Airline question and venting

[baileysmom31]

Thanks for the tip. Maybe if I have to travel by air again, I'll check into this with my vet. It is so much better then stressing them and ourselves out!

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

There was a YTer a while back who admitted to falling asleep and allowing her little guy to escape and run the aisles of the plane, so I can see how some flight attendants could get huffy.

Do any of you give your Yorkies sedatives for flights? I tried it, decided I was against it because I didn't like the glassy look in his eyes, but my vet persuaded me that it is better for the dog to be on a mild sedative than to be upset, yelping and scratching at his container for hours at a time. He assured me that the sedative he gave me was mild. This last flight I went on was the best. The sedative leaves him alert, just relaxed. I was glad I did it.

[Jaxon's mom]

We'll be flying from Boston to Seattle or Vancouver at the end of July and I'm not really looking forward to it, only because I'm not sure how Jaxon will be on the plane. I'm surprised that Southwest doesn't allow pets, considering they're so easygoing with everything else.

I'm trying to get an evening flight on the way there, hoping that he'll sleep most of the time.

[Rae Rae]

WOW! I really can't believe how some people are comparing these dogs to real babies. In the eyes of most people, real babies are higher up there.

As for not being able to let them out, I can see why. Yeah one dog might be well-behaved, but what if another one isnt...then that one can't be let out and it's not fair. Where would you draw the line as to who can be let out of a carrier and who cant?

If people are complaining soo much about the regulations for the airlines, atleast be thankful you can bring the dog on the plane! If it's such a problem, try to find someone to watch the dog for you.

For the original poster though, they had no reason to be rude to you when you DID follow the rules. I would say that their just jealous.

[LuvMySissy]

Originally Posted by Rae Rae

WOW! I really can't believe how some people are comparing these dogs to real babies. In the eyes of most people, real babies are higher up there.

Here's a poll for you; who would you rather sit next to you an airline flight, a person with a baby/toddler on their lap, or a person with a pet carrier (with whatever animal you please in it)?

I love children, especially babies. However, I'll take the pet carrier anyday or a baby/toddler next to me - unless that baby/toddler is related to me!

[lolabella]

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

Do any of you give your Yorkies sedatives for flights? I tried it, decided I was against it because I didn't like the glassy look in his eyes, but my vet persuaded me that it is better for the dog to be on a mild sedative than to be upset, yelping and scratching at his container for hours at a time. He assured me that the sedative he gave me was mild. This last flight I went on was the best. The sedative leaves him alert, just relaxed. I was glad I did it.

Here is what American Airlines website says about sedation:

"Sedation
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases cats and dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying. An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the kennel is moved.

Whether flying as a cabin or checked pet, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures, which can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats which are sedated or tranquilized. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs and snub-nosed cats are especially affected."

http://www.aa.com/content/travelInfo...horEvent=false

[PRECIOUSMOMMY]

that is so stupid!!!

[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by lolabella

Here is what American Airlines website says about sedation:

"Sedation
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases cats and dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying. An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the kennel is moved.

Whether flying as a cabin or checked pet, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures, which can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats which are sedated or tranquilized. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs and snub-nosed cats are especially affected."

http://www.aa.com/content/travelInfo...horEvent=false

Thanks for that! I read something similar, and my impression was it applied to people who oversedate animals to the point of unconsciousness. It was also for animals that were stored in cargo.

But it does give me pause, so I will solicit opinions from other vets. But I do appreciate your input.

But Rae Rae, Jeze, I'd lay odds that you are a flight attendant. What's wrong with people wanting their dogs to be comfortable on a flight? I pay $80 each direction, and all I've gotten out of the airlines is rudeness. DON'T EVEN THINK OF TAKING THAT DOG OUT OF THE KENNEL. That's a direct quote as we were walking on the plane in full compliance. I think there's room -- a lot of room -- for airlines to improve their regulations for having dogs on flights.

[LuvMySissy]

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

What's wrong with people wanting their dogs to be comfortable on a flight? I pay $80 each direction, and all I've gotten out of the airlines is rudeness. DON'T EVEN THINK OF TAKING THAT DOG OUT OF THE KENNEL. That's a direct quote as we were walking on the plane in full compliance. I think there's room -- a lot of room -- for airlines to improve their regulations for having dogs on flights.

I agree. When you are paying to bring them on, and they count as one piece of your carry-on luggage, I think it is only reasonable to at least allow the carrier to be on your lap after take-off and before landing. The dog/cat doesn't necessarily have to be taken out of the kennel, but to demand they be zipped up and tucked away is a little ridiculous for something you have paid for that isn't bothering anyone else. If you aren't handling them, they should pose no problem for folks with allergies, either.

[KellyV]

I can understand the airlines wanting us to keep our little dogs out of sight and under control while on the plane... Like someone else said, not all dogs are well behaved and you can't have special rules for certain dogs (unless of course that dog is used for service purposes). Who knows if the person sitting next to, in front of or behind you is allergic to dogs or has some kind of fear/phobia of them. Those other passengers paid to be on that flight as well, they shouldn't have to suffer through the whole ride because of my little pup. I'm sure they paid just as much I did for the ticket!

