Kind of urgent question about flying with a dog. - YorkieTalk.com Forums

jadecomputergal · 09-02-2008, 11:34 AM

Can someone who's done this before tell me exactly what happened, especially if you've flown US Air. I've been nervous about this for two weeks but now I just read something on a dog site that a member here linked to, and it said they take your dog away to examine it and make it walk around and stuff to make sure it acts normal, whatever that means. My dog is going to be sedated during the flight because the vet recommended it. She's not going to be completely knocked out, but I seriously doubt that she's going to be feeling like walking around and acting "normal." Are they still going to let us on the plane?

scrapindee · 09-02-2008, 11:45 AM

I have traveled a bunch with a dog including US air. I have not had to do anything more than take the dog out of the carrier so they can xray the carrier. The dog is carried through the check point. Don't stress. The security folks are always interested in meeting our little ones--but no one has inspected one that I have heard of.

alishasmom · 09-02-2008, 11:48 AM

I am interested to know, if you guys paid to be able to have your dog in the flight, and how much. Thanks

TresCutePiggies · 09-02-2008, 11:51 AM

I have flown Delta with Rory a few times but not U.S. Air.

My experience was simply telling the ticket agent at the counter I was traveling with my dog. He asked me what was in there and then asked if he could see her. Her little head popped out and he said good to go - I think he was just making sure it was a dog and not a snake or something else illegal to carry on. Anyways, I paid the astronomical pet fee ($150 each way) and signed a little ticket that I hooked on my carrier. You run the carrier through the x-ray machines at security with all your other carry on bags and then carry your baby through in your arms when you walk through. I hope that eases your mind a bit. At no point in time did Rory have to get out and walk around - in fact, I think they'd actually prefer it if your dog stayed in the carrier the whole time!

Rory was not sedated as I'd actually read it can be detrimental to sedate them while flying. Something to the effect of a new situation and then not being in a typical fully aware state causing them more stress. Anyways, she did fine with no sedation - minus when the little booger tried to pop her head out during take off. The guy next to me just laughed. Your vet will know what is best for your pup though. Good luck and have a fun and safe trip!

alaskayorkie · 09-02-2008, 11:51 AM

I think what you read might have been referring to large dogs that are crated and sent as baggage. There is a no-sedation rule because the airlines are afraid that the dogs could be jostled in flight and be unable to steady themselves because of the sedation. I don't think that's a concern for a small dog in a tiny crate at your feet.

I've flown with my Yorkies under the seat in front of me a half dozen times and never been asked to have them walk around.

fyi, after sedating the first couple times on vet's advise, I stopped sedating them and found they traveled just fine. Next time, I might try some natural Rescue Remedy on one of them to calm him without a heavier sedation. I'm not saying don't sedate the first time, just giving you something to think about and discuss with your vet.

Sookie · 09-02-2008, 11:52 AM

I've flown a few times on US Air with Kalina and they never did any such thing. It is exactly as Scrapindee says! I never had to sedate her; she is very happy about going into the crate and sleeping for a few hours.

alishasmom: I have been paying $50 each way, but I know it has been increased quite a bit recently. I'm not sure how much.

4lilyorks · 09-02-2008, 11:58 AM

I fly about once a month or so with my guy. I have flown on U.S. Air, Air Tran, Delta, some I can't even think of right now. The only thing I have had to do is take him out while going through security. You hold them and walk through.

You want to make sure you have a reservation. With U.S Air I think the price is still at $100.00 each way. The rates keep going up faster then I can check.

Sometimes they will look at the dog in the bag just to make sure he/she has enough room but during check in I haven't had to take them out.

Ellie May · 09-02-2008, 12:10 PM

I have no experience flying with pups but isn't this for ls surgery?
Are you sure you want to use those kinds of drugs on a liver compromised dog without a vet being there?

jadecomputergal · 09-02-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alishasmom

I am interested to know, if you guys paid to be able to have your dog in the flight, and how much. Thanks

I don't even know what that fee is for. They count as a carry-on and have to go under your seat in front of you like a purse or laptop. I could understand the exorbitant fee if they were using a seat, but what's this about? My dog weighs less than my laptop, and I don't pay extra for that. It must just be some sort of "inconvenience" fee, because it doesn't gain you anything that I've been able to find.

