Need opinions

[longtimecouple1]

I am planning on taking our 2 with us to AZ next February, but being the planner that I am, I have been looking at the rules for pets in cabin.
Does anyone know how stringent they are on the pet carrier size.
Jet Blue, for example, has some great deals on flights, and only charge $50 extra per pet each way, but the carrier has to be only 17"Lx12.5"WX8"H, I've found some that are close, but they are either a little too long or a little too high (we're talking about maybe an inch larger either high or long) Do they actually measure, or is something within reason ok?
Thanks
Eileen

[Irminsul]

The measurements assure that the carrier will fit under the seat. I would say longer wouldn't be a problem, but if it's too tall and won't fit you might be in trouble.

[Chloe's_Mom]

I have flown with Chloe a couple of times. I have a carrier that is a little longer than what they would like, it seems to work fine though. I was able to put it under the seat and it didn't stick out too much. All of the flight attendants were very accommodating.

What I would recommend is that you fast your dogs at least 12 hrs before your flight, no food, no water. I would also recommend that you give them a calming pill. The calming pill helped tremendously with Chloe. She is not a cryer by any means, but the calming pill helped relax her and she mostly slept the entire flight. It does get warm for the dogs under the seat, so I would recommend not putting a blanket in with them. Maybe just a good chewey for the flight.

It wasn't very stressful flying with her, it was kind of nice.

[Suzanne R]

I knew someone with flying experience would post! Wish I could help, but I've never done that.

[LUVMYGUNNER]

Where in Az are you going to?

[Irminsul]

I personally would not sedate the dogs for flying. Most airlines recommend against it because it is difficult to predict how the sedatives will affect dogs in that altitude. You could take some Rescue Remedy with you, but really, I would just do a good walk before you leave.

[Chloe's_Mom]

I personally would not sedate the dogs for flying. Most airlines recommend against it because it is difficult to predict how the sedatives will affect dogs in that altitude. You could take some Rescue Remedy with you, but really, I would just do a good walk before you leave.

Actually, when I called the airlines they are the ones who suggested that I give her something to calm her. Just to make it clear, I did not sedate my dog. I gave her a calming pill. There is a slight difference there.

I was afraid to give Chloe the calming pill, so I tested it about a week before I was to travel. Everything was fine. I would strongly suggest that you look into this. Chloe is not a barker, but it just made her feel more comfortable. If your dog is used to flying on a 747 and the noise that is created with the taking off and landing, then maybe he will be fine. Otherwise he may not react too well.

My roommate decided to fly with her dachsie recently. She did not give him anything to calm him. Well, she got numerous compaints because he loves to bark and growl at others. Needless to say, she gave him the calming pill on the flight home.

Ultimately it is your decision, I would suggest looking into options on how to calm your dog. Here is the link to the stuff that I used: http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?R=3027&Nav=1&N=0&Ntt=calming+pills&sku=814954&familyID=9352& I hope the link thing worked!!
Also, I would reccommend testing it out before you travel. I will do it again when I fly.

[Irminsul]

Seeming that the calming essence in these pills is chamomile, I will agree that it's fine to give. Thanks for posting the link. :)

[wukas3]

We have flown with our 16 lb wire doxie before. I can't remember who makes our soft carrier, but it is the "official" carrier of many airlines (AA UA DELTA etc.) We bought this so that we would not get any flack. Most airlines only allow 2 dogs in the cabin period. Make sure when you book your ticket you book that you have 1 dog per ticket. They will not let you purchase your dog ticket in advance. You must purchase it at the gate when you show your vet certificate. You must visit the vet no more than 10 days before flying, for a certificate. (Basically plan on giving you Vet 75.00 for a piece of paper). Our vet has always sent sediatives but our doxie just totally fights it, so it isn't worth giving them to him. He does tend to cry a bit on the flights but to be honest with all the noise on the flight we are the only ones who can hear it. At layovers we often take him out of his carrier and let him stretch his legs, we have never been yelled at, and often the gate people love to visit with him. Good luck, just again make sure the airline has noted on your reservation that you are traveling with a dog. Oh even if the flight is somewhat empty the dog has to remain under the seat in front of you, and they can be jerks at the ticket counter, be prepared to take the dog out, and prove that he can turn around in the carrier, otherwise they will put him in cargo. Last time this happened (Orlando airport) the ticket agent said people were shoving oversized dogs into small carriers and they were cracking down on it. Have fun

[SuziQ]

We used the large sherpa bag. It was a smidge to tall but since it is a soft bag you can squish it a bit.

[longtimecouple1]

I appreciate all the opinions, as I have never flown with a dog before, I will definitely try that calming pill for both of them. Most airlines I have checked into say 3 or 4 per flight, so I will book them when I get our tickets. They should be fine then in the Soho bag from Sherpa, I think it's only an inch longer and maybe a 1/2 inch higher, but soft.I'm planning on taking a nonstop, it will be better for the dogs AND my husband, he hates take off, so the fewer take off's the better for him!
Irma, I'm planning to fly into Phoenix, but my ultimate goal is Tuscon. We're going next February for my uncle's 90th birthday, actually we'll be there a week or so before the actual birthday but we want to surprise him. He has no idea we are coming, but his companion will know ahead of time. She's not a companion in the way most people would think, she runs his household and his business, yes I said business. He's very spry, if it weren't for his eyesight giving out he'd probably run it himself. I haven't confirmed with her yet, I wanted to make sure this would all work, and it looks like it will. We will stay with my uncle for 2 or 3 days and then will drive to the Grand Canyon, and maybe the Petrified Forest, then back to Phoenix to fly home. It will be probably Feb 15-Feb 22nd.
Eileen

[longtimecouple1]

Pets on Planes April 12, 2007


Thinking about taking your dog on your next vacation, but feeling anxious about flying to your destination? Here are a few pointers that may make the journey easier on both of you:

• Pack well. Choose a travel crate that's well ventilated and the right size for your dog. She should be able to sit, stand, and move around comfortably. And give her a chance to get used to the crate before the flight; it may help reduce in-flight anxiety.
• Minimize travel time. Book the most direct flight possible. If nonstop simply isn't an option, avoid layovers in cities with extreme temperatures that could endanger your dog.
• Do your homework. Check with the airline ahead of time to get the current pet regulations, and ask your veterinarian for specific advice on traveling with your dog.