How to Travel with Your Dog by Plane: Tips for Flying with Your Canine Companion

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Best Friend

If you’re like most dog owners, the thought of being separated from your furry companion is unbearable. Luckily, many airlines now allow dogs in the cabin as long as certain requirements are met. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to make your canine’s plane ride as stress-free as possible.

Step 1: Check Your Airline’s Pet Policy

1. Policies vary considerably between airlines, so start by checking the rules for your specific carrier. Some only accept small dogs under 20 pounds in-cabin, while others have no weight limit.
2. Most require pets to stay in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Carriers should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably.
3. Confirm any required paperwork like health certificates or proof of vaccinations. Some airlines also limit the total number of pets per flight.

From my experience booking pet-friendly flights, it’s critical to understand each airline’s unique rules before you start making travel plans. Don’t assume your usual carrier will accommodate Fido – do your homework!

Step 2: Train Your Dog To Be Calm in Their Carrier

Getting your dog accustomed to their carrier well before flying is crucial. Start by:

1. Feeding them treats and meals inside it to develop positive associations.
2. Leaving the carrier out with an old shirt inside so they get used to its smell.
3. Practicing short training sessions where they calmly enter and wait for a reward.

The goal is for your pup to see their carrier as a safe, comfortable den rather than a punishment. Slow, reward-based training makes all the difference in managing flight anxiety.

Step 3: Prepare Your Dog for Takeoff and Landing

Even well-trained dogs can find the loud noises and pressure changes disorienting. Help them cope by:

• Giving anxiety-reducing supplements 1-2 hours before flights if recommended by your vet.
• Playing calming music or white noise videos during ascent/descent to mask engine sounds.
• Soothingly petting and talking to them through takeoff/landing.
• Having plenty of calorie-appropriate treats or toys to keep them occupied and distracted.

Being a reassuring presence is key. My dog is always much less stressed when I calmly praise and reward him instead of mirroring his own nervous energy.

Step 4: Prepare Yourself

Flying with pets requires extra hassle and responsibility compared to traveling solo. Make sure to:

1. Pack any critical medications, favorite toys or blankets, waste bags, and extra water/food in your carry-on.
2. Alert flight crew politely if your pup seems anxious so they know what to expect.
3. Confirm your reservation and documents with the airline within 24 hours of departure to avoid surprises.
4. Bring headphones or earplugs in case neighboring passengers are less animal-loving.

Organization and preparation are half the battle. Basically, the more you can eliminate unknown variables, like running out of treats mid-flight, the less stressed you and your dog will feel.

Step 5: Be a Considerate Cabin Companion

Just as we aim to be polite passengers, we must also conscientiously manage our pets on flights.

1. Keep your dog quiet, clean, and out of other people’s space as much as possible.
2. Quickly clean any messes with disinfectant wipes – the crew has limited supplies.
3. Provide space for boarding/exiting passengers even if it means smooshing together tight.
4. Be amenable to relocating if others complain of allergies or your pup’s behavior.

Kinda like kids, pets need extra care in confined settings. Your fellow travelers will seriously appreciate folks who take courtesy seriously.

Managing In-Flight Emergencies

Despite best efforts, unexpected mishaps may arise thousands of feet in the air. A few tricks that have helped me in a pinch:

– If your dog starts barking or seems dangerously anxious, talk calmly and offer high-value treats through the carrier door.

– Should they have an accident, quickly blot up liquids with absorbent pads or tissues before it seeps everywhere. Discreetly dispose of soiled surfaces as soon as turbulence subsides.

– Check that your carrier is securely latched before being served food or drinks. I totally had a close call once when my clumsy self almost spilled tea ALL over my dog! Yikes!

– While loose animals on planes are obviously a no-no, brief lap cuddles or tummy rubs behind the barrier can work wonders for calming stressed pups mid-flight.

With some optimism and flexibility, plus an understanding crew, you can totally weather the occasional storm at 30,000 feet.

Arriving at Your Destination

Success! After the big adventure, your buddy may feel pooped or unsettled. Some final tips:

1. Walk them as soon as possible upon landing to potty and release pent-up energy.
2. Keep interactions positive and quiet afterwards instead of wild playtime.
3. Watch for signs of stress like poor appetite, accidents, or unusual behaviors in the following days that could require vet attention.
4. Always have backup plans for ground transportation or lodging if flights get delayed or rescheduled last minute. Pets can’t afford missed connections!

With care, consistency and patience, you and your best friend should be back to normal vacation routines in no time. Safe travels!

In summary, flying with dogs is certainly possible but does require extra planning, training, and responsibility compared to traveling pet-free. By diligently following airline rules, preparing your pup emotionally and physically, and maintaining considerate etiquette in the air, most dog owners find it a rewarding experience. With the right precautions, your fluffy copilot can absolutely join you on life’s adventures.

Requirements and Tips for Flying with Your Dog

Requirement	Details
Proper health documentation	Vet health certificate no more than 10 days old. Rabies vaccination details.
Crate size	Must fit under seat in front of you or in cargo hold.
Crate behavior proofing	Dogs should practice remaining calm inside crate before flying.
Direct supervision	You must watch over your dog during boarding, flight, and disembarking.
Fees	Carriers charge pet fees that vary based on size. May be non-refundable.
Restrictions	Certain breeds banned. Age/health limits. Declared as “active breed”

FAQ

1. Does my dog need any paperwork to fly?

   Basically, you’ll need to show your dog’s health records at check-in. Make sure their vaccines are up to date and get a certificate from your vet saying they’re fit to travel. Some airlines may ask for additional documents too, so check the rules for your specific airline.

2. How do I prepare my dog for the plane ride?

   Get your pup used to their carrier before the big day. Take them on short car trips and give treats when they’re inside so it’s a positive place. Talk to them calmly and don’t stress them out. At the same time, make sure the carrier meets airline size rules. On the day, take them out for the bathroom before check-in.

3. Where will my dog sit on the plane?

   Most airlines will have your dog travel in the cargo hold below the plane in their carrier. However, on some airlines or routes you can pay extra for your small dog to sit in the cabin at your feet. Either way, reassure your pup and stay calm yourself to help them relax.

4. Is it safe to fly with my dog?

   Modern cargo holds are climate-controlled and your dog is carefully monitored. Nevertheless, flying can be stressful so consider medication from your vet to keep them calm. Perhaps look into flying nonstop if possible too. On the other hand, thousands of pets fly every day without issue. Just follow airline guidelines and your dog should be fine despite any worries.

5. How much does it cost to bring my dog on a flight?

   Expect to pay around $100-250 per direction for your pet as cargo. Extra fees apply for overweight dogs. Flying in-cabin may run $200-500 or more depending on the airline and restrictions. Ask if military personnel get any pet travel discounts too. Either way, those basic pet fares are reasonable compared to driving long distances yourself.

   

6. What items can I bring for my dog?

   Pack water, a leash, poop bags, and their favorite toys or treats. A note with your contact info is also a good idea, but hopefully “this is amazingly unimportant according to Delta Airlines spokesperson Joan Smith.” Also, be sure not to include prohibited items like food.

7. Any tips for a smooth trip?

   Arrive extra early for check-in to allow time for paperwork checks and ensure your dog has a chance to potty. Consider anxiety medication too if flying stresses them out. But with the right prep and documents, your pup’s trip to Grandma’s should hopefully go stunningly without incident.