Flying w/ a "medium sized" yorkie

[Sasha311]

I plan on flying with Sasha for the first time next month and have been looking at carriers. Most airlines state that the carrier can not exceed 8 inches in height. I have been looking at the Alex Dog Carrier by Kwigy-Bo but because Sasha is about 6.5 pounds (and could still be growing) and about 10 inches long I think the larger one would be better and roomier for her. The problem is the the height is 11 inches and exceeds the airline's dimensions! I checked with other carriers and the sizes that would fit her the best are all between 10-11 in in height. She's not a a tiny little thing like the 3-4 lb'ers but she's not exactly a "teapot" yet either. I don't want to have to buy a smaller carrier that she will "just" fit in. I don't fly that often so it would be a waste of money. I'm so torn with what to do. Any thoughts, suggestions, or advice from those with medium sized yorkies who fly would be very helpful!

I am leaving work but will come back to check any replies later. Thanks in advance!

[amandawash]

Hey there. My Ranger is 5.5lbs and the KB carriers I have are a great size. In fact, they are a bit too big to use all that much, but are great for flying. What airline are you flying? Most KB carriers are airline approved, and in my experience, no one has even looked at my carrier.

[Sasha311]

Hi! Thanks for your response. I was thinking about flying Air Tran (they have the cheapest pet fares, lol) but I wanted the KB in large. Do you still think it would be roomy enough? Tell me, can you squish the top down just in case it's too high? Or do the KB have hard corners that would prevent you form doing so?

[amandawash]

No, the Kwigy Bo is very soft, part of the reason I don't care for it so much. But it is really good for flying, because it fits right under the seat in front of you. I would suggest picking out the bag you like, getting the measurements and then comparing it to sometime you have, because 17" is really big! However, for your girl it is probably perfect, just not something you would want to lug around everywhere Or just me, I'm a wimp

[stiebing44]

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I fly with my 8lb Yorkie at least 4 times a year and the best bag I have found to be is the Sherpa. The reason I like it is, you are able to attach the bag to your carry on bag . It slips right over the handle and the Sherpa bag sits on top of the carry on and you don't have to carry the dog separately.
My Lexi loves to fly, usually passengers next to me don't even know that I have a pet with me. I hope you have pleasant trip.

[JesBred]

My Mitzy is between 7-8 pounds and I fly with her. She has a bag that is roomy enough and fits under the seat perfect. Sometimes they let me unzip the bag to let poke her head out. And I know it says they check dimensions and all that but half the time they don't even know I have a dog let alone check the dimensions. Good luck!!

[Sasha311]

Originally Posted by amandawash

No, the Kwigy Bo is very soft, part of the reason I don't care for it so much. But it is really good for flying, because it fits right under the seat in front of you. I would suggest picking out the bag you like, getting the measurements and then comparing it to sometime you have, because 17" is really big! However, for your girl it is probably perfect, just not something you would want to lug around everywhere Or just me, I'm a wimp

You're right, 17 inches does seem rather big. I'm only 5'3" and barely 120 but I want her comfy as well. Arrrgggh. I never thought this would be so difficult. Oh well, thanks for all your input!!

[amandawash]

Originally Posted by Sasha311

You're right, 17 inches does seem rather big. I'm only 5'3" and barely 120 but I want her comfy as well. Arrrgggh. I never thought this would be so difficult. Oh well, thanks for all your input!!

I know right? I am 5'2 and about 115 so it is really big for my frame. That being said, the 17" bag would certainly fit your girl unless she is unusually looooong, and even then, I think it would work. I can take a picture of Ranger in his later on today, and will give you his measurements so you can compare.

[Sasha311]

Originally Posted by amandawash

I know right? I am 5'2 and about 115 so it is really big for my frame. That being said, the 17" bag would certainly fit your girl unless she is unusually looooong, and even then, I think it would work. I can take a picture of Ranger in his later on today, and will give you his measurements so you can compare.

