First Plane Trip Question

[southernbelle04]

We will be flying to Alabama from Maryland on the 18th. This will be Katie Scarlett's first plane ride. I've got her booked with the airlines, purchased an approved carrier, and have appointment with our vet to get health certificate. Now I am wondering .. what all do I need to bring with me for her while in airport, airplane? I wasn't sure what was allowed in my purse or what I needed to put in my checked baggage. Also, when going through security, does she have to be naked or can I keep her outfit on? Thanks for any help you can give!

[Carmeow]

The health certificate is only good for I think 10 days so if youre staying longer than that I hear you need another certificate..which means you'd need to find a vet in alabama.

[dawn27]

I have never flown nor do I plan to do so!

I'm sure that if you check on line with the air line they will have rules and regulations for flying with your pets.

If I were to fly with a pet (dog) I would make sure she has chew toys and maybe a kong ball. Something to keep her busy during the long flight. Im not sure what the general rule would be about feeding them before or during a flight. May cause up set. So you may want to inquire about that as well.

[My Sophia]

i don't think any airlines actually require a health certificate for domestic flights any more. check your specific airline's website. it will have info on their requirements for pets. when you go through security you'll have to take your baby out of the carrier and carry her through the scanner. probably will have to take the collar/harness and lead off because of the buckles, depends on how sensitive they've got the scanner set. they'll tell you whether you need to or not. make sure there's a blanket in the carrier as the floor of the plane will be cold. you won't be able to take water through security so it might not hurt to stick a couple of bottles of water from home in your checked luggage. changing water can sometimes cause upset stomach or cause them to not want to drink as much as they should. throw in a little emergency kit with nutrical, hydrogen peroxide and benadryl also.

eta: Doesn't hurt to have her shot record with you also, whether you're driving or flying.

[KimInMD]

Take a copy of Katie Scarlett's shot record with you at the very least. I always carry my fur kid's health folders with me wherever I travel. I put it in my checked luggage. Strip down your baby in the car on the way to the airport. It will be easier and safer than doing this at security. Dress and travel simply yourself too, as it will all be lots to juggle (i.e.- don't wear boots, wear slip on shoes instead, things like that). You can quietly re-dress her when you get to your gate. Take an empty, tiny tupperware with a tight fitting lid. After you get through security, hit a water fountain and partly fill your tupperware, or buy a bottle of water. You don't want to give Katie Scarlett too much to eat or drink, just a few sips to keep her comfy. Let her practice being in her carrier, and treat her so that she learns to associate it with good things. By the way, BWI does have an outdoor pet relief area (as do must airports). It's located at the end of Concourse E near the International Terminal, adjacent to the light rail station. That's pretty far away from the domestic concourse (like concourse A = Southwest Air), so if you are flying domestic, and if you have extra time before travel, consider pulling in the cell phone lot to let her potty. If you are going to do that, then ignore above advise and don't undress her in the car until you finish her potty break Happy Trails!

[southernbelle04]

Thanks everyone!

[dryoasis88]

I travel long haul (transatlantic) with my dog twice a year and these are my don't go without items:
1. Wee Pads - if you don't use them, then don't bother as the dog will probably not use them, but if you do (and I do), you can take the dog into the bathroom at the airport (once through security, or even in the bathroom on the plane and let her relieve herself if she is getting antsy
2. Dry food for at least 2-3 days. If you have most of her food in the checked bags and it may be hard to find where you are going, it is a life saver to have 2-3 days worth the food. With a small dog, it is not so hard to fit it in a carry on.
3. Worn but not washed piece of your clothing. Put this in her bag to calm her, as your scent will remind her you are there and keep her more relaxed.

Also, no open wet dog food through security! They will take it away.
Try not to feed her within 6 hours of the flight (which isn't possible for all dogs)
Limit water intake until the last 30-60 minutes of the flight (for long haul, but for your instance, you should just be able to give water again upon landing)

Fly safe and enjoy your trip!

(and yes, she has to be naked. They even make me take Hepburn's harness off, which I hate to do in public places should he somehow get loose)

[gemy]

Okay when I fly, I use a purse carrier; I pack all my own travel documents and wallet, passport etc into it. It travels and my dog in it onto the plane with me. This way I do not juggle a purse and a carrier etc going through checkpoints, checkin's etc. I buy bottled water after security check in. If you don't want to use purse carrier, think about travelling with a fanny pack.

My boy is not peedpad trained, so I do search out route, many airports do have pet relief areas.

I do use a peepad in bottom of purse carrier, for insulation and for warmth

Check with your vet on gravol for her. And try her out with Gravol at least a week before flight. Just to see if she has any negative effects.

I pack in purse/carrier, a small comb, some dried kibble, vet health records, my id and money etc, and airline tickets, boarding pass. I as I've said buy water after security. I don't pack nutrical in carrier as I've never had a problem with hypoglycemia. I feed a very light breakfast prior to trip. The harness and lead are also packed in the carrier pocket; as you can't have these on the dogs when going through security.

In my checked luggage, I pack my full first aid kit, a brush and other grooming supplies, plus shampoo and conditioner in small bottles. Their food and water dish. I also travel with a converter kit that will attach to most showers so I have a long handled shower spray nozzle to wash dogs with (along with a wrench for install purposes). Their food in a sealed bag. A cloth at home bed they are used to using. And I have a collapasible crate I travel with as well. Their full vet records along with emergency contact info. ONe spare Leash and Harness. All you need to have is just one time when a lead has broken, or the attachment on harness has gone, and you will thank your lucky stars for your forthought. I also pack a Blankey that can go over their crate if they are chilly.

Have fun on your trip

[Lil Sis]

I have only taken Remy with me on two trips..she did fine! I do advise to keep it as simple as possible...

I packed food in my checked bag and used my carrier as my purse. There are so many cute bags that are stylish enough for that. I also packed a couple of toys and a blankie for the hotel or the house we stayed at.

I did not have a health record.. but did have her tags... it was not a problem at all.

I did make a "special" traveling tag and put on a collar so if (horrible thought) she got away from me there was all the contact numbers and what ever else I could fit on the tag.

Have a great time... enjoy

[marcerella02]

Layla has flown once and I agree to keep it as SIMPLE as possible.
We took her for a very long walk the morning of. I know Layla's poop schedule so after her morning poop I gave her a plate of food (knowing she wouldn't poop again until after supper). And she can hold her pee like a champ!

At the airport we went right through security. Your best bet is to keep her in her carrier while you take off your shoes and what not and get everything you need in your bins- except keep a treat in your pocket- you might need this! Put her bag through the x ray as well

Keep her leash and harness on her. You will walk through the metal detector and then they might have to do an additonal screening on your hands because you were not able to go through the explosive testing thing.

Once your things come out of the x-ray use the treat you have in your pocket and put it in her bag to get her to go back in. She might be too interested in what is going on around and all of the "oos" and "ahhhs" to want to get back in. Once she is in, then deal with your things.

Check out this GREAT website!
Dog Jaunt : Taking your dog on a plane : Traveling with a small dog

As for the actual plane ride- I was the one who was a mess so worried about her. But because of her long walk- she was so tired. Just keep in mind, sometimes it is VERY cold on airplane floors- bring a blanket with you to wrap around her carrier in case you need to. Remember she is your carry on and you are only allowed a purse- so I brought a large purse

During the flight I would check on her (she was not allowed up from under the seat) and twice I gave her a treat- during one of those times she tried to get out of the bag so then I stopped giving her treats she was just sleeping the whole time so she was really fine!