I’m considering flying with my 8 month old pup this October. I’ve never flown with a dog and come to think of it I’ve never seen or heard a dog on any flights that I can recall.
I’ve got to find a carrier that fits the AirTran size of 8.5 high x 12 wide x 17 Long.
It’s a one way flight with a connection in Milwaukee, WI. That layover is 3.5 hours. I’m wondering if they’ll let me take the pup out through security to find a patch of grass 
Any tips? What if she starts whining or barking?
I traveled with my Mom’s Cairn Terrier in the cabin from Pennsylvania to San Francisco. He barely fit into the soft crate, but he was fine. We had a short layover. This was about 10 years ago.
I don’t see why they wouldn’t let you out through security during your layover. You just have to go back through security on your way back in. Again, my experience was 10 years ago, so you may want to check with the air carrier.
I’m not sure they allow soft carriers any more, but I’m sure that there are carriers specifically made to fit under the seats, and I imagine most commercial animal carriers have a size made for that purpose. You can go in and out of security, but each time you will have to show id, boarding pass and/or ticket, and the whole routine. I think many airports have a doggie rest area, and it should be indicated on the terminal map.
http://www.ifly.com/general-mitchell-international-airport Here’s the website for the airport in Milwaukee you’ll be using.
Actually here is the actual airport website: http://www.mitchellairport.com/terminal.html and you’ll be in concourse C.
You will need to remove your dog from the carrier to go through security.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm -and no I’m not kidding about that.
I’m glad they allow soft sided carriers from what others on here say, and I’m sure that’s easier than the hard ones (I always found those to be a pain). And definitely make the reservations asap, or you might not get to take the flight you want.
I fly with my Shiba Inu quite a bit and I haven’t found it to be a big deal. She usually sleeps the whole time.
I would definitely advise that you get a soft sided carrier though. They are a little more forgiving and more comfortable for the dog.
I’ve never had a problem with my dog barking or whining, so I’m not really sure what you could do in that case. I’d just make sure that the dog is used to the carrier before you try to fly.
Also, make sure you let the airline know in advance that you intend to have the dog in the cabin. Most airlines have a limit on the number of pets allowed in the cabin, so you want to make sure that you “book” your pet well in advance.
Flying with the pooch should not be a problem. Make sure the carrier that fits the under seat dimensions is adequate space for your dog. Gate agents are supposed to check that. Airlines have been fined for dogs being transported in too small carriers (and you cannot put the pup in the overhead bin :lol:!), so make sure he has enough space. I know published guidelines exist somewhere but I’m not exactly sure where they are. If you have to change planes someone should be able to point you in the direction of the doggie rest area (service dogs need them, so there should be one somewhere). Lastly, do NOT take your dog out of it’s carrier once you are on the plane for any reason. If a flight attendant sees this they will yell at you. It is a regulation the dog must stay in the carrier, and it is for safety reasons. Kind of like a horse, no matter how sweet tempered and stable an animal usually is, you never know how they may act in an unfamiliar environment. If another passenger were to be bitten, for example, it would be bad all around!
There may also be a fee for a pet in the cabin. From what I remember, $50 rings a bell. Check AirTran’s website and if still in doubt, call them.
I flew to North Carolina just over a year ago to pick up an 8 week old GSD puppy I found up there. I was very specific about the bloodlines and searched for months before I found the one. The breeder actually met me at the airport with the puppy and her mother and another of her dogs in her van so I could see them. I bought a soft sided carrier, approved for air transport and ok for under the seat. We had to wait for a couple of hours for the take-off that afternoon, but she was very good. I had a little bowl for water and some treats. In the aircraft I did open the top and let her look out for awhile. She never made a sound, just watched everyone in a very curious way and then fell asleep until we got home. I was a wreck, so worried about it all, but it was fine. Now I look at her at 80+ lbs and marvel that she fit in that little carrier! Much over 8 weeks would not have worked. You do need to make rezzies in advance and make sure they will accept the dog under the seat on that flight and then confirm closer to the time. Good luck!
