The Complete Guide to Finding the Best Dog Carrier for Plane Travel

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Your Dog on a Plane

Whether you’re planning a family vacation or business trip, taking your furry friend along can provide great companionship. However, strict regulations require dogs to be safely contained during air travel. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make flying with your pooch as stress-free as possible.

Choosing the Right Carrier

Size matters – Your carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you without protruding. Most major airlines require a maximum size of 18x13x9 inches. Make sure to measure your dog inside their carrier before purchasing.

Durability is key – Look for sturdy materials like aluminum or aviation-grade plastic that can withstand bumps and weight from cargo being loaded above. Cheap carriers may break under pressure.

1. Hard-sided carriers are best for stability and security. Soft carriers run the risk of bending or deforming in the cargo hold.
2. Vents on multiple sides keep air circulating on pressurized flights. Avoid carriers with only top ventilation.
3. A handle makes it easy to transport through the airport and in/out of vehicles.
4. Removable comfy cushions or blankets make your dog feel cozy.

Preparing for the Big Day

Train your pup beforehand – Get them used to riding in their carrier through desensitization training at home. Toss treats inside and work up to closing the door for short periods.

Bring essential supplies – Pack extra water, a leash, poop bags, their favorite toys/blankets, medications if needed, and airline-approved food and dishes. Consider a travel pouch to keep everything organized.

Brush up on the rules – Make sure your dog is flown in cabin, under the seat in front of you. Many airlines limit certain breeds or recently require health/vaccine forms. Know any restrictions to avoid surprises.

Arrive extra early – Airport security checks take longer with pets. Allot at least an hour of buffer time to get through ticketing and the security checkpoint smoothly.

Sailing Through the Airport Like a Pro

From my experience traveling internationally with dogs, arriving organized is key. I always follow these tips:

1. Have your dog’s ID tag, microchip paperwork, health records, and airline pet ticketing confirmation ready as soon as you enter the terminal.
2. Consider tranquilizers or calming supplements for flight-shy dogs to keep them quiet during security screenings and noisy terminals.
3. Request a passenger without pet allergies sit next to you if possible to avoid distressing your dog or other passengers.
4. Bring a portable pack with essentials when getting up during flights so they remain easily accessible.
5. Wear your dog in a carrier backpack through security and congested areas for greater convenience and control.

Comfort and Calm During Flight

No matter how much training you’ve done, the unfamiliar plane environment can still be overwhelming for dogs. Here are some tips I’ve used to keep canine companions content at cruising altitude:

6. Bring treats, toys or chews to distract nervous dogs and reward calm behavior.
7. Speak in a soothing tone and pet gently through carrier vents to reassure anxiety.
8. Request a row with empty middle seat if possible to give a wider foot space under the carrier.
9. Ask flight attendants about letting your pup have brief “potty breaks” on long haul flights when traffic is low.
10. Bring pee pads inside carrier so they have an option to relieve themselves discreetly if needed.

Patience and preparation are key! With the right gear and strategy, you can keep Rover relaxed for take-off and landing even on transcontinental flights. A serene dog means a relaxing trip for the whole family.

Arrival and Beyond

After many hours in close quarters, making sure your pup stretches their legs at the destination is important. Upon exiting the jetway:

11. Take your dog straight to a designated grassy area or paved tarmac away from other passengers if the carrier was their “bathroom” during travel.
12. Allow time for some play, physical activity or exploring before piling back into vehicles if continuing to a hotel.
13. Be watchful for signs of stress, anxiety or injury and contact a veterinarian promptly if issues arise.
14. Reacclimate your pup to a new environment gradually over a few days if traveling internationally with changes in climate, cultures etc.

Traveling by air expands possibilities for pet-friendly vacations. But it kind of sucks being cooped up for so long. This is where portable kennels and loads of snacks come in handy! Hopefully these tips help you and your pooch cruise at 35,000 feet like pros. Let me know if any other questions come up!

Dog Travel Carrier Selection Guide for Flying

Carrier Type	Size	Weight Limit	Airline Approval
Soft-sided	Small, medium, large	Up to 20 lbs	✔ Most airlines
Hard-sided	Small, medium, large	Up to 50 lbs	✔ Most airlines
Collapsible	Adjusts to fit dog size	Up to 15 lbs	✔ Most budget airlines
Custom-fit	Measured for dog’s dimensions	No weight limit	✔ All airlines
Ventilation	N/A	N/A	Strongly recommended by all airlines

FAQ

1. What size dog travel carrier do I need for my plane trip?

   The size of the carrier depends on your dog’s size. Basically, you want it to be comfortable for your pup without being too big. Check with the airline as they have regulations on carrier dimensions. Generally, it needs to fit under the seat in front of you.

2. Can my dog sit on my lap instead of in a carrier?

   While some people carry small dogs on their lap, most airlines require dogs to ride in approved carriers that can fit under the seat. The reason is safety – if there’s turbulence, you don’t want Fido wandering loose in the cabin! It’s best to follow the rules.

3. How do I prepare my dog for travel by plane?

   Getting your dog accustomed to the carrier well before the trip is key. Let them explore it and associate it with treats. Desensitize them to noises on YouTube too. On the day, don’t overfeed them but make sure they go potty right before boarding. Calmly reassure your nervous pup – they’ll pick up on your vibes!

4. Is it okay to check my dog’s carrier at the ticket counter?

   Unless it’s a very small carrier, you’ll want to take it as a carry-on so your pooch stays with you. Checking them risks them being mishandled or even lost by baggage handlers. I don’t recommend it unless there’s no other option. Save yourself the stress!

   

5. What items should I bring in my dog’s carrier for the flight?

   Pack water, treats, toys, poop bags, their leash and collar, ID tag with updated contact info, and vet records/vaccination info in a ziplock bag. Bring a favorite blanket or toy that smells like home for comfort. Also handy – antibacterial wipes, pee pads in case of emergencies, and a note for seat-mates explaining your pup is flying with you.

6. How can I minimize stress for my nervous dog on the plane?

   In addition to carrier training, ask for “stress doses” of calming supplements from the vet. Bring exciting chews and lots of praise and pets to keep them busy and feeling loved. Play relaxing music or put a light jacket over the carrier to blackout noise and motion. You could also see if a window seat calms them as they can watch out. Above all, be reassuring!

7. What if my dog gets freaked out during takeoff or landing?

   If this happens, don’t punish them – it will only make anxiety worse! Kindly reassure and try calming techniques like gentle strokes or stuffing a filled Kong toy through the bars. Give extra love and treats when they settle to reinforce calm behavior. Most airline staff have seen it all, so don’t worry about judgment. Your pup’s comfort should be the number one priority.