What I think is incredibly unfair is the prices they charge for you to even bring your pup on the plane! Everything I've seen is about $80 one way! Why is that? The dog counts as a carry on. If I didn't have the dog, I'd have another carry on... What's the difference? I don't understand it. They should just allow pets on planes on a first come, first serve basis, without any extra fees involved.


At any rate, Bailey's Mom, I do believe you treated a bit harshly. You were following the rules and I doubt anyone complained about you. The stewardess let her own mood get in the way of doing her job professionally. I would write a letter to the airline advising of the unfair treatment. Hopefully they'll look into and find a way to make up for it.

[Tiffany06]

Tiffany and I have gone from California to New York twice now. Both times she has done great. The first time she was 11 weeks and the 2nd time she was 13 weeks. Her vet told me to give 1 - 1 1/2 cc's of Childrens Benedryl 30 - 45 minutes before the flight. It will keep her calm and make for a better trip for her. I also try to take only direct flights.

Yes regulations state that they have to remain under the seat, I always get a window seat and pull her little kennel out after we take off. I have found Jet Blue to be the most pet friendly. I'm going again in August and September. She is gonna have more frequent flyer miles than most people.

Hope this helps.

Suzie & Tiffany

[Tophersmom]

I do agree that it was rude for the attendant to speak about you in that way.

I worked for an airline for many years and though it may seem like a good idea to take a pup out of his carrier or to open the carrier to give him a break, I totally understand why they want them to remain in a closed carrier under the seat at all times. Not only are the rules there for the passenger's safety, but they are there for the pup's safety as well. It's not unheard of for an aircraft to suddenly drop a couple of hundred feet or experience sudden turbulance. Most times the pilots are able to predict these things and request that passengers buckle up, but there are times when it happens unexpectedly (that's why I never take my seatbelt off...only to go to the washroom) A pet out of his carrier (or even if the carrier is out from under the seat) could get severely injured.

I do understand your frustration with the attendant...she was rude and that is uncalled for.
Check the airline's website. If it's the one I'm thinking of, they have all the info there regarding travelling with your pet.

[lolabella]

Originally Posted by Tophersmom

It's not unheard of for an aircraft to suddenly drop a couple of hundred feet or experience sudden turbulance. Most times the pilots are able to predict these things and request that passengers buckle up, but there are times when it happens unexpectedly (that's why I never take my seatbelt off...only to go to the washroom) A pet out of his carrier (or even if the carrier is out from under the seat) could get severely injured.

That is so true! I hadn't thought of that. A similar thing happened to me (while traveling alone) once during a flight from Columbus to NY. The small plane I was on had an unexpected drop. I was carrying a cup of Mocha, and even with the lid on, that hot coffee went up on the ceiling, and all over me. It was a very scary experience, and luckily everyone on the plane was buckled in. I thought we were going to die. Well, I can't imagine what that kind of drop could have done to a roaming Yorkie.

[yorkieskater]

I guess what bugs me is that these businesses don't respect that some of us only have our yorkies as children and we have to take them sometimes. I am of a different spirituality then some. I don't rank what living thing is more important than another. I don't put humans above dogs or if I had a kid, my kid above my dog. I feel all living things are equally important and deserve respect. I think that at times, people can be very rude when it comes to a person who only has a dog. These businesses could be a little more flexible. I always think...how would I feel to be stuck in a bag for 12 hours?
Hats off to ALL the parents out there. Those that have skin kids AND those who have dogs or both. All of you are equally important and do a great job. It isn't easy to raise kids and dogs. It's not easy to travel with both either.
suzie

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by Rae Rae

WOW! I really can't believe how some people are comparing these dogs to real babies. In the eyes of most people, real babies are higher up there.

As for not being able to let them out, I can see why. Yeah one dog might be well-behaved, but what if another one isnt...then that one can't be let out and it's not fair. Where would you draw the line as to who can be let out of a carrier and who cant?

If people are complaining soo much about the regulations for the airlines, atleast be thankful you can bring the dog on the plane! If it's such a problem, try to find someone to watch the dog for you.

For the original poster though, they had no reason to be rude to you when you DID follow the rules. I would say that their just jealous.

Most of the posters had no problem leaving the dog in the bag, but why can't the bag be held on your lap where you can at least comfort the dog.

Those rules are ridiculous and make no sense. People tend to break rules if then don't make sense.

Or the could designate the last row as a pet section, or the front row where there is more room.

I believe I would go the sedative route.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

Thanks for that! I read something similar, and my impression was it applied to people who oversedate animals to the point of unconsciousness. It was also for animals that were stored in cargo.

But it does give me pause, so I will solicit opinions from other vets. But I do appreciate your input.

But Rae Rae, Jeze, I'd lay odds that you are a flight attendant. What's wrong with people wanting their dogs to be comfortable on a flight? I pay $80 each direction, and all I've gotten out of the airlines is rudeness. DON'T EVEN THINK OF TAKING THAT DOG OUT OF THE KENNEL. That's a direct quote as we were walking on the plane in full compliance. I think there's room -- a lot of room -- for airlines to improve their regulations for having dogs on flights.

I agree and would never fly with my dogs because of it.