together. I'm sooo disappointed they don't fit! But, someone is going to get a really good deal:)

The bag is really even nicer in person than it is in the pictures.

oh... I didn't see the "sale" of the one with tan stitching. HMMMM... thinking:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::)

I have the Jeraden Windsor dog carrier. It was given to me by my dear friend Jackie (JacquelineBabco) when I first got Katie. I love this bag! It is black patent leather with a crocodile pattern. I don't have it yet, but they sell a cool pad for it also. I didn't have a bag for Ashley, so I just carried her, but this bag made it so much easier to have Katie with me while shopping. The Charly bag looks beautiful also.
Windsor Pet Carrier

Your new Charlie bag is BEAUTIFUL! Really wish I could afford one. May have to start putting money aside for one of these.

I had felt the same way... and then after I bought my first carrier from Lucy's Lux I realized that I had spent way more prior to that trying different brands.
As the owner told me... there is never one bag that does everything... but we worked together and talked about my needs.
I do have other style carriers for different adventures but love my Lucy's Lux for the structure... makes dining, shopping and traveling a breeze. Hope that you will be able to get one when the time is right.
I also read on one comment about a dog not liking going in bags... I will say that I used to say the same thing... and once I purchased a bag with structure my baby got right in. I know that every situation is different but I learned my lesson about her comfort inside the bag making all the difference.

Does anyone here here have the Petote Metro. They have come down in price if you get one in canvas and I like that they have mesh on both sides and on the top. I wish there was someway to see these bags before you order but there just isn't. Does anyone know if they are approved for airline travel. I don't travel much but it would be nice to know. They have them at Wayfair and many other places. Looking for the best price.
The Ultimate Pet Carrier For That Special Friend

That would be me! I can't wait to get this bag! :) I will post pics when it comes in. :D

What size is the one you want to sell and how much do you want for it.

Took our first plane ride with our new Charlie Carrier. Would you believe that the woman sitting next to me never knew that Mollie was inside until we got our suitcase after the flight! Usually Mollie is a bit restless at the beginning of the flight but not this time. She got right inside her bag and went to sleep. I really believe it is because she feels so comfortable and safe inside this carrier. I put all of my personal items inside the large pocket so that I didn't need another handbag and I was able to carry on my laptop bag. By the way I had the large pocket facing me so that it was easy to access. Just wanted to share this great experience. The faces when we went to pick up our suitcase was priceless when people saw Mollie's head stick out of the bag.