Dog Crate Buying Guide for Air Travel – Find the Perfect Airline Approved Pet Carrier

Everything You Need to Know About Using Dog Crates on Airplanes

Travelling by air with your furry friend can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your pup. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover all the basics of using a dog crate on an airplane as well as some tips and tricks I’ve learned from my own experiences traveling with dogs.

Why Use a Dog Crate?

There are a few key reasons why airlines require dogs to be transported in a crate during a flight:

1. Safety – A crate provides a safe, confined space for your dog during take-off and landing when movement in the cabin is restricted. It prevents dogs from getting loose or blocking aisles.
2. Comfort – A crate gives your dog a quiet, familiar space of their own away from loud noises and strangers. Many dogs feel secure inside a crate and it can help reduce stress.
3. Health – Crates prevent dogs from eating or drinking things they shouldn’t on the plane. It also contains any accidents so messes are contained and easier to clean up.

So in summary, using a crate is actually beneficial for both your dog’s well-being and follows airline regulations – a win-win situation!

Choosing the Right Size Crate

When selecting a crate, you’ll want to get one that is big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, but not so large that they have excess room to move around during turbulence. Most airlines have size restrictions as well, so be sure to double check the maximum dimensions allowed.

Soft-sided crates are a good option as they are lightweight and easy to maneuver. I’d recommend going with an IMO-certified soft crate which meets airline safety standards. Hard plastic crates can work too, but be aware they are heavier to lift.

Training Your Dog to Love Their Crate

One of the most important steps is crate training your dog well in advance of your flight. Starting in a low-pressure environment at home, feed your dog meals inside the crate with the door open and closed for short periods. Give treats and praise anytime they go inside voluntarily. The goal is for them to think of the crate as a positive, safe space.

Once comfortable, practice short training sessions away from home – in the car, at parks, etc. Simulate airport noises like luggage carts if possible. The more calmly acclimated your dog is beforehand, the better they’ll handle travel day stress.

Pre-Flight Checks and Prep

Here are some final things to do before your big travel day:

1. Get all paperwork in order like vaccinations, health certificate if required, ID tags on collar.
2. Don’t feed your dog for a few hours before the flight to reduce anxiety and prevent vomiting.
3. Bring along items that smell familiar like a worn t-shirt for comfort.
4. Consider anxiety supplements or calming aids, but check they’re allowed by the airline first.

Also, restrain your excited dog with a leash during check-in to avoid any incidents. And I cannot stress enough to arrive early – like way earlier than you’d expect – to account for plenty of time at the airport.

During the Flight

Onboard, keep your dog crated under the seat in front of you if possible. The constant presence of their owner can reassure them. Conversely, cargo areas tend to be very noisy and out of human contact.

You can try to soothe your pup with treats or chew toys inside the crate, but don’t force interactions if they seem overwhelmed. Overall the calmer you act, the calmer they’ll likely remain. And rest assured that in the exceedingly rare event of an emergency, evacuation plans account for animals as well.

Post-Flight Tips

Once you land, give your dog time to decompress before getting hyper with affection. Carry them off the plane if needed. It may take a while for their stress levels to fully lower, so take it easy initially.

Watch for signs of exhaustion too. My dog typically passes out for hours after stressful trips! Consider convenient activities like dog parks for the next few days while they readjust.

And that about covers it! With diligent planning and training, flying with dogs in crates need not induce panic. Let me know if you have any other questions, and safe travels to you and your pup!

Dog Crate Options for Airline Travel

Size	Max Dog Weight	Fits Under Seat?	Recommended Airline
Small (24″L x 18″W x 19″H)	Up to 20 lbs	Yes	Delta, American, United
Medium (28″L x 20″W x 21″H)	Up to 40 lbs	Sometimes	Delta, American, United, Alaska, JetBlue
Large (30″L x 22″W x 23″H)	Up to 70 lbs	No, check as luggage	Delta, American, United, Alaska, JetBlue
Extra Large (36″L x 24″W x 27″H)	Over 70 lbs	No, check as luggage	Most major airlines
Collapsible	Varies	Yes	All airlines

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog’s crate on the airplane?

   Yeah basically you can bring your pup’s crate on the plane with you. Most airlines allow small to medium sized collapsible crates to be used as your pet’s carrier during travel. Just be sure to check your specific airline’s rules beforehand.

   

2. Do I need to check my dog’s crate at the airport?

   It depends. For some flights you can bring the crate onboard as your carry-on, but it’s gotta fit under the seat in front of you. Otherwise it’ll have to be checked with baggage. The rules can differ a lot by airline too, so it’s a good idea to verify their pet shipping policies before your trip.

3. What size crate is allowed on planes?

   Typically the maximum dimensions airlines will permit for carry-on crates are something like 19x13x9 inches. Nevertheless, it’s still safest to double check the restrictions with your carrier directly to avoid any issues at the airport. Perhaps try practicing opening and closing the crate in a confined space similar to under an airline seat beforehand.

4. How do I prepare my dog for crate travel?

   To help your pup feel at ease in their crate during the flight, you’ll want to get them accustomed to it before travel day. Try giving treats and toys in the crate, doing training sessions where they learn to calmly go inside on command. Also maybe try taking some Test flights around town to get them used to being in the crate in a moving vehicle. The more positive exposure beforehand, the better!

5. Should I sedate my dog for the flight?

   It’s debatable whether sedating dogs for flights is really necessary. While it may help reduce stress levels for some pups, others handle travel just fine without meds. Consult your vet for their professional opinion specific to your dog. They can consider factors like the dog’s personality type and health to make the best personalized recommendation. In the end, you have to do what feels right.

6. How can I make my dog more comfortable in the crate?

   To make the crate experience less scary for your pup, lining it with a soft blanket or toy might help them feel cozier. Also providing a plastic water bottle you can securely fasten inside and filling it with frozen water or peanut butter can keep them occupied during take-off and landing when ears may pop. You could maybe even try wiping the crate down with a worn t-shirt containing your scent before the big day. The familiar smell may comfort them when they’re missing you at their side.

   

7. What if my dog is scared of the crate?

   If your pooch seems downright terrified of crates, you may want to consider an alternative shipping method like sedating them and letting the airline personnel handle the crate. But is that fair to the dog? At the same time don’t lose hope – with proper counter-conditioning training using rewards, many dogs can learn to feel safe and secure inside even if they had a crate fear previously. It may take time but staying positive and letting them set the pace could do the trick.