Re: Airline Travel

Posted by: Heather Reid
Posted on: December 03, 2001 at 12:21:11

In Reply to: Re: Airline Travel
Posted by: Linda
Posted on: November 30, 2001 at 17:03:39

Question:

: : Hello. I am taking my 8 month old Jack Russell on the airplane at Christmas. I have to admit that I'm pretty anxious about the whole thing. (I am carrying her on board) She is a bit hyper, so our vet is giving her a sedative, and I bought a Samsonite soft carrier to carry her in (she is about 13 lbs). She is able to stand up and turn around in the carrier - but I have recently heard horror stories about people who are forced to check their pets in cargo, or not being allowed to fly with them. I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions or tips to ease a mother's mind. Thanks so much!

: ------------------ Response Area -------------------
: Hi Jacquelyn
: The first thing I would do is have a back up crate, the soft sided are not allow in Cargo, and if you need one I would have one on hand.

: I would also talk to my Vet about the sedative, there have been several cases in the past where certain sedatives with the mix of altitude have cause major problems and even death in some cases.
: This applies to if you have to ship her Cargo, but I am not sure about in the cabin. Most Vets don't think it is necessary and most of mine when I fly with them, just settle down and go to sleep.

: The best thing to do is call the Airline you are flying and let them know you are bringing a dog, get the facts before just showing up at the airport. It is always better be safe than sorry at the last minuet. Plan ahead!!

: Don't worry too much about flying, I recently returned from Dallas and it was a piece of cake. At the time I didn't think so, believe me I pray the whole way there and back!! LOL It never hurts to have some outside help!!

: Hope you have a wonderful holiday and I am sure both you and your dog will be AOK.
: Regards
: Linda

------------------ Response Area -------------------
Hi Jacquelyn,
Don't worry! Wishbone and I just returned from New Orleans about 2 weeks ago. Other than the fact that we got searched, scanned, patted and frisked 3 times on the way out of Cincinnati, everything was totally normal. I went to an agility show where dozens of people flew with their dogs, and I didn't hear of anyone with problems.
Linda is correct that you will need a reservation for your dog ahead of time. There are only a certain number of dogs allowed in-cabin for each flight (2-5 depending on the airline). People who do not make a reservation for their dog are not guaranteed a spot; those are most likely the people who are forced to fly their dogs in cargo at the last minute.
I have never sedated my dogs. My vet STRONGLY advises against it, even for the most active or typically wild dogs. The pressurization in cabin is not to the level we are accustomed too, which makes the dogs sleepy. Unless you currently live a higher altitude, the effect should be the same for your dog. They typically settle right down and go to sleep. I do take along a jar of peanut butter, a kong and some chew bones. They get that as we're boarding, and I've never heard a peep from them on a plane or from any of the other dogs also on our planes.
Just go and have fun! You shouldn't have serious problems.
Heather