Prepare For Airline Travel by Lois Jean

Let's Talk Pet Foods · **Joined:** Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:35 pm **Posts:** 995

PREPARE FOR AIRLINE TRAVEL

Written by: Lois Jean
2007-04-19

I travel with my small dog, a mini-poodle. He is about 11 pounds. Here are some thoughts:

Check with your airline. Some have requirements or even specific types of carriers that they will allow in the cabin or under the plane.

Buy your carrier when you know what size your dog is then, and plan to have it around for awhile to let your pup get used to it. I used a clicker and treats to get him to learn to go in and out on his own so that I did not have to create a scene at the airport when it was time to get on the plane.

I chose the Sherpa bag. It most resembles a piece of carry on luggage and attracts less interest from the other passengers. The fewer people who are aware that there is a dog on the plane, the better. Also, since it is soft sided, you can make physical contact with your pet to stroke him during the flight. This can be soothing in the strange environment. I make sure to keep my sneaker against his body during the flight.

Depending on the length of the flight, you will have to make a
decision about providing water in the carrier. I don't know what the security rules will be when you travel, but I have found that putting a few ice cubes in a cup does the trick. The pup can drink as the ice melts and it is less messy for you. If the flight is short enough, just have a small bottle of water and a small bowl handy. If the security rules have not changed, just take the bowl and plan time for a stop in the ladies room or at a water fountain in the airport to allow your pet to drink when you land.

Plan on an immediate potty stop when you let him out of the carrier. I don't take mine out until we are outside the terminal and near an appropriate location. I walk him around for a bit and then put him back in the carrier for safety on the ride from the airport.

Plan on additional time for pet care issues. There will be paperwork at the airport. There can be an inspection from a pro-pet group to make sure that you have provided for a humane trip for your pet. You will need vet papers from a visit. Your airline gets to set the rules about how long between the visit and the flight.

Plan to make your dog's reservation when you make yours. The airlines limit the number of animals in the cabin. In case of overbooking by the airline, you may be required to surrender your pet to ride under the plane. Plan to get there early. First come, first served. The problem comes when you have a connection and someone else traveling with a dog gets to the connecting flight before you. Sometimes it left to the discrecion of the flight attendant whether your dog will be allowed in the cabin. Depending on you relative locations for seating, your dog's behavior and if your attendant is a pet lover, you may or not get your pet in the cabin.

Mention that you are traveling with a pet each time that you speak with someone from the airline. Don't assume that they know you will have a pet. Confirm, confirm, confirm. And be extra courteous. The airlines mostly don't want to have pets on board, so they can be a bit sensitive to questions and requests. Be polite, even if you get news that disappoints you. If you are polite and reasonable, you can sometimes convince them to accommadate your requests. They are looking for quiet, orderly flights. The calmer and more
invisible you and your pet are, the happier the airline will be.

Do not put you pet in the carrier until you are at the gate. Do not put him thru the x-ray machine. Be prepared for every kid in the terminal to want to pet your dog. Teach your dog to sit while being pet and be VERY strict about allowing contact with strangers. Set the rules very clearly. If the kid is well behaved, I have my dog sit and wait. I show the kid how to wiggle his finger and I tell them that they can tickle him under the chin or on his side. If they won't agree to follow the rules, they can't touch. Watch to see if the parent has control of the kid before you make a decision. Protect your pet. The trip will have him on edge with all of the new exposure. Better to be safe than sorry.

Try to think ahead and prepare for delays and other emergencies. I usually try to check in with my luggage and then take the dog outside for a potty break. Sometimes, if the plane is delayed, I have to take him out again and that means waiting in the security line all over again. If you have a connection, you may need to allow time to go all the way out of the terminal and come back in so it may determine how long of a layover you need to book. It may sound obsessive, but it is only fair to your pet.

*Posted With permission of Author

Prepare For Airline Travel by Lois Jean

Prepare For Airline Travel by Lois Jean

Prepare For Airline Travel by Lois Jean

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