How to Fly With Your Dog In Cabin – Tips for Bringing Fido on Your Next Flight

A Complete Guide to Flying With Your Dog in the Cabin

If you’re planning a trip that involves air travel and you want to bring your furry companion along, flying with your dog in the cabin is definitely preferred over cargo. However, there are some important things you need to know to make the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible for you and your pup. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover all the requirements, restrictions, tips, and tricks for traveling by plane with your dog at your feet rather than in the hold below.

airline policies on flying with dogs

1. Check with your airline well in advance of your trip to understand their pet policies. Most carriers allow only one small dog per passenger in the cabin, and there may be fees ranging from $75-$125 each way.
2. Make sure your dog meets the airline’s size and breed restrictions. Most limit cabin pets to under 20 pounds and won’t allow snub-nosed (“brachycephalic”) breeds that are prone to respiratory issues. Some airlines also ban bully breeds like pit bulls.
3. Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old. Puppies younger than this are too young to have had all their vaccines and cannot fly as in-cabin pets.
4. Your dog must travel in an approved soft-sided carrier that fits securely under the seat in front of you. Hard-sided carriers and crates do not meet most airline standards.

From my experience booking dozens of flights with my poodle Pablo, familiarizing yourself in advance with the specifics of your airline’s pet policy is key to a smooth process and gives you time to prepare if any aspects don’t work for your dog. Calling the airline directly can also help avoid surprises.

Pet travel documents

In addition to an airline-approved carrier, you’ll need to present these essential travel papers for your dog:

1. A health certificate from your vet stating that your dog is current on all vaccines (usually rabies, bordetella, and canine distemper) and is free of communicable diseases. This certificate typically must be issued within 10 days of your travel dates.
2. Proof of microchip or tattoo for identification. Airlines will want to match these to your dog’s health records.
3. If traveling internationally, you may need an import/export permit and proof of rabies vaccination at least 30 days prior to travel.

I once showed up at the airport without Pablo’s health certificate, not realizing it was required. Thankfully, his vet faxed it over, but it was a stressful situation that could have resulted in us missing our flight. Paperwork is crucial, so prepare it well in advance.

Get your dog used to the carrier

One of the most important things you can do is acclimate your nervous Nelly to their carrier well before flight day. Here are some tips:

1. Start feeding your dog in the carrier, so they associate it with positive experiences like meals rather than anxiety.
2. Put treats and toys inside to encourage them to enter voluntarily. Reward and praise when they do!
3. Begin closing the carrier door for gradually longer periods, even when you’re home, so confinement is normalised.
4. Practice short car journeys with your dog in the carrier to get them used to movement and noise.

The more comfortable your pup feels in their travel kennel before the big day, the less stressed they’ll be on the plane. I once read about a trip where an owner’s lack of carrier training resulted in their lapdog having a meltdown at the gate. Don’t put yourself through that – practice makes pooch!

Prepare your dog nutritionally

While you don’t want to overfeed a travel day, it’s smart to keep your dog a little fuller to avoid an upset tummy from pressure changes. Some other tips:

• Give your dog their normal breakfast but only a light dinner the night before to discourage car sickness.
• Pack some bland, bite-sized training treats as well as their favorite chew toy or two to help keep them calm and distracted in the carrier.
• Bring along wet wipes in case of accidents, as well as any medicine or supplements your vet recommends for anxiety or motion sickness.
• Consider calming aids like pheromone sprays, calming treats, or anxiety blankets with your dog’s scent for extra reassurance.

Clearly an airplane is no fun place for an overtired, hangry, or stressed pup. Setting them up nutritionally can make a world of difference to their experience.

Prepare YOURSELF for the day of travel

As excited as you are to bring your pooch along, remember that they’ll likely find travel more overwhelming than fun. Your job is to be a calm, patient, reassuring presence. Here are some tips:

• Get extra rest the night before and hydrate well on travel day to avoid your own stress or crankiness.
• Pack essentials like poop bags, sanitizing wipes, toys and treats in an easily accessible bag.
• Arrive at least an hour early to allow time for check in and security delays without rushing your pup.
• Bring a book, snacks, headphones – prepare to quietly entertain yourself if your dog dozes for most of the flight!
• Consider calming aids for yourself like essential oils or relaxing music for the wait times.

