The Ultimate Guide to Aircraft Approved Dog Crates for your Pet

Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With Your Pup By Plane

If you’re planning a trip that involves flying with your dog, an aircraft-approved crate is a must. But with so many crate options on the market, it can be tough to know which one is best for your furry friend. In this article, I’ll break down the different types of dog crates for air travel and provide tips to help you choose the right one.

Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided?

The main decision is whether to go with a hard-sided or soft-sided crate. From my experience traveling with dogs, here are the pros and cons of each:

• Hard-Sided Crates:

  These rigid plastic or metal crates provide maximum security and are the only option allowed in the cabin with most airlines. However, they can be heavy and bulky to haul around. For long haul flights, a hard crate is best to give your pup a sturdy personal space.

• Soft-Sided Crates:

  Lighter and more portable than hard crates, soft-sided crates collapse down small for storage. But they offer less stability and sturdiness. Make sure to reinforce them with zip ties if checking as baggage. I’ve found soft crates work well for shorter flights.

Size Matters

Getting the right-sized crate is crucial whether you go hard or soft. Here are the general sizing guidelines from my experience:

1. Measure your dog and allow at least 3 inches of extra space in the crate for toys or food/water bowls. Overcrowding can cause stress.

2. For very large or giant breeds, consider splitting them between cabins if flying with multiple dogs. One pup takes up a lot of your allotted cabin space!

3. Airline regulations specify the maximum size crate that can fit under an airplane seat, so double check dimensions if bringing the crate on board.

Additional Features

Some extras to look for depending on your needs:

• Ventilation: Holes or mesh helps air flow for pups shut inside for long periods.

• Wheels: Great for wheeled crates to roll easily at the airport instead of heavy lifting.

• Dividers: Adjustable dividers let you downsize the crate as your puppy grows. Really handy option!

• Seatbelt tying points: Important if keeping the crate under the airplane seat for safety during takeoff/landing.

Testing It Out

Once you’ve selected a crate, it’s kind of like potty training – you want to introduce it gradually so it becomes a happy place. From my experience, here’s what worked well:

1. Feed meals inside the crate with the door open so it’s a positive association.

2. Give treats and praise when your pup goes inside voluntarily.

3. Start closing the door for short periods when they’re calm and occupied with a toy.

4. Work up to longer sessions over days/weeks before the big flight. The more comfortable they are beforehand, the better!

   

Patience is key during crate training. I’ve seen dogs totally freak out on flights due to not being properly acclimated ahead of time.

Pack It Right

Proper prep is essential for flying stress-free. Here are my top tips:

• Pack toys, chews and clothes with your scent to comfort sad or anxious pups.

• Bring water, but skip food for 4-6 hours before and avoid giving any onboard for vomiting risks.

• Attach ID tags with your contact info in case the crate gets lost en route.

• Consider calming remedies like CBD or pheromone sprays/diffusers for nervous fliers. But check with your vet first.

Handling at the Airport

Proper handling during drop-off and pick-ups is crucial too. Here are a few tips based on my experience flying:

1. Roll the crate instead of lifting if possible for wheeled models.

2. Keep it covered with a light cloth to minimize visual stressors.

   

3. Move at a swift, confident pace during check-in/boarding to avoid lingering that could further upset anxious pups.

4. Release from crate smoothly into your vehicle at the destination gate for a happy reunion versus adding more stress by lingering in the terminal.

Does this help answer all your questions about selecting and preparing for air travel with a canine companion? Choosing the right crate and getting your pup accustomed to it ahead of time should help make flying a positive experience for both of you. Let me know if any other topics need explaining! Safe travels with your furry friend.

Top Considerations for Choosing an Aircraft Dog Crate

Crate Size	Removable Pan	Materials	Ventalation	Wheels
Sized for dog’s measurements with room for growth	Easy to clean pan for accidents	Steel or Airline-grade plastic	Openings on four sides for airflow	Wheels for portability
Too small causes stress, too big dog won’t feel secure	Removable pan recommended	Avoid soft plastic prone to chewing	Mesh panels used on four sides and top	Rear wheels with front brake
Measure dog from nose to tail, then taller by a few inches	Pan should slide out easily	Steel thicker and sturdier than plastic	Openings big enough but bars close together	Wheels make crate easy to move
Allow 2-3 inches growth space for puppies	Pan cleans in dishwasher or by hand	Plastic Airline approved but chew risk	Metal mesh durable and properly ventilated	Wheels a convenience but not required

FAQ

1. What types of dogs can fly in an aircraft?

   Generally, dogs under 20 pounds are allowed to travel in airline dog crates in the passenger cabin. Bigger dogs must ride in the cargo hold. Some airlines accept small or medium breeds under a certain weight, typically around 15-20 pounds. Always check the airline rules beforehand.

2. Is it safe for dogs to fly in airplane cargo?

   While cargo is temperature controlled, changes in air pressure and noise levels can cause a dog stress. Most airlines do a good job, but accidents have happened. Perhaps it’s safer to travel with small dogs in the cabin, if allowed. Make sure vaccines are up to date just in case.

3. What size crate is required for in-cabin travel?

   Aircraft cabins have limited space, so the crate must fit under the seat in front of you. Crates cannot be larger than approximately 18x13x8 inches. Always measure your pet’s crate before flying to make sure it complies with size policies to avoid problems.

4. How should I prepare my dog for flight?

   Get your dog accustomed to their crate before flying. Practice short training sessions to help them feel calm and secure inside. Bring favorite toys/blankets. Consider anxiety medication or calming supplements to chill them out. Provide ID tag on collar and crate. And don’t forget documents like health records in case they’re needed!

5. What items are prohibited in carry-on dog crates?

   Liquids like water bottles or food are no-nos in the passenger cabin per TSA rules. Solid food is okay though. Avoid anything breakable that could hurt pup if the crate is tossed around during turbulence. Leave behind spike collars, retractable leashes or other potentially dangerous gear too. Play it safe and just bring essentials.

6. Does my dog need a health certificate to fly?

   International flights basically always require an up-to-date health certificate. Domestic flights may sometimes ask for one too, so it doesn’t hurt to have. Certificates show vaccines are current and screen for contagious illnesses. It provides piece of mind and covers your pup medically in case something comes up while traveling.

   

7. What should I do if my dog gets anxious during the flight?

   Stay positive and calm to set a relaxing example. Speak in cheerful tones and give treats/toys for good behavior. Consider asking for a calming aid if stress seems intense. Flight attendants want happy fliers too and may offer wet towels or extra comfort. Don’t hesitate to notify them if your dog appears distressed – they’re well-trained to assist anxious animals.