Flying with animals? have you?
 

I need to go back to Indiana tro take care of some biz and thought it would be a good time to pick up Buddy, but it appears Southwest (which I usually fly on) does not allow animals in the cabin or cargo (which I was trying to avoid).

I don't really want to drive back there again so soon, so I was wondering, have you flown with your animals, and if so, with what airlines?

Thank you in advance

American Airlines allows it on most flights in the cargo area.

My Rottweilers flew from Costa Rica to Canada and back again on Continental Airlines. They're among the best for pet travel. The dogs are loaded on the plane at the last moment, and not with cargo. They're also removed from the plane first. Their major hubs (Houston for sure) has a Vet on staff and everything. I was happy with the service even if my dogs didn't particularily love the 12+ hours travel.

I was on a Continental flight and a girl two rows in front of me had her dog in one of those vented leather bags with her. She just put him by her feet in the bag. Flight was about 4-5 hrs. Well behaved dog. A puppy might be a different story but your vet can give him a mild tranqualizer so he sleeps.

here is Continental's info on travelling with pets http://www.continental.com/web/en-US...0E0FBAAD54B4C8

I always fly with my dog. She is little so she goes under the seat. I fly Jet Blue. It is usually about $80 each way.

I am trying to get non-stop (LAX to Chicago-Midway) - so Continental isn't an option I guess . . . will investigate American and United.

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.

Absolutely correct. Most airlines have a policy of rejecting animals that are sedated and most American/Canadian vets would not give you a sedative for a traveling pet.

So true! I never give my dog one! I find most pets just sleep the whole way. I took her from Toronto to LA and that is all she did!

Hey Baddog,
There is some good advice on this thread, but here are three more things:

1. We do well when we get a pet confirmation for the flight as well. Even flights that allow pets can sometime refuse the pet for too many pets in the cabin. If your pet has the confirmation, your pet will be accepted.

2. You must have a health certificate dated within 14 days of travel, which usually means close to departure if it's round trip.

And lastly,

3. Check the size requirement of the crate for the actual plane booked, as every plane has it's own restrictions. The reservation team can help you if you ask direct questions.

This information is compliments of Mary who travels with her dog all the time :)

nope ive never flown with animals.

Well, according to AA's website: American does not require a health certificate for the acceptance of pets for travel in the cabin or as checked baggage within the 50 United States. However, we encourage you to contact your family veterinarian or state authorities directly for individual state requirements to avoid any possible inconvenience at your final destination.

Of course, my mom just called and told me she read the same thing yesterday.

i licked a toad once and got high, does that count?

I fly with my Beagle all the time. There are some things that need to be looked after in order to make it possible. The first thing is to make sure your crate is large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in. They will make you buy another on if it is not ok. The other thing is book in advance. They only allow 3-4 animals per flight sometimes and if you have not made special baggage arrangements you may be out of luck. And the only other thing I do is make sure she has her blanket and a toy to feel at home and I also give her a quarter of a gravol to help her stomach. Water dish is important as well on longer flights. Have water and treat ready at the end of the flight. It is sad when they take the dog away, but it is awsome how happy they are at the other end.

Good luck on your flight.

I never brought a pet with me on my flights. Flying at a high altitude might be very stressful for them.

if you can keep it in the cabin thats cool but in cargo pets have died.