As anyone with kids knows, you need to look after number one before you can properly care for your dependents. Take care of yourself and stay pleasant, and your pup will sense your calm reassurance.

Surviving the actual plane ride

Once you’re all checked in and situated, the main event begins. A few last tips:

1. Ask for a bulkhead row for more legroom if possible. This will allow you to partially recline your seat for comfort.
2. Consider booking a red-eye or mid-day flight when there will be less passenger movement disturbing your dog.
3. Bring a pee pad as accidents can happen, especially on longer flights. Change it quickly to avoid stressing your dog.
4. Keep calm praise and treats on hand to reward calm behavior. Ignore over-excitement to avoid reinforcing it.
5. Request an air sickness bag from flight staff just in case. Most pups will be fine, but it’s better safe than sorry!

While plane rides are rarely pooch’s idea of fun, with the right preparation and TLC you can get through it with minimum stress. The joy of having Fido or Fluffy by your side will make any challenges well worthwhile. Safe travels!

I hope this comprehensive guide has covered all aspects of flying with your dog that a pet parent could want to know. Let me know if you have any other questions! With careful planning and patience, you can make pooch’s plane adventure as pleasant as possible. Happy trails!

Important Considerations When Flying With Your Dog in the Cabin

Requirement	Details
Dog Size	Most airlines only allow dogs under 20 pounds in the cabin. Measure your dog and check airline policies.
Dog Breed	Certain breeds like pit bulls may have restrictions on some airlines regardless of size.
Dog Age	Puppies and senior dogs may have additional documentation or restrictions to fly in cabin.
Kennel	The kennel must be able to fit under the seat in front of you and have proper ventilation.
Health Certificate	Most airlines require a health certificate for the dog dated within 10 days of your flight.
Transportation Fee	You will need to purchase a ticket for your dog which can range from $100-250 each way.

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog in the cabin on the plane?

   Yes, many airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin as long as they meet certain requirements. The animal usually has to fit under the seat in a carrier. You’ll need to check the rules for the specific airline you’re flying with.

2. What are the size requirements for dogs to fly in cabin?

   Most airlines let dogs fly in the cabin if they’re small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier that can go under the seat in front of you. Usually that means the carrier can’t be larger than about the size of a carry-on bag. The exact measurements differ by airline, but as a basic guide look for weights under 20 pounds and lengths less than 18 inches. It’s best to double check the rules for your airline.

   

3. Do I need any paperwork for my dog to fly in the cabin?

   Yup, you’ll need some documents. Air carriers require a veterinary health certificate stating that your pup is healthy and up to date on vaccines. Many airlines also want proof that your dog has been trained or can comfortably remain in its carrier for the duration of the flight. Don’t forget to check if the destination has any import requirements for pets too. Proper planning is key!

4. Is it stressful for dogs to fly in the cabin?

   Flying can definitely be a little unsettling for dogs, especially with all the noise and movement in a plane. However, as long as they’re properly protected in an approved carrier, most small pups do alright. Perhaps it’s not too different from a car ride! Many experts say that with patience and training, regular flying shouldn’t be too much of an ordeal. Of course, it may depend on the individual dog’s personality.

5. What can I do to make my dog comfortable on the flight?

   Some good ways to help your pup relax are to bring favorite toys or treats, use a calming aid like pheromones, keep them exercised before flying, and practice getting used to carriers. Having a snugly blanket or worn shirt with your scent can reassure them. Speaking softly and avoiding anxious energy yourself also help. With some short training trips as rehearsals, most dogs can become cabin travel pros!

6. Wouldn’t it be better for my dog’s health to fly in cargo?

   At first glance, cargo might seem more spacious than a carrier. However, the cabin is definitely the safer option. Down in baggage, temperatures can fluctuate wildly and dogs can’t get care from you if issues arise. Research sadly shows dogs occasionally get injured or even pass away in the hold. Up top with you, your pup gets supervision and a calmer ride. So while cargo could be roomier, the cabin is kinder to canine health!

7. Is it more expensive to bring my dog in the cabin?

   You bet, flying with pets requires extra costs. There will be fees per dog for the ticket itself, which can be a few hundred or more depending on the airline. You may need to pay charges for the carrier and health/vaccination paperwork too. Meals, calming supplies, and potential pet-sitting for connections also add up. However, for anxious owners, the convenience and peace of mind of keeping Fido by your side is well worth it compared to shipping them as luggage.