They also make you buy a special carrier, which I had a really hard time finding. Everything was one or two inches too long, wide, or high. People in the stores were looking at me like I was a nut case when I took a measuring tape out of my purse to examine carriers. (I did explain to several people who looked particularly curious about what I was doing that I had to have specific dimensions for a flight, and that US Air had already told me they would reject any carrier that exceeded their standards.)

The other delightful thing about airlines and dogs is that it isn't necessarily standard on the airline itself. It varies with the jet model. So you look up the jet model to see what you're allowed. In my case, the jet we're going on wasn't listed on the web site, so I had to call US Air and be transferred to three different people to find out how big my carrier could be, and I got two different answers. I decided to go with the answer that I got from two people.

The dog also has to be able to stand upright in the carrier, even if it's going to be lying down the entire time. This means that, if you have a dog taller than ten inches fully upright, good luck trying to get it on their plane.

Okay, I have vented. I don't think it should be this difficult to travel with a miniature dog. Thanks to all of you for listening. I guess it's obvious that I'm pretty nervous and annoyed right now.

auddoc06 · 09-02-2008, 12:27 PM

We flew to Tampa in May and Maybelline was just 6 months old.

It was a 2 hour flight and we did not sedate. I had read the site and many recommended not sedating because they are more disoriented then end up in a strange place with out all the smells of home.

She did just fine except we had a little tee-tee accident in the bag but I had put a pee pee pad down inside the bag. So no harm and we just rinsed off quickly and deposited the pad in the restroom when we landed. I just held her off water for a few hours before the flight home and she flew all the way home without an accident.

We took her out of her bag to go through TSA but no one took her from us and inspected her. Just have her papers handy; however, no one asked to look at Maybelline's.

I think you will be more relaxed if you are not worried about sedation and if she will wake up in a good mood. The plane is so loud that the other passengers can not hear them if they whine a bit; most do not even know when they are on a flight.

Good Luck!

jadecomputergal · 09-02-2008, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I have no experience flying with pups but isn't this for ls surgery?
Are you sure you want to use those kinds of drugs on a liver compromised dog without a vet being there?

I should have better explained what I meant by sedated. The vet just wants me to give her some pediatric Benadryl before we leave.

You have a good memory, Ellie. Yes, it's for surgery. That's on Friday. She is very, very energetic since she's been on her diet and medication. This carrier is really small, not at all what she's used to. She also hates being away from mom and/or dad. The vet thought it would be better to make her drowsy during the flight so she didn't cause a disturbance. Do you think it would be better if I don't do that? I just don't know. I'm so freaked out about this. Really, if she wasn't sedated and we were on the plane and barked, what would they do? It's not like they could throw her out.

YorkieChick1 · 09-02-2008, 12:58 PM

Hi!! I have traveled with my dogs on planes for 17 years and I am a flight attendant for United, maybe I can help!!
If you are really nervous, then maybe a little benedryl will be helpful. Your dog can also sense your nervousness which makes them uneasy, so try and relax when you are on the plane. I suggest that you bring a blanket so that when you put him under your seat on the plane you wrap the kennel in the blankie. The floor of the plane is pretty cold and that is one of the reason's that the dogs bark or cry. Also if you wrap the kennel so that the pup can't see you I think it is better. It is dark and then when the plane engines come on, it is like a calming droning noise and in my experience most pups or kitties will settle down and sleep until you get there. I had to fly 6 hours with Brooke to go see her neurologist in Boston, from San Francisco. That time, I did take her out about 4 hours into the flight in the restroom. I went into the one with the diaper changing table and put down a weewee pad and let her go potty and gave her a treat and some water. I held her for a bit and then put her back in the kennel and she settled back down and went to sleep again!! We were sitting in first class that time, next to a bunch of business passengers so I was nervous about her crying too!! They also have a product called Rescue Remedy for Pets that doesn't have any alcohol but has flower essence that is supposed to calm pets. They also have a version for kids that is the same, if you can't find the pet one. Just don't get the regular version because it has 27% alcohol and if your little guy has liver issues, it wouldn't be good for him! If you have more questions, don't hesitate to PM me!! Have a wonderful trip and I wish you well with the surgery!

