Does anyone have experience flying with their pooch in cabin? - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

QuickSilver · 02-06-2010, 02:51 PM

I've considered flying Thor to NYC a few times, but I've always chickened out b/c it's a five hour flight. I'd rather try him on a short flight first, jic. Maybe next time, though.

I see people walking dogs around airports, and I always ask them about how it works, and they always say it's fine.

As others have said, the dog has to be placed under the seat in front of you... so you have to make sure you have a seat that allows that. I'm lucky enough to fly first class often, and have not been able to bring Thor because all baggage has to go overhead.

DvlshAngel985 · 02-06-2010, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princes mom

Great post!! I'm planning a trip to Newark, DE for my neice's college graduation. (UDEL) I have to fly and was wondering about traveling with Prince. One major concern...Prince is exempt from vacs because of his severe reaction to them. He uses topical heart worm preventative, but that's it. I do have a letter from the vet, but I'm not sure if that will be enough. We cannot let him get vacs, just for the flight. (I would end up missing the grad if he got sick like he had twice before). If worse comes to worse, my hubby would stay home with Prince.
We'll have to fly from ATL to PHL, then take a bus from Philly to Newark (DE). I think it takes about two hours on the bus, and I'm not sure if dogs are allowed on the bus. I remember reading about a lady in Tampa who was thrown off Greyhound because she had a dog! (How ironic is that...Greyhound)! I could rent a car, that would probably be easier and I have a GPS.
I'll make some calls this week.
I get a headache thinking about all of this.

I think you should call the bus company you are using and ask about their pet policy, or look for it online. And also call the airline company you are using, sounds like prince is a special situation. I think as long as you have proof that he is healthy (a health certificate from the vet) and another written document from the vet stating Prince's special circumstance. You're not traveling from a different country where quarantine is sometimes put in place. But, call just to be on the safe side.

To be honest, I never needed any of the documentation that they asked for. I went in and out without anyone asking for any documentation. But I bet if I didn't have them, they would have asked to see his health certificate. You know how those things could be sometimes. If I was gutsy, I'd probably try bringing Kaji in without even paying for him. Seriously, no one knew he was on the plane because of how quiet he is. But, I'm a goody goody and I always follow the rules.

DvlshAngel985 · 02-06-2010, 02:54 PM

oops, double post!

roseslevi · 02-06-2010, 04:03 PM

I have taken Levi with me to Florida the last three years. About a 2-3 hour flight to Atlanta and then another quick 45 minute flight to Daytona Beach. Every time I took him I gave him the pill the vet suggested 1 hour before the flight. I flew Delta and found them often rude. You have to walk the dog through the security scanner. No collar, no leash and men with guns on the other side of the scanner. The first time Levi was like no way. Then I got him to go through. Delta gave me a hard time about water, nutrical the health certificate and letting him out of his bag in the rest room to stretch his legs. Forget the flight attendents that wouldn't even let me unzip the bag an inch. I finally decided to get rude back....so that I could give him some water. The attendent said people may have allergies....well the lady next to me had on enough perfume to choke a horse. I finally told the flight attendent that I paid $150.00 for my dog to be smushed under the seat.. more than most "people" passengers had paid and if he was panting...he was getting some water! She then left me alone.
Last flight ...Delta again....they were very nice. Attendent told me that she had no issues unless I completely took him out of the bag....which I wouldn't do. So, I unzipped the bag and left my hand in...Levi was very happy.
I think it boils down to.....its whoever you get as the flight attendent.I also use the Sherpa bag...which I love!

Princes mom · 02-06-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

I think you should call the bus company you are using and ask about their pet policy, or look for it online. And also call the airline company you are using, sounds like prince is a special situation. I think as long as you have proof that he is healthy (a health certificate from the vet) and another written document from the vet stating Prince's special circumstance. You're not traveling from a different country where quarantine is sometimes put in place. But, call just to be on the safe side.

To be honest, I never needed any of the documentation that they asked for. I went in and out without anyone asking for any documentation. But I bet if I didn't have them, they would have asked to see his health certificate. You know how those things could be sometimes. If I was gutsy, I'd probably try bringing Kaji in without even paying for him. Seriously, no one knew he was on the plane because of how quiet he is. But, I'm a goody goody and I always follow the rules.

