Questions About Flying With A Dog

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 6:07pm

I'm flying down south next week and taking the dog with me. I've never flown with a pet before and they try to make it the most frustrating experience possible.

I have a large Sherpa bag which says it's airline approved but the dimensions are just a tad bigger than what Delta says are ok. Since it's a soft bag will it be ok, since it can squish down a bit? Also, has anyone ever flown Delta with a dog? Do they let you take him out during the flight at all or does he need to stay under that seat the entire flight?

And since we're flying at 6am, I'm guessing maybe I shouldn't feed or give him any water after, what, 8pm?

Thanks, and any other advice is very welcome.

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 7:26pm

Holy bananas, it's $125 each way to take your pet in the cabin on Delta now. In the past, they were very strict about not allowing you to take your pet out of his carrier. (Chenoweth took her crying dog out of her carrier on a flight and the flight attendant gave her hell.) They may give you a hard time about the size, too. There is a doggie treat that Petsmart sells that has a calming ingredient that makes flights much more bearable. You can give him one before take off and he will probably sleep throughout the flight. Have you reserved the spot for your dog on the flight? They usually only allow one or two per flight.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 7:28pm

Yeah the fees are ridiculous considering it counts as one of your carryons. I did make a reservation for him so I (hopefully) won't have any problems there. I'll chcek those treats out definitely. I'm praying those combined with the 6am flight are enough that he'll just sleep most of the way.

[blaxx]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 7:57pm

I've dome it before. Most airlines require the pet to look in good health, so don't give your puppy any meds or something that could make him/her look drowsy or sick.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 9:07pm

Airlines require your dog remain in his carrier the entire flight. The cabin crew will give you a hard time about having the carrier anywhere other then under the seat.
I was able to take my carrying case into the toilet and let my little guy go on a wee wee pad during the long flight to AZ. Did get a really nasty look from a flight attendant on my way back to my seat however.

[AbbaRabbit]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 11:08pm

a friend of mine who dogs (and flys with them for out of state shows) and she recommended this stuff called "good dog". it's drops that you put in their water before the flight and it helps them stay calm. i dont know if it works better or the same or whatever as the treats JG2 mentioned tho.

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 11:21pm

This thread isn't as fanciful as I expected .....

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 11:57pm

If you register him as a therapy dog, most airlines will let him travel for free.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtnXWwzn368

Updated On: 7/18/10 at 11:57 PM

[Weez]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 6:05pm

First thought: don't do it. They don't have wings.

Second thought: I too am disappointed at how factual and helpful this thread is.

Third thought: SQUEE FALCOR! <3 <3 <3