kay6688 · 09-02-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrapindee

I have traveled a bunch with a dog including US air. I have not had to do anything more than take the dog out of the carrier so they can xray the carrier. The dog is carried through the check point. Don't stress. The security folks are always interested in meeting our little ones--but no one has inspected one that I have heard of.

Same thing with my experience!!! Hugs-Kay & Jaxon

jadecomputergal · 09-02-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieChick1

Hi!! I have traveled with my dogs on planes for 17 years and I am a flight attendant for United, maybe I can help!!
If you are really nervous, then maybe a little benedryl will be helpful. Your dog can also sense your nervousness which makes them uneasy, so try and relax when you are on the plane. I suggest that you bring a blanket so that when you put him under your seat on the plane you wrap the kennel in the blankie. The floor of the plane is pretty cold and that is one of the reason's that the dogs bark or cry. Also if you wrap the kennel so that the pup can't see you I think it is better. It is dark and then when the plane engines come on, it is like a calming droning noise and in my experience most pups or kitties will settle down and sleep until you get there. I had to fly 6 hours with Brooke to go see her neurologist in Boston, from San Francisco. That time, I did take her out about 4 hours into the flight in the restroom. I went into the one with the diaper changing table and put down a weewee pad and let her go potty and gave her a treat and some water. I held her for a bit and then put her back in the kennel and she settled back down and went to sleep again!! We were sitting in first class that time, next to a bunch of business passengers so I was nervous about her crying too!! They also have a product called Rescue Remedy for Pets that doesn't have any alcohol but has flower essence that is supposed to calm pets. They also have a version for kids that is the same, if you can't find the pet one. Just don't get the regular version because it has 27% alcohol and if your little guy has liver issues, it wouldn't be good for him! If you have more questions, don't hesitate to PM me!! Have a wonderful trip and I wish you well with the surgery!

I called US Air to try to get some clarification. As usual, I got transferred to someone who didn't speak English well. She started reading me the stuff that is on the web site and coudn't answer my question about screening. She told me to call the TSA and gave me the number.

I sat on hold with the TSA for almost an hour then got a very nice rep who had no idea why the airline told me to call them. He said they have nothing to do with taking pets on flights other than some very basic things that I've already covered. He said all the other parts are based on the regulations of the specific airline. I'm lost.

ButterflyKisses · 09-02-2008, 02:24 PM

I've flown with puppies quite a few times and it has never been a problem. It seems that when the puppy is in his or her soft sided crate under the seat, they will tend to sleep the whole time. Normally the people around me didn't even know I had the puppy. I have never sedated my puppy or dog. My vet feels that this isn't necessary. But with an older dog, I can understand how just a very slight sedation that just "relaxes" the dog might be good. No one has EVER ask me to walk my dog so that they see how he or she is doing. When going through security, I would just carry the puppy through the "gate" with me, while the carry-on dog bag goes through the x-ray machine. Then I put the puppy back in the carry on after getting through security. You should find it is not any problem. I always bring a leash and collar with me, as I will usually just let the puppy out of the carry-on, right by me, when we are just waiting to get on the plane. Keeping the puppy or dog awake at that time might be why they will sleep better on the plane. Enjoy your Travels!

