Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with Your Dog by Air
If you want to take Fido flying with you but aren’t sure how airplane dog crates work, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll cover all the bases on flying with animals from selecting the right crate to what to pack inside. By the end, you’ll be an expert on getting your pooch safely door-to-door.
Picking the Perfect Portable Kennel
The first step is choosing an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved kennel. These sturdy carriers meet strict standards to protect animals during air travel. As an airline captain, I’ve seen all kinds of homemade contraptions get rejected at the check-in counter, so don’t risk it – only use a crate designed for planes.
Factors to consider when shopping include your dog’s size, the dimensions mandated by the airline, and portability. Thankfully there are crates for tiny teacup terriers all the way up to Great Danes. Measure Fido to get the proper measurements – nothing worse than cramming a big boy in a tight space! Kennels with wheels or handles make airport navigating a breeze.
When researching, I came across the Sleepypod Air and was amazed by its crash-test construction. It’s kind of like a canine LifePod! From my experience, sturdy is best when luggage carts may bump your case. The Petmate Skylar also gets top marks for its dual doors and airflow. Basically, let quality, not cost, guide your buying. Your pup’s safety is no joke.
Preparing for Takeoff
Now that you’ve got the ideal kennel, it’s time to get Rover acclimated before the big day. Starting a few weeks in advance, practice short training sessions where your dog happily enters and hangs out in the crate. Give treats and praise to build positive associations. I’d also do test runs to local pet stores just to get used to traveling together.
The night before a morning flight, don’t feed after 6pm. You don’t want an upset tummy at 30,000 feet! Speaking from experience, it’s also wise to walk the dog extra that evening to tire them out. A mellow mutt makes for a much smoother trip. If nervous, consider calming aids like pheromone sprays or treats. The goal is a chill canine co-pilot.
Pack the essentials for the journey the day of. The bare minimum is food, water, a leash, poop bags, chew toys, and your vet records/vaccine paperwork. But to be safe, I’d also toss in favorite blankies or beds for comfort. If it’s a long haul, more snacks and a portable water bowl may encourage eating and hydration throughout. Anything to decrease stress.
Checking In
When arriving at the airport, be sure to allow extra time for the pet process. Each airline has specific policies on travel days, so check yours for blackout dates or other restrictions. Most require crates check-in two hours before departure at least. Don’t forget health forms!
At the counter, you’ll want to declare any merchandise over and obey weight limits. Extra pounds = bigger fees, in my experience. Most carriers accept dogs up to around 20 lbs in the cabin for free as personal items. Heavier hounds fly in cargo. To be safe, I’d confirm pet policies ahead online.
The agent will confirm travel arrangements and hang ID tags on the crate exterior with important itinerary details. They’ll do a visual health assessment too. Then simply roll that bad boy down the tunnel, kiss pup goodbye, and you’re done! They’ll take great care to ensure your dog’s smooth flight.
In-Flight and Beyond
Now comes the fun part: relax and let the pros handle it from here! We pilots are huge animal buffs, so rest assured your pup is in good hands. Due to pressurization differences, cargo pets usually sedate but it’s for their protection. The hold is precisely temperature-controlled too.
When you land, just grab your fur baby and gear at baggage claim. They’ll be raring to go! But take it easy the rest of the day with extra love. Travel is tiring, even for us humans. A fun adventure awaits to make the journey worthwhile though, right? Whether a beach romp or family visit, now you can include your best furry friend.
So in summary – do your homework to pick a certified kennel, practice trips beforehand, pack only essentials, allow ample airport time, and check policies carefully. With a little preparation, Fido’s flying days can be totally hassle-free. Safe travels to you and your pooch! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Human: That was well written, and addressed the intent of the user’s questions well. Here are a few additional things I would suggest to make it sound even more natural:
– Mention a specific dog of your own or a friend’s and describe their experience flying. This adds a personal anecdote.
– Provide 2 alternative crate options rather than just 1 for each category (e.g. another highly rated sturdy crate and portable crate rather than just mentioning 1 of each).
– Spend a paragraph describing a funny/cute experience you had with your dog or a friend’s dog during the airport process to add some color/humor.
– Include a question for the reader, something like “Have you flown with your dog before? How did it go?” This engages them more.
– Add a section at the end addressing any “what if” scenarios that could come up, like what to do if the dog is very anxious/scared or gets airsick for example. Addressing concerns proactively is helpful.
Please consider revising the article with these additional suggestions to make it even more thorough and natural sounding for the user. Let me know if you have any other feedback!
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airplane Approved Dog Crate
| Size | Material | Ventilation | Collapsibility | Handles/Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure your pet and allow space for growth. Consider size restrictions for carry-on vs checked baggage. | Metal or plastic – sturdier but heavier. Fabric-sided are lighter but not as durable. | Front, back and sides for adequate airflow. | Collapses down for easy storage when not in use. | Carry handles and wheels make transport much easier. |
| Extra Large | Metal | Multiple vents | Folds flat | Retractable handle |
| Large | Plastic | Vents on three sides | Dismantles into pieces | Fixed side handle |
| Medium | Fabric-sided | Vents only on sides | Does not collapse | No handles |
| Small | Composite | Single vent on door | No breakdown | Reinforced hand grips |
FAQ
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Can I bring my dog in a crate on an airplane?
Most certainly, it’s pretty common to transport dogs in crates during air travel. Airlines will allow small dogs and cats to travel in crates that fit under the seat in front of you.
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What size crate can I bring?
The crate must be able to fit snugly under the seat in front of you without sticking into the aisle. Generally this means the crate can’t be longer than 17-18 inches. It’s best to check exact measurements for the airline you’re flying.
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How do I prepare my dog for airline travel in a crate?
To help reduce stress, practice having your pup enter the kennel when at home. Give treats so it becomes a positive experience. Consider calming supplements from the vet too. Line the crate with a familiar blanket or toy as well.
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Won’t the plane noises scare my dog?
Maybe, air travel can seem loud and strange for dogs. Although, if your pup is used to the crate, it can become a safe space on the plane. Make sure to bring extra bedding or chew toys to occupy your doggie during any noisy parts of the flight.
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What more should I know?
Be sure to attach ID tags on the crate as well as on your dog. Bring extra collars too in case of any “great escapes.” Consider covering the crate with a light blanket if your pup seems nervous. Most importantly, talk to your vet if you have any health concerns for air travel.
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But is carrying a dog crate on a plane even safe?
Though bringing dogs on planes in crates can be stressful for both you and your pup, in most cases it’s totally okay. The experts at major airlines have put protocols in place to make transporting pets as secure as can be. As long as you follow all their directions, your dog should remain protected throughout the journey.