How to Fly with Your Dog Comfortably in an Airline Travel Crate

Everything You Need to Know About Airline Crates for Your Furry Friend

Whether you’re taking a family vacation or relocating to a new home, traveling with your dog by air can be a stressful experience for both you and your pet. Using an airline-approved crate is the safest way to transport your dog on a plane. In this article, I’ll discuss everything you need to consider when choosing and using an airline crate.

Choosing the Right Size Crate

The most important factor is getting a crate that fits your dog properly. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, but not so big that they have excess space to move around during takeoff and landing when you want them to be still. Most crates come with detailed size guidelines based on your dog’s weight.

From my experience traveling with dogs, I’d recommend erring on the side of getting a slightly larger crate if they’re on the edge of two sizes. It’s better for them to have a little extra room than be cramped. Another thing to check is that the door of the crate opens wide enough for your dog to easily get in and out.

Crate Material

Airline crates are typically made of plastic or soft-sided fabric. Plastic is sturdier but can be noisier for dogs that scratch or bite. Fabric is quieter but less durable if your dog is a strong chewer. Soft-sided crates can also be collapsed for compact storage.

I prefer fabric crates for most dogs since they’re less stressful. But if your pup is a Houdini, a reinforced plastic crate provides better containment. Either way, look for durable, airline-approved materials.

Additional Crate Accessories

Consider extra features like storage pockets, handles, and wheels that make the crate easier for you to transport. I also recommend buying a cozy bed, toys, and pee pads to help your dog feel secure inside their crate.

A crate divider is essential if your dog isn’t fully grown yet. It allows you to “grow” the crate size as they do. Be sure any accessories you add still allow the crate to meet size specifications for your airline.

Training Your Dog to Love Their Crate

The key is lots of positive reinforcement training before your trip. Feed all meals inside the empty crate with the door open and reward them for going inside themselves. Give treats and praise whenever they relax calmly inside. Carry out short training sessions multiple times per day.

Once they’re comfortable, work up to closing the door for short intervals with you right there, then gradually increase the time and distance you move away. On trip day, provide a favorite toy or chew to occupy them. A properly trained dog will see their crate as a safe, comfortable den.

Prepare Documentation

airlines have specific policies for transporting animals in cabins and cargo holds. Include all required paperwork like vaccination records, health certificates if traveling internationally, and your reservation number. Check your specific airline’s rules for size limits, travel embargoes, and fees.

Consider pet travel insurance in case of delays or lost luggage with your dog inside. Prepare identification on the outside of the crate in case it gets separated from you. Double check everything required by your airline well in advance of your travel dates.

Transporting and Flying with the Crate

Use caution transporting the crate in and out of vehicles on busy travel days. I’ve rolled my dog’s crate to the curb with him safely inside to avoid crowded sidewalks and parking lots as much as possible.

On the plane, keep your dog’s crate near your feet under the seat in front of you if flying cabin class. In the cargo hold, do your best to book direct flights with connections to limit time spent there. Consider a layover flight versus long distance nonstop if it cuts cargo time significantly.

Comfort your dog if their crate undergoes any handling during the journey. Having their crate, toys, and blankets from home will help your pup stay calm in unfamiliar environments.

Post-Flight Care

After a long trip, give your dog extra love and let them decompress in a safe, quiet spot at your destination. Walk and potty them immediately upon arrival. Transition back to regular meals, exercise, and stimulation over the next day.

Save the crate for positive-reinforcement training only going forward, not as a place of confinement, to avoid negative associations developing. With proper preparation and care, air travel can be achieved successfully with your furry companion.

Hope this guide has helped address everything you need to consider when flying with your dog and their airline crate! Let me know if you have any other questions. Safe travels to you and your pup.

Choosing the Right Airline Crate for Your Dog

Crate Type	Size	Pros	Cons
Soft-Sided	Small, Medium, Large	Lightweight, collapsible for storage	Less rigid, not as durable
Hard-Sided	X-Small, Small, Medium, Large	More sturdy, protects from injuries	Heavier, doesn’t collapse for storage
Expandable	Adjusts in size	Grows with your dog, versatile sizing	More expensive, complex assembly
Vented	Various	Improved airflow for comfort	Higher price point
Waterproof	Various	Protects from accidents	Heavier material, hotter for dogs

FAQ

1. What size airline crate do I need for my dog?

   The size of airline crate required depends on the size of your dog. Most airlines require the crate to be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in comfortably, but no more than. You can check the specific dimensions required on the airline’s website.

2. Is my dog allowed to travel in the cabin?

   Not all dogs are allowed in the cabin. The rules differ by airline. Small dogs that can fit in a carrier under the seat are generally okay, but bigger dogs usually need to travel in the cargo hold. You’ll need to check your specific airline’s rules for size and breed restrictions.

3. Is it safe for my dog to fly in cargo?

   While traveling in the cargo hold is definitely not as great as being in the cabin, modern airlines do take many precautions to help ensure dogs fly safely below. The cargo areas are temperature controlled and regularly checked on. However, there are Always risks to consider, like delayed or diverted flights. Some dogs also get nervous down there. You have to decide if the benefits outweigh the concerns.

   

4. What do I need to bring to the airport?

   To fly with your dog in cargo, the airline will require a vet health certificate, proof of vaccinations, the dog’s travel crate that meets size rules, and any medications the pup might need. You’ll also want to bring the pup’s favorite blanket or toy for comfort. Having extra pee pads or newspapers for potential accidents is a good idea too. Basically, come prepared with all paperwork and supplies organized.

5. How can I make my dog more comfortable during the flight?

   There are some things you can do to try and make flying in cargo as low-stress as possible for your pup. Practice getting them used to their crate before the big day. Bring a toy or blanket with your scent. Consider anti-anxiety medication prescribed from your vet if they struggle quite a bit. And try to schedule direct flights without long layovers whenever you can to minimize kennel time.

6. Are there any tips for making the travel day go smoother?

   Some pointers for bringing your doggo to the airport – arrive extra early due to security checks. Make sure all paperwork and ID tags are clearly labeled. Bring food/water in sealed containers through security. Practice crate training before to help them feel safe. And finally, keep your own nerves in check – dogs can sense if their humans are anxious! With some preparation it can go quite quickly at the airport.