09-02-2008, 11:34 AM	#1
jadecomputergal Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2008 Location: West Chester, PA, USA Posts: 323	Kind of urgent question about flying with a dog. Can someone who's done this before tell me exactly what happened, especially if you've flown US Air. I've been nervous about this for two weeks but now I just read something on a dog site that a member here linked to, and it said they take your dog away to examine it and make it walk around and stuff to make sure it acts normal, whatever that means. My dog is going to be sedated during the flight because the vet recommended it. She's not going to be completely knocked out, but I seriously doubt that she's going to be feeling like walking around and acting "normal." Are they still going to let us on the plane?

09-02-2008, 11:45 AM	#2
scrapindee Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Redlands Posts: 4,842 Blog Entries: 2	I have traveled a bunch with a dog including US air. I have not had to do anything more than take the dog out of the carrier so they can xray the carrier. The dog is carried through the check point. Don't stress. The security folks are always interested in meeting our little ones--but no one has inspected one that I have heard of. __________________ Scrapindee--Team Furry & the Biewers www.houseofwags.com

09-02-2008, 11:48 AM	#3
alishasmom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Chinquapin NC Posts: 654	I am interested to know, if you guys paid to be able to have your dog in the flight, and how much. Thanks __________________

09-02-2008, 11:51 AM	#5
alaskayorkie Banning Thread Dictator Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anchorage Posts: 30,843 Blog Entries: 57	I think what you read might have been referring to large dogs that are crated and sent as baggage. There is a no-sedation rule because the airlines are afraid that the dogs could be jostled in flight and be unable to steady themselves because of the sedation. I don't think that's a concern for a small dog in a tiny crate at your feet. I've flown with my Yorkies under the seat in front of me a half dozen times and never been asked to have them walk around. fyi, after sedating the first couple times on vet's advise, I stopped sedating them and found they traveled just fine. Next time, I might try some natural Rescue Remedy on one of them to calm him without a heavier sedation. I'm not saying don't sedate the first time, just giving you something to think about and discuss with your vet. __________________ Mike ~ Doting Dad to Jillie, Harper, Molly, Cooper, Eddie (RIP), Lucy (RIP), Rusty (RIP) and Jack (RIP). Check us out on YouTube Last edited by alaskayorkie; 09-02-2008 at 11:53 AM.

09-02-2008, 11:52 AM	#6
Sookie My Four Sweet Babies Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Jersey near Philadelphia Posts: 5,452	I've flown a few times on US Air with Kalina and they never did any such thing. It is exactly as Scrapindee says! I never had to sedate her; she is very happy about going into the crate and sleeping for a few hours. alishasmom: I have been paying $50 each way, but I know it has been increased quite a bit recently. I'm not sure how much. __________________ I LOVE MY BABIES

09-02-2008, 11:51 AM	#4
TresCutePiggies Owned by Rory & Lane Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,893	I have flown Delta with Rory a few times but not U.S. Air. My experience was simply telling the ticket agent at the counter I was traveling with my dog. He asked me what was in there and then asked if he could see her. Her little head popped out and he said good to go - I think he was just making sure it was a dog and not a snake or something else illegal to carry on. Anyways, I paid the astronomical pet fee ($150 each way) and signed a little ticket that I hooked on my carrier. You run the carrier through the x-ray machines at security with all your other carry on bags and then carry your baby through in your arms when you walk through. I hope that eases your mind a bit. At no point in time did Rory have to get out and walk around - in fact, I think they'd actually prefer it if your dog stayed in the carrier the whole time! Rory was not sedated as I'd actually read it can be detrimental to sedate them while flying. Something to the effect of a new situation and then not being in a typical fully aware state causing them more stress. Anyways, she did fine with no sedation - minus when the little booger tried to pop her head out during take off. The guy next to me just laughed. Your vet will know what is best for your pup though. Good luck and have a fun and safe trip!

09-02-2008, 11:58 AM	#7
4lilyorks Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: tampa Posts: 71	I fly about once a month or so with my guy. I have flown on U.S. Air, Air Tran, Delta, some I can't even think of right now. The only thing I have had to do is take him out while going through security. You hold them and walk through. You want to make sure you have a reservation. With U.S Air I think the price is still at $100.00 each way. The rates keep going up faster then I can check. Sometimes they will look at the dog in the bag just to make sure he/she has enough room but during check in I haven't had to take them out.