Great advice!!!! Thank you.

LuluMaye · 02-06-2010, 06:04 PM

I always fly with my Baby Zoey, and she is an angel. We flew coach on Continental and American. I flew from Louisiana to California with a layover in Houston. The flight to Houston was an hour and to give her a break I would take her into the ladies room and put a pee pad on the floor for her. She never would use it. The flight to California was 4 hours. Sometimes the flight attendants would be very friendly and look the other way if Zoey was on my lap. Other times they would tell me as I boarded the plane that the pet had to stay in the carrier. Zoey has also gone to New York, Massachusetts, & Ct. She has always done very well.

RemydeHaviland · 02-09-2010, 04:23 AM

Have not flown yet, but are preparing to in June. I've been reading a lot about others experiences as well, so this is a very helpful post!

We will be on three flights - international, total travel duration will be about 7 hours.

Regarding the carrier, we have a Celltei. It meets the underseat requirements. Remy was not crate trained, so we have been slowly making the adjustment. I take him on short trips, errands, etc in it and we are finally getting to the point where he is calming down while inside. Hopefully with another several months of work we'll be good to go in June. I do NOT want to sedate him.

I am a bit worried about the potty situation. He was pad trained until he decided around 1 year old that he would not use it any more. He is typically outside every 4-5 hours during the day, has on occasion lasted 8-9 hours. So, I'm hopeful that with two walks prior to departure he will be alright. I seriously doubt that on my layovers I will have time to get outside, and then back through security in order to give him a mid-morning break. And, I don't think he will use a pad if I take him into the rest room with one, as I've read that is the process others use.

I know I need a health certificate and current rabies vacc info - all in writing within 10 days of my departure and signed by my vet. His micro chip is EU compliant, and I will have photos of him with my passport.

I am planning to pack his food (NV Raw) in my checked luggage and have found a soft-side cooler that will keep things frozen for 24 hours. Hopefully it does not get confiscated. I will likely have a vet letter packed with it so it is not identified as contraband.

That kind of sums up what I've learned thus far....

bchgirl · 02-09-2010, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breny

Does anyone know if you can travel with two?

Yes, most airlines allow two per carrier. If you can fly southwest even better because their pet fee is the least expensive at $75 one way.

Mine have flown distances up to 7 hours to an hour. No problems whatsoever

AAAlison2 · 02-09-2010, 03:23 PM

I flew with my yorkie from Colorado Springs, CO to Chicago, Ohare in September. She was only about 3 1/2 months old at the time, and weighed about 2 pounds. I flew on United and they charged me $50.00 each way. All major airlines have info on their websites about flying with pets. The one thing that I found out when I called the airline, is that the only bag they approve is the 'Sherpa' soft-sided carrier! This was not listed on their website, so I'm glad I called! Also, you are required to have a 'Certificate of Veterinary Inspection' from your vet. I believe this is a requirement by the department of agriculture, and the airlines. This cost me $35.00. In addition, my vet told me to make a copy of this certificate, along with proof of current vaccinations, to give to the airlines at check in. Hope this helps!

DvlshAngel985 · 02-09-2010, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AAAlison2

I flew with my yorkie from Colorado Springs, CO to Chicago, Ohare in September. She was only about 3 1/2 months old at the time, and weighed about 2 pounds. I flew on United and they charged me $50.00 each way. All major airlines have info on their websites about flying with pets. The one thing that I found out when I called the airline, is that the only bag they approve is the 'Sherpa' soft-sided carrier! This was not listed on their website, so I'm glad I called! Also, you are required to have a 'Certificate of Veterinary Inspection' from your vet. I believe this is a requirement by the department of agriculture, and the airlines. This cost me $35.00. In addition, my vet told me to make a copy of this certificate, along with proof of current vaccinations, to give to the airlines at check in. Hope this helps!

Wow! $35, it was over $80 for me. Good advice, I didn't think of having a copy of vaccinations, but then again my vet added that to the health certificate. Funny that they had a restriction on what kind of bag, when I went I swear, everyone that had a dog didn't have to show any proof of health certificate, proper bag, or payment. I think my travel experience was a total fluke. It's a good idea to be prepared.

