What You Need to Know About Traveling with your Pet on a Plane: Pet Carrier Guide

Choosing the Best Pet Carrier for Airplane Travel

Traveling by air with your furry companion can be stressful for both you and your pet. However, with some planning and the right pet carrier, flying with Fido or Fluffy is totally doable. In this article, I’ll discuss the various pet carrier options available and provide tips to help you choose the best one for your pet and your travel needs.

Regulations for in-cabin pet carriers

The first thing to know is that all pets flying in-cabin must be kept in an FAA-approved hard-sided or soft-sided pet carrier that fits under the airline seat. Carriers cannot exceed a maximum size, which is typically around 18x13x8 inches.

From my experience traveling with pets, I can tell you that airlines strictly enforce these size limits. So you’ll want to measure your pet’s carrier and only consider ones guaranteed to fit under the seat as checked luggage is not recommended for live animals due to variable temperatures and lack of adequate oxygen.

Hard-sided vs soft-sided carriers

The two main carrier types are hard-sided and soft-sided. Hard carriers, like crates, provide more security and structure but take up more room. Soft carriers can fold up smaller but may not be as sturdy. Here are some key factors to consider for each:

1. Hard-sided:
   • Provides more protection, escape-proof
   • Holds its shape better under the seat
   • Offered by major brands like Petmate and Dogit
   • Often roomier and higher quality
2. Soft-sided:
   • Collapses smaller for storage
   • Lighterweight for portability
   • More breathable fabric options
   • May be less durable or cramped

In general, hard carriers provide better security while soft ones are more portable. Consider your pet’s temperament, size, and the length of your trip when deciding.

Features to look for

Whether hard or soft, I recommend carriers with these useful features:

1. Padded sides and a cushioned floor for comfort
2. Double zipper closure and clips to secure the door
3. Ventilation slots or mesh panels for airflow
4. Handle on top for lifting
5. Internal pockets to store toys, paper, etc.
6. Removable / washable lining
7. Complies with IATA and FAA size limits

Carriers meeting airline standards with good reviews tend to work best. Cheap or poorly-designed ones risk denial at the gate.

Tips for keeping Rover relaxed

No matter how nice the carrier, traveling can induce stress and fears in some pets. Here are some strategies to help keep them calm:

1. Train them: Use positive reinforcement to get pets comfortable inside the carrier at home before the big trip.
2. Play white noise: The carrier is like a den – play calming music or sounds from your phone during travel.
3. Hide treats: Scatter kibble inside so pets focus on eating, not their anxiety. Scented toys also help.
4. Visit vet: Consider anti-anxiety meds prescribed by your vet if needed.
5. Essentials: Pack water, pee pads or paper, ID tag, vaccination records.

With proper planning and setup, you and your pet can both kind of relax on flights. The key is making the carrier a safe, comforting place.

Real-life pet carrier experiences

As someone who’s flown with dogs a few times, I can share a few lessons from my own carrier challenges:

On one trip, I stupidly chose a cheap soft-sided carrier that basically disintegrated during baggage handling. Luckily, my dog Rocky was fine, but I had to carry him through the rest of the trip in my arms! Now I only fly with tough, name brands.

Another time, my friend’s cat Magoo escaped his carrier on the jetway and bolted. Thankfully, a kind passenger helped corner the scared kitty until we caught up. Padlock latches and backup clips now for sure!

But my favorite success story? Flying home with my puppy Amber, who barked the whole first flight. She conked out on the layover, sleeping soundly in her sturdy plastic crate. We both made it in one piece, wiped but happy.

Lesson being – a reliable, escape-proof carrier is crucial, as is getting pets adjusted to it beforehand. I hope sharing these experiences provides some useful perspective! Let me know if any other pet travel questions come up.

In summary…

Whether you’re flying across country or just to Grandma’s, choosing the appropriate pet carrier takes some research. But by considering your pet’s needs alongside airline rules and safety features, you can give your furry friend a smooth ride through the skies. With practice and the right carrier, it’s totally possible.

Hope this helps give you a better idea of carrier options next time you need to include your pet in your travel plans. Wishing you many tail-wagging adventures to come!

Essential Considerments For Choosing A Pet Carrier For Air Travel

Size	Weight	Ventilation	Durability
Small, Medium, Large (for various pet sizes)	Under airline weight limits of 8-10 lbs or 20 lbs for most airlines	Plenty of openings on three sides for airflow	Strong, secure materials like aluminum or plastic that can withstand baggage handling
Accommodate your pet comfortably standing or laying down with room to move	If over limit, check carrier as cargo for extra fee	Mesh fabric for good visibility and airflow	Durable zippers, latches, and reinforced seams
Soft sides or blankets for pets that feel anxious	Weigh carrier empty and with pet to double check weight	Secure door or lid with impact resistance	Optional wheels, handle, and shoulder strap for mobility
Removable cozy padding or bed for relaxation	Double check size dimensions fit under seat		Approved certification label like IATA for compliance

FAQ

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

   Most airlines allow small pets to travel in carriers under or in the seat in front of you. Nevertheless, there are size and number limits so check with your specific airline before your flight.

2. What size carrier is allowed?

   Carriers usually cannot be bigger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high. Any different size than that and the carrier will need to be checked as cargo instead of brought aboard the passenger cabin. However, sizes and rules do vary by airline so it’s important to verify their exact pet policy requirements.

3. Do I need any documents for my pet carrier?

   Yes, you will need to show a certificate of health from a vet stating that your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccines. Airlines also require the pet be at least 8 weeks old. You may need additional forms from the country you are traveling to, so be sure to research import rules too. Basically, have your pet’s paperwork ready to present at check-in.

4. Where does the carrier go during the flight?

   Under most airline rules, the pet carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you and remain there for the whole flight. Though it seems kind of cramped, it’s the safest place for your pet in case of turbulence. If your pet is very small like a hamster, the carrier could possibly fit in the overhead bin too. But you’ll want to confirm that option first with the flight attendants.

   

5. Will my pet be comfortable in the carrier?

   It’s not exactly a fun trip for pets flying in carriers. Kind of stressful! Although carriers are required to be escape-proof and well-ventilated, it’s still a tight and unfamiliar space for hours. To help, bring water, snacks, blankets, and toys to keep them occupied. Calming aids like collagen or calming supplements may help too. Yet is it all worth putting them through that? Maybe consider driving or a pet transport service instead if possible.

6. How much earlier do I need to check-in?

   Due to extra screening and paperwork checks, it is advised to arrive at least an hour earlier for your flight when traveling with pets. Some airports or airlines may require even more time, like 90 minutes or 2 hours beforehand. Also, be prepared for the possibility that your pet carrier will need to go through the X-ray scanner on a separate conveyor belt. So pack your pet’s things, documents and own paw prints! Check-in early to avoid delays and worries.

7. What happens if my pet acts up on the flight?

   Although plenty of pets fly with no issues, you never know how an animal might react to the unfamiliar surroundings and noises of air travel. On the other hand, some pets are amazingly calm through it all. If your furry friend won’t stop barking, crying or shows signs of distress, the flight crew may require that you remove the pet from the cabin for the remainder of the flight. They have to ensure safety of all passengers comes first. Luckily, such removals are said to be quite rare. Still, it pays to take steps to minimize stress like using calming aids as mentioned before.