PennyG
My grandma flies with her cat when she goes to stay in Arizona for the winter, and my husband’s parents fly with their dog in the cabin quite often.
He uses a soft-sided carrier, and he just goes to sleep (he’s that type of dog, haha).
There is definitely a fee for the pet to be in the cabin. I’m pretty sure my in-laws pay something like $250 each way for their pup, so check that out in advance. There is a limit to 2 animals per plane, I believe. Those figures may vary from airline to airline, but it is expensive these days to fly with a pet.
I would spend a lot of time getting him used to the carrier beforehand with lots of treats and happy experiences.
The petflight site has some good info. I didn’t see Milwaukee in their list of potty places though:
Our “Potcake” pup flew home with us to D.C. from Turks and Caicos. The adoption agency provided us with a soft carrier, potty pads and a small toy. We had zero issues. She slept the entire flight under the seat in front of us. We had a layover in Miami and were far away from their “potty patch” (they do have them!). So we tried to get her to potty on the pads in the bathroom, but no go. She didn’t go at ALL until we got home. (like an 8 hour day!!) Anyway, we flew American and they allowed the soft carrier. It was a delightful experience!
I fly with a small JRT with some regularity and he just sleeps. Does your dog travel in the car with you regularly? Especiially long hauls? If they sleep in the car they usually sleep on the plane. You could also get a little doggie ace from your vet to bliss him out a bit if you wish.
AirTran takes up to six pets in a cabin per flight, and do not ship them in cargo. The charge (at least today) is $69 one way.
I am flying with them next month, and I was looking at their info and ran across this.
A friend flew from LV, NV to Milwaukee with one layover someplace - 7+hours in airports. Since Ms Yorkie wasn’t well housebroken under the best of circumstances, they went for the doggy diapers and pads in the crate.
We fly with show dogs in cabin a lot. Have never used AirTran but have heard they are fairly liberal with numbers allowed in cabin and a low fee-like $75 each way. Make your reservation for the dog in advance. Have a health certificate that’s current (easy to get from your vet). Most airlines don’t ask, but better to have one than not.
Potty areas are common at most airports now.
Sherpa makes airline approved carriers. The medium size is pretty versatile and should fit under the seat. They’re available on Amazon, or at Petco/Petsmart. I turn it lengthwise with the opening toward me. Request a window seat or an aisle. I do unzip the top a bit to allow extra air, but never take the dog out. No food in flight, maybe a piece of ice or small sips of water if it’s warm.
If it is a breed that tends to get warm easily (I have French Bulldogs) take a cool coat or a small spray bottle and a portable fan. Once you’re airborne it’s OK but sitting on the ground can get warm
Take your dog for some car trips in the Sherpa to fun places so they become accustomed to staying inside of it when it’s closed up.
Have a great trip!
Like Debsinsb said, make sure you ave your heath certificate! Some of the Cust Service reps will tell you they don’t require one, but the guys at gate security can ask to see it, and who knows how many other airport security guys! So just because the airline specifically doesn’t require one the airport may still.
Domestic health certificates are pretty cheap and easy to obtain from your vet, and it’s well worth the peace of mind. Can you imagine the panic and stress if you showed up 2 hours before your flight to find out Poochie can’t go through security!!
Katherine
Vet Tech
P.S. debsinsb… can you just send us a puppy and we’ll send it back when we need to exchange it for a smaller one?? Cuz when it’s a bad day at the clinic nothing brightens the mood quite like a Frenchie puppy! lol
Pet Airways is another option. We looked into it when we were buying a 1 year old retriever puppy in Chicago. Eventually, we found her a ride in a van with some dog show people, but Pet Airways looked like a good choice.
talk to the airlines.
Generally the number of pets in the cabin is limited, so book/call early.
The carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you. generally speaking they do want to have the pet some elbow rooms…so make SURE you got that covered!!!
As of last year soft carriers were ok, but again, it can possibly depend on your carrier.
I have talked to people who picked a small breed dog just to make sure they could carry it in the cabin with them.
Hopefully the dog can hold it’s faculties for a few hours, in this day and age don’t expect security to be accomodating (nor to find a patch of grass…
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