09-02-2008, 12:10 PM	#8
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	I have no experience flying with pups but isn't this for ls surgery? Are you sure you want to use those kinds of drugs on a liver compromised dog without a vet being there? __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

09-02-2008, 12:27 PM	#10
auddoc06 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Port Arthur, TX Posts: 141	We flew to Tampa in May and Maybelline was just 6 months old. It was a 2 hour flight and we did not sedate. I had read the site and many recommended not sedating because they are more disoriented then end up in a strange place with out all the smells of home. She did just fine except we had a little tee-tee accident in the bag but I had put a pee pee pad down inside the bag. So no harm and we just rinsed off quickly and deposited the pad in the restroom when we landed. I just held her off water for a few hours before the flight home and she flew all the way home without an accident. We took her out of her bag to go through TSA but no one took her from us and inspected her. Just have her papers handy; however, no one asked to look at Maybelline's. I think you will be more relaxed if you are not worried about sedation and if she will wake up in a good mood. The plane is so loud that the other passengers can not hear them if they whine a bit; most do not even know when they are on a flight. Good Luck! __________________ Maybelline's Mommie

09-02-2008, 12:58 PM	#12
YorkieChick1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 2,249	Hi!! I have traveled with my dogs on planes for 17 years and I am a flight attendant for United, maybe I can help!! If you are really nervous, then maybe a little benedryl will be helpful. Your dog can also sense your nervousness which makes them uneasy, so try and relax when you are on the plane. I suggest that you bring a blanket so that when you put him under your seat on the plane you wrap the kennel in the blankie. The floor of the plane is pretty cold and that is one of the reason's that the dogs bark or cry. Also if you wrap the kennel so that the pup can't see you I think it is better. It is dark and then when the plane engines come on, it is like a calming droning noise and in my experience most pups or kitties will settle down and sleep until you get there. I had to fly 6 hours with Brooke to go see her neurologist in Boston, from San Francisco. That time, I did take her out about 4 hours into the flight in the restroom. I went into the one with the diaper changing table and put down a weewee pad and let her go potty and gave her a treat and some water. I held her for a bit and then put her back in the kennel and she settled back down and went to sleep again!! We were sitting in first class that time, next to a bunch of business passengers so I was nervous about her crying too!! They also have a product called Rescue Remedy for Pets that doesn't have any alcohol but has flower essence that is supposed to calm pets. They also have a version for kids that is the same, if you can't find the pet one. Just don't get the regular version because it has 27% alcohol and if your little guy has liver issues, it wouldn't be good for him! If you have more questions, don't hesitate to PM me!! Have a wonderful trip and I wish you well with the surgery! __________________ Nanci 's her furbabies!! Brooke,Binky,Bunny,Buster & BooBoo And My Chichis: Baby & Bitsy There's nothing that brightens my day more than a puppy kiss!

09-02-2008, 02:24 PM	#15
ButterflyKisses Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bolivar, Missouri Posts: 66	I've flown with puppies quite a few times and it has never been a problem. It seems that when the puppy is in his or her soft sided crate under the seat, they will tend to sleep the whole time. Normally the people around me didn't even know I had the puppy. I have never sedated my puppy or dog. My vet feels that this isn't necessary. But with an older dog, I can understand how just a very slight sedation that just "relaxes" the dog might be good. No one has EVER ask me to walk my dog so that they see how he or she is doing. When going through security, I would just carry the puppy through the "gate" with me, while the carry-on dog bag goes through the x-ray machine. Then I put the puppy back in the carry on after getting through security. You should find it is not any problem. I always bring a leash and collar with me, as I will usually just let the puppy out of the carry-on, right by me, when we are just waiting to get on the plane. Keeping the puppy or dog awake at that time might be why they will sleep better on the plane. Enjoy your Travels!