Don't want anyone here to say, "well so and so had absolutely no problems."

mgrijalva15 · 02-10-2010, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MorkieMomii

Wondering if anyone has flown with their adult dog in the cabin with them. Did you fly first class or coach? What was it like, length of flight and what airline. Were the airline staff friendly about it, how about the other passengers? How did your dog cope and what about if they needed a potty break? Did you sedate or need to give something for nausea?

.

Yeah I did! First class usually doesnt allow you to take pets. My baby was an angel, I took him out...even though you are not suppose to and he slept on my lap the entire time. The staff saw me but didnt really care. I flew on Virgin America for 6 hours. No one sat next to me so no one even noticed I had a dog...they all thought it was a stuffed animal. haha He didnt need any potty breaks. I did give him 2cc of Childrens Benadryl like my vet recommended.

Carol607 · 02-10-2010, 06:04 AM

Hi
I used to fly first class all the time with my yorkie on Delta up to last year when she passed away. It depends on the type of plane. If it is is the type that has no room for under seat storage in First due to equipment placement then you can't take pets on but I almost always was allowed. Jessie loved to fly. Like others have said, it depends on the fight attendants. Most had no problem with me taking her out of the bag for awhile but the rules are to remain in bag. I had flight attendants who were dog lovers actually encourage me to take her out so they could play with her. I had one flight attendant insist that I take half of her turkey sandwich for Jessie to eat after we landed, when she heard that the dog hadn't eaten that morning. (I only gave her a small piece of bread since she didn't eat much people food but my husband said the sandwich was pretty good. LOL) I had another flight attendant tell me she would take Jessie into the galley area so she could walk around and pee, if she had to. I politely declined . Mostly she slept through the flights and only woke upon descent. Most people never knew there was a dog on the plane. Some tips:

The sherpa bag is excellent but make sure the dog is used to it. Take the dog on adventures with it before flying.

I never fed or gave water to my dog before flying, I would take her for a walk right before I entered security and then during the flight let her suck on an ice cube or give her small amounts of water. Towards the end of the flight I would give her some food and water, if she wanted it.

I never medicated her and she remained calm-something about the motion of the plane.

I was never asked for any documents in 10 years of flying with her but I always had them just in case.

I never minded layovers if I had enough time to go outside security and walk her. Otherwise, I would try to avoid them unless the overall flight time was 8 hours or less.

I plan to take Jamie, my new yorkie, on an airplane but I am waiting until she is a little older. I am getting her used to the bag, meanwhile.

I had so many great experiences with Jessie on vacation and I'm so glad I always took her with me.

mblab · 05-03-2010, 09:12 AM

Hi everyone!

We're flying to Texas at the end of this month for my boyfriend's brother's high school graduation. Zoe will be flying with us (her "fee" roundtrip is the same as one of our roundtrip tickets!) and I'm trying to prepare properly. We'll be flying American Airlines and her "seat" has already been reserved. We've got an Alex Quigy Bo bag so she's all set for the flight. Now on to my question: AA does not require a health certificate. I've tried looking online through the FAA website and as far as I've found they don't say they require a health certificate. I had been planning on getting a health certificate but now I'm not sure if it's needed. Our vet will charge us a total of $75 for a vet visit and health certificate fee. While I want to be prepared I don't want to spend money that just doesn't need to be spent. (Zoe had health problems this year and she's racked over $700 in vet bills so far. I'm trying to cut back wherever I can.) Does anyone have anything that shows a health certificate is required by the FAA?

2girls · 05-03-2010, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mblab

Hi everyone!

We're flying to Texas at the end of this month for my boyfriend's brother's high school graduation. Zoe will be flying with us (her "fee" roundtrip is the same as one of our roundtrip tickets!) and I'm trying to prepare properly. We'll be flying American Airlines and her "seat" has already been reserved. We've got an Alex Quigy Bo bag so she's all set for the flight. Now on to my question: AA does not require a health certificate. I've tried looking online through the FAA website and as far as I've found they don't say they require a health certificate. I had been planning on getting a health certificate but now I'm not sure if it's needed. Our vet will charge us a total of $75 for a vet visit and health certificate fee. While I want to be prepared I don't want to spend money that just doesn't need to be spent. (Zoe had health problems this year and she's racked over $700 in vet bills so far. I'm trying to cut back wherever I can.) Does anyone have anything that shows a health certificate is required by the FAA?

