question about flying - urgent, flying tomorrow!
 

ok... i'm debating... and I need help. I'm flying tomorrow and would like to take my little yorkie. i've heard various things... i'd like to know if you suggest calling ahead and paying the $80 one way fare (which would be twice as much for the whole trip), or trying to just go there and get on the plane without anyone questioning you. i don't know how this works. i've heard that people just do that, and don't get charged. but this is my first time flying with a dog. what do you suggest? the airline is Northwest, if it matters. Please answer tonight, my flight is at 8 AM! thanks
kendal

I never flew a dog before, but airlines are soo strict and security is really tight, I'm sure they will notice the dog. You can take your chances, but I honestly wouldn't go by word of mouth. Just pay the money, better to be safe than sorry

I agree. You should make reservations. I did fly with Edith once without reserving, but it was a direct flight, and I knew I would nto be stranded anywhere. Also, a lot of people are traveling with pets now. You could get bumped off the flight if they see your dog and if there is already the quota of dogs on the plane.

some airlines only allow 1 dog per plane
ideally it's best to contact them about the dog right when you book your flight

hopefully it works out!
we'll be flying with Tila soon, so let me know how it goes!

You use to be able to get away it, but not anymore. I fly Continental, so maybe Northwest might be different? I would suggest getting the proper ticket.

You want to make sure you register first so your dog can ride with you in the plane. Otherwise what are you going to do if they make your yorkie fly down below with cargo because they already have too many dogs on the plane? There is no way I would chance that.
Ive never heard of anyone managing to sneak a dog on a plane. My yorkie would wimper and cry so much I know that wouldnt work for me, lol :D

With todays security= I doubt you would get away with it. Northwest only allows two dogs in cabin at any time. I have flown with them many times with my girl. I would call NOW!!!!!!!!!

Definantly make a reservation and call ahead! I have flown with Merlot many times and they have alot of rules about taking pets on the plane. You have to have an up to date health and rabies certificate. In all the times we have flown (about 6), they have only not asked for it once. Also, you have to make sure you have an approved carrier. We use Sherpa, but there are others. Depends also on which airline you use, so ask them. I have never flown with Northwest, so I'm unsure.
The other thing is there are limits to how many pets can ride in the cabin and it might be full for your flight. If that's the case, they won't allow your pup in the cabin with you.
Also, with security, it's pretty impossible to sneak anything on board. Each time they have made me take him out of the bag and send the bag through the x-ray machine.
Flying can be stressful for you and your furbaby, so it's best to call ahead and try to make everything go as smooth as possible!

I just flew with Buddy a few weeks ago, and I agree with all of the wise people above. People did notice that I had him, and he barked at some noises on the plane. They let me preboard with him both ways, but on the way back they said that it didn't count as a pre-board. Screw them, I paid $100 ($50 each way) for him to fly on Jet Blue and I say: Pre board! :)

I used a Sherpa soft carrier - the "Backpack" which I love (and Buddy seems to love as well) He did fine - and a little hint to bring potty pads and use the "baby changing room" to potty him! Maybe it's not allowed, but no one yelled at me, and there was plenty of room, and a sink - and nobody else around to distract him from his "business"

Also, I used an herbal "calming treat" for him, which seemed to work well.

ok, i got her a ticket. :-) it's crazy though... why does it cost so much to bring a dog? i mean, otherwise i'd be bringing another, bigger suitcase to fill that same spot under the seat... I don't have a baby, but I've heard they don't charge for babies on a plane. if so, that doesn' t make sense, because a baby sits in your lap, not under the seat, so they actually are in the way. anyway, thank you for your advice!! :-D

Glad you got her a ticket, and are all ready for the flight. Leaving LAX is quite hectic now, be sure to get there in plenty of time. Enjoy your flight.

I swear i saw this lady get away with it...Me and my fiance were behind her when i noticed her bag pretty close to the ground... I saw a cute Yorkie face...so when we boarded the plane i was right behind her. I asked her how much she paid to bring her buddy along...She said..nothing they never check. Plus a stewerdes told her once to never pay, they never check anyways... She says she had done it many times...and only got caught once...intresting huh?

make reservation you dont want to end up stranded (they can refuse to take you alleging that "they have more than one animal on board" if they want to get nasty...:thumbdown

it costs 500 dollars to fly a yorkie from new york to london (thats right.... one way) and they fly cargo, only air france allows dogs on the cabin.:eek:

wow, $500... that sucks.

but see, I told you people do it and get away with it. Maybe when I have a direct flight... I don't know...

It went well. I checked in, and someone directed me to a self-check-in thing. I said, do I have to do anything different because I have a dog? and he said 'you have a dog? um, no, you can use the self-check-in'. so i did. they made me take her out for the x-ray, but they didn't check my ticket or anything. although I noticed my ticket said PETC on it. On the plane, no one even knew I had the dog under the seat until I went to use the restroom and she started to whine. Then of course, I had to let her peek out and say hi to everyone. Everyone loved her.

Had a 5 hour layover because my second flight got cancelled. We sat in a corner of the airport with her on a leash til the next flight.

I don't know if she was just being naturally good, or if those little tablets I bought for her were doing their job, but she was super.

I don't understand why we have to pay to have them onboard with us. If it wasn't her, I'd have my big fat suitcase there anyway. It's not like she was taking up extra space or anything. Why do they do that?! What's the cheapest airline to fly dogs on? Are there any that don't charge?