Oh that would be great to see a pic! I took your suggestion and measured a bag that I bring to work sometimes to carry my shoes, luch and whatever else. It's 1 inch smaller all the way around than the larger= KB. And people already tease me about having such a big bag....lol. But I may just make the sacrifce and still get it. 17 IS big but the 13 just seems like she wouldn't be able to turn around in it. She is kinda long though. I jokingly say she has a little daschund in her and that she's really a "dorkie"...lol

[amandawash]

Ok, here are some pics. Please excuse my MESSY boys!!! I had to interupt play time to get the pics!!

[LorraineW22]

I have a Sherpa - 18" which we use to fly with Brady. He's 5 lbs but it is not too big. The airlines' rules state the dog has to be able to move around. We used it for our last Yorkie and he was about 6 1/2 pounds. I had previously bought one that looked like a back pack, but larger and one end was very low and he couldn't stand up in that end and it also has a bar across the top which had to be removed to get it under the seat. I wanted one with wheels but unless they are removeable the bag won't fit under the seat and I think that would be a pain in the neck to remove on the plane. The Sherpa has little flat "feet" and I bought some of those disks with adhesive bottoms that go under chair feet and stuck them to these little feet on the Sherpa and I would drag it along (don't do it home as they may scratch your floors). I took extras with me because sometimes if you go over a rough part one will come off but I think I am going to glue them on when we go away in a few weeks. If you want to know the name of them let me know as they are on the top shelf in the closet and I need to get to bed. We fly Delta because we have American Express and get the miles but they are now charging $150.00 ($300 round trip) each way for a dog under the seat. Delta only allows 2 animals on each flight so you have to check before you make your reservations to make sure you can take yours. Good Luck - Lorraine

[alaskayorkie]

I've never had any problems with my 10-pounder in a carrier. I don't have the dimensions in front of me, but I'm pretty sure it's a little oversized. No one has ever questioned it. It fits under the seat if I turn it backward so the skinny side fits in first. The back hangs out a little, but no one has ever questioned it or bothered to measure.

The dogs don't need to have one as tall as they are or even as long. They curl up inside.

Here's a picture of the one I have.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/att...rs-carrier.jpg

[Sasha311]

Originally Posted by amandawash

Ok, here are some pics. Please excuse my MESSY boys!!! I had to interupt play time to get the pics!!

Oh my goodness how cute are they!! They look so comfy and at home in there. Thanks for the one with the measuring tape, that helped give me a better sense of size. I still think I'm going to go for the larger one. Thanks again for sharing, and thank your boys for stopping their play time to take pics also!

[gypsyqueen]

Im relocating to syracuse and was wondering about carriers myself this helps alot

[Sasha311]

Originally Posted by LorraineW22

I have a Sherpa - 18" which we use to fly with Brady. He's 5 lbs but it is not too big. The airlines' rules state the dog has to be able to move around. We used it for our last Yorkie and he was about 6 1/2 pounds. I had previously bought one that looked like a back pack, but larger and one end was very low and he couldn't stand up in that end and it also has a bar across the top which had to be removed to get it under the seat. I wanted one with wheels but unless they are removeable the bag won't fit under the seat and I think that would be a pain in the neck to remove on the plane. The Sherpa has little flat "feet" and I bought some of those disks with adhesive bottoms that go under chair feet and stuck them to these little feet on the Sherpa and I would drag it along (don't do it home as they may scratch your floors). I took extras with me because sometimes if you go over a rough part one will come off but I think I am going to glue them on when we go away in a few weeks. If you want to know the name of them let me know as they are on the top shelf in the closet and I need to get to bed. We fly Delta because we have American Express and get the miles but they are now charging $150.00 ($300 round trip) each way for a dog under the seat. Delta only allows 2 animals on each flight so you have to check before you make your reservations to make sure you can take yours. Good Luck - Lorraine

Thank you Lorraine! Those were great tips!