I have only been asked to present a health certificate 1 out of 20 times. It is a good thing to have incase you need to switch airlines. I'm really shocked your vet is charging $75. I would ask your vet for a updated print out of vaccines your baby had and carry that with you and make sure it includes the rabies vac.

BraxtonsMama · 05-03-2010, 10:48 AM

I haven't flown AA recently but I have flown Southwest and AirTran and neither one required a health certificate. I've never had to show one for my Yorkies traveling domestically. It's my understanding that you only need one when flying internationally but I'm not 100% sure on that statement for all airlines.

02-06-2010, 02:54 PM	#18
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	oops, double post! __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

02-06-2010, 06:04 PM	#21
LuluMaye Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 203	I always fly with my Baby Zoey, and she is an angel. We flew coach on Continental and American. I flew from Louisiana to California with a layover in Houston. The flight to Houston was an hour and to give her a break I would take her into the ladies room and put a pee pad on the floor for her. She never would use it. The flight to California was 4 hours. Sometimes the flight attendants would be very friendly and look the other way if Zoey was on my lap. Other times they would tell me as I boarded the plane that the pet had to stay in the carrier. Zoey has also gone to New York, Massachusetts, & Ct. She has always done very well. __________________ Lulu Belle, Bosley Beamer, Baby Zoey, & Holly Berry's Mommy

02-09-2010, 04:23 AM	#22
RemydeHaviland Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire Posts: 640	Have not flown yet, but are preparing to in June. I've been reading a lot about others experiences as well, so this is a very helpful post! We will be on three flights - international, total travel duration will be about 7 hours. Regarding the carrier, we have a Celltei. It meets the underseat requirements. Remy was not crate trained, so we have been slowly making the adjustment. I take him on short trips, errands, etc in it and we are finally getting to the point where he is calming down while inside. Hopefully with another several months of work we'll be good to go in June. I do NOT want to sedate him. I am a bit worried about the potty situation. He was pad trained until he decided around 1 year old that he would not use it any more. He is typically outside every 4-5 hours during the day, has on occasion lasted 8-9 hours. So, I'm hopeful that with two walks prior to departure he will be alright. I seriously doubt that on my layovers I will have time to get outside, and then back through security in order to give him a mid-morning break. And, I don't think he will use a pad if I take him into the rest room with one, as I've read that is the process others use. I know I need a health certificate and current rabies vacc info - all in writing within 10 days of my departure and signed by my vet. His micro chip is EU compliant, and I will have photos of him with my passport. I am planning to pack his food (NV Raw) in my checked luggage and have found a soft-side cooler that will keep things frozen for 24 hours. Hopefully it does not get confiscated. I will likely have a vet letter packed with it so it is not identified as contraband. That kind of sums up what I've learned thus far.... __________________ Susanne and Remy

05-03-2010, 09:12 AM	#28
mblab Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 723	Hi everyone! We're flying to Texas at the end of this month for my boyfriend's brother's high school graduation. Zoe will be flying with us (her "fee" roundtrip is the same as one of our roundtrip tickets!) and I'm trying to prepare properly. We'll be flying American Airlines and her "seat" has already been reserved. We've got an Alex Quigy Bo bag so she's all set for the flight. Now on to my question: AA does not require a health certificate. I've tried looking online through the FAA website and as far as I've found they don't say they require a health certificate. I had been planning on getting a health certificate but now I'm not sure if it's needed. Our vet will charge us a total of $75 for a vet visit and health certificate fee. While I want to be prepared I don't want to spend money that just doesn't need to be spent. (Zoe had health problems this year and she's racked over $700 in vet bills so far. I'm trying to cut back wherever I can.) Does anyone have anything that shows a health certificate is required by the FAA? __________________ Vicky & Zoë "I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. " -Gilda Radner

02-06-2010, 02:51 PM	#16
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I've considered flying Thor to NYC a few times, but I've always chickened out b/c it's a five hour flight. I'd rather try him on a short flight first, jic. Maybe next time, though. I see people walking dogs around airports, and I always ask them about how it works, and they always say it's fine. As others have said, the dog has to be placed under the seat in front of you... so you have to make sure you have a seat that allows that. I'm lucky enough to fly first class often, and have not been able to bring Thor because all baggage has to go overhead.

