Like Us
Follow @dogster
Google +1 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Contact Us
Answers Home » Travel & Recreation » Air Travel
♣ Al ♣

What happens to me on a flight?

If I go on a plane, I've heard I have to take a sleeping pill and travel in a crate with the luggage the whole time. Is that true? I've also heard of dogs that say they have ran aroudn the plane, and never got in trouble or anything. Which one is true? I'm just wondering, Mom really wants to bring me on a trip but doesn't know if she should or not, she doesn't want me down there without her!


Asked by ♣ Al ♣ on Nov 6th 2007 Tagged plane, flying, vacation in Air Travel
 Report this question Get this question's RSS feed Send this question to a friend


Status

  • This question is closed.

Answers

Pacey

Hi Al! I recently went on a plane trip from Alberta to Ontario! I did really well...heres what happened to me when i went:

-First we went to the vet to check about those pesky "sedation" pills you heard about. Our vet recommended no sedation would be better for me because of my short snout it may have made it hard for me to regulate my breathing. If my mom really wanted to give me something to keep me calm she could give me a "chewable stress tab" sometimes called a "quiet times" that you can buy at local pet stores, but otherwise nothing is necessary.

-Second was finding the right aircraft approved crate. some airlines have strict rules on this. I dont think they allow pets to fly as carry ons anymore (usually up to a certain weight) check with your airline.
As for running around in cargo pits I dont think this ever happens...there are strict vaccination rules and staying in crates are much safer as theres turbulance and take offs to deal with.

CONT...


Pacey answered on 11/6/07. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Abby

It used to be that you could fly small dogs as "carry on" luggage in the passenger compartment. I believe they had to be in specific sized crates so that the crate could fit underneath the seat.

Most airlines no longer allow this and require dogs to fly in cargo.

Airlines do have pretty strict requirements when it comes to the crates. Most will let you use only certain brands and sizes of plastic travel / shipping crates. Soft-sided or wire-crates are a no-no on any airline as far as I'm aware.

Dogs must be checked in and are taken to the cargo hold separate of their owners. They are placed in cargo by cargo handlers and unloaded by cargo handlers at the destination. During the trip, the crate remains securely closed so the dog is safe and cannot get loose. Cargo handlers do not walk dogs, feed dogs, or water dogs.

Border Collie rescue has a website about flying with / shipping a dog that has a lot of good information. Online here - www.bcrescue.org


Abby answered on 11/6/07. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 2 Report this answer


JaiJai

I'm pretty sure there are some airlines that allow small pets as carryons. There is a weight limit though, but Al looks like a yorkie so he should be fine. You should call several airlines and ask around before you book your flight. If you are traveling international, there are policies that different countries have on pets entering. Some even quarantine your pet for up to a week after you arrive and require a full checkup signed off by a vet stating your dog is disease free. If you do decide to bring Al and your airline insists that he be placed in Cargo, be sure to leave a sock or small blankie with your scent in the crate so Al feels a bit more comfy. You should get him used to the crate as well, atleast a week before you fly. Honestly, if he isnt allowed to travel as a carryon onboard with you where you can see him/he can see you, i really don't suggest you bringing him at all because although you might find flying a breeze, he most likely will find the experience traumatizing.


JaiJai answered on 11/7/07. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


More Questions in This Category