02-06-2010, 04:03 PM	#19
roseslevi Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: E. Falmouth, Mass Posts: 2,102	I have taken Levi with me to Florida the last three years. About a 2-3 hour flight to Atlanta and then another quick 45 minute flight to Daytona Beach. Every time I took him I gave him the pill the vet suggested 1 hour before the flight. I flew Delta and found them often rude. You have to walk the dog through the security scanner. No collar, no leash and men with guns on the other side of the scanner. The first time Levi was like no way. Then I got him to go through. Delta gave me a hard time about water, nutrical the health certificate and letting him out of his bag in the rest room to stretch his legs. Forget the flight attendents that wouldn't even let me unzip the bag an inch. I finally decided to get rude back....so that I could give him some water. The attendent said people may have allergies....well the lady next to me had on enough perfume to choke a horse. I finally told the flight attendent that I paid $150.00 for my dog to be smushed under the seat.. more than most "people" passengers had paid and if he was panting...he was getting some water! She then left me alone. Last flight ...Delta again....they were very nice. Attendent told me that she had no issues unless I completely took him out of the bag....which I wouldn't do. So, I unzipped the bag and left my hand in...Levi was very happy. I think it boils down to.....its whoever you get as the flight attendent.I also use the Sherpa bag...which I love!

02-09-2010, 03:23 PM	#24
AAAlison2 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Manitou Springs, CO, USA Posts: 2	I flew with my yorkie from Colorado Springs, CO to Chicago, Ohare in September. She was only about 3 1/2 months old at the time, and weighed about 2 pounds. I flew on United and they charged me $50.00 each way. All major airlines have info on their websites about flying with pets. The one thing that I found out when I called the airline, is that the only bag they approve is the 'Sherpa' soft-sided carrier! This was not listed on their website, so I'm glad I called! Also, you are required to have a 'Certificate of Veterinary Inspection' from your vet. I believe this is a requirement by the department of agriculture, and the airlines. This cost me $35.00. In addition, my vet told me to make a copy of this certificate, along with proof of current vaccinations, to give to the airlines at check in. Hope this helps!

02-10-2010, 06:04 AM	#27
Carol607 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Staten Island NY Posts: 350	Hi I used to fly first class all the time with my yorkie on Delta up to last year when she passed away. It depends on the type of plane. If it is is the type that has no room for under seat storage in First due to equipment placement then you can't take pets on but I almost always was allowed. Jessie loved to fly. Like others have said, it depends on the fight attendants. Most had no problem with me taking her out of the bag for awhile but the rules are to remain in bag. I had flight attendants who were dog lovers actually encourage me to take her out so they could play with her. I had one flight attendant insist that I take half of her turkey sandwich for Jessie to eat after we landed, when she heard that the dog hadn't eaten that morning. (I only gave her a small piece of bread since she didn't eat much people food but my husband said the sandwich was pretty good. LOL) I had another flight attendant tell me she would take Jessie into the galley area so she could walk around and pee, if she had to. I politely declined . Mostly she slept through the flights and only woke upon descent. Most people never knew there was a dog on the plane. Some tips: The sherpa bag is excellent but make sure the dog is used to it. Take the dog on adventures with it before flying. I never fed or gave water to my dog before flying, I would take her for a walk right before I entered security and then during the flight let her suck on an ice cube or give her small amounts of water. Towards the end of the flight I would give her some food and water, if she wanted it. I never medicated her and she remained calm-something about the motion of the plane. I was never asked for any documents in 10 years of flying with her but I always had them just in case. I never minded layovers if I had enough time to go outside security and walk her. Otherwise, I would try to avoid them unless the overall flight time was 8 hours or less. I plan to take Jamie, my new yorkie, on an airplane but I am waiting until she is a little older. I am getting her used to the bag, meanwhile. I had so many great experiences with Jessie on vacation and I'm so glad I always took her with me.

05-03-2010, 10:48 AM	#30
BraxtonsMama Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2008 Location: McCordsville, IN, USA Posts: 58	I haven't flown AA recently but I have flown Southwest and AirTran and neither one required a health certificate. I've never had to show one for my Yorkies traveling domestically. It's my understanding that you only need one when flying internationally but I'm not 100% sure on that statement for all airlines.