Question of the Week
Maggie Snow
Columbus, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon
I have been very fortunate in flying dogs in cargo with Alaska Airlines. Very conscientious employees, and they make the process as easy as possible. I use their direct flight from Columbus, Ohio, to Seattle on a frequent basis. I always add an hour to my check-in time due to the extra paperwork. They ask to not bring dogs any earlier to spare them longer waiting periods before departing.
I do not “sedate” my dogs with heavy drugs. Sometimes they receive a dose of a homeopathic med. They are always happy when they pop out of their crates on arrival. None of my adult dogs has ever had accidents, no matter the length of the trip.
American Airlines is my other choice for flying a puppy on board. On a long flight to Portland, Oregon, one of the flight attendants was extremely helpful and pleasant when one decided to “heavily soil” her Sherpa bag. She saved me from a mortifying experience.
I use Impact and Pet Mate crates. TSA employees who inspect the crates before dogs are loaded are very complimentary of the construction of the metal crates.
Lydia Coleman Hutchinson
Middletown, Maryland
The most recent trip when I was accompanied by a dog was to Orlando to show a puppy in the Puppy Stakes in December 2023. I was on United non-stop in both directions, and everything went as smooth as silk. I am fortunate to have a breed that is small enough to fly in the cabin with me. I'm sure that makes a big difference.
Leah Hartlep
Garden City, Iowa
I flew my Whippet to Crufts in March 2023, and it was a textbook positive experience. We flew on Air France from O’Hare to Paris.
I’m not sure you’re looking for advice, but if you are, my advice would be: Don’t make the airline employees think too hard — instead, do the thinking for them! Use a standard airline crate, have your paperwork in order, and don’t try to get around any of their rules — even if you think they’re silly.
Oh, and buy a few liters of water in the duty-free shops before you board. Finding water for your dog once you arrive at your destination might not be easy.
(If you have any questions or ever want to know more about our trip to Crufts, let me know! It was an incredible experience. I even have a Facebook group now to help other Americans — especially owner-handlers — get to Crufts with their own dogs.)
Pamela Bradbury
Limestone, Tennessee
I have imported and exported dogs. Now we have to fly over and pick up dogs for overseas importing. The only problems have been with transport from one terminal to another.
France was a big problem, as no one showed up to help move me and my dog, and nothing was in English so I could not find my way. A very nice Indian man finally gave me directions, which were perfect. I almost missed the flight to Detroit, however. I will not go through France again. The trip was a nightmare, but I love to fly and frequently take dogs. My breed is small, so it can go in an airline-approved carrier for in-cabin flights.
Joan and Eric Liebes
Peyton, Colorado
We do not fly our dogs or puppies. We drive them. That includes driving to all-breed shows, nationals, Orlando and Westminster. We have driven to meet new puppy owners in Texas several times, St. Louis, Kansas City, Nebraska.
Iva Kimmelman
Stow, Massachusetts
My last experience flying dogs was fine.
The "situation" around flying dogs has improved significantly. We can thank tragic events like "Vivi" in 2006 and public outcry for that.
However, it's still nerve-wracking to think about handing over one of my precious dogs to strangers. I don't do it often now.
Terri Erickson
Lake Tapps, Washington
Flying dogs on commercial aircraft has been very easy and straightforward with Alaska Airlines. Last year we flew 28,000 miles, and the year before 45,000. Flying from Seattle to most places is great. I only fly direct, even if that means driving four to seven hours on landing. I try to drive most places, but being in the Pacific Northwest makes it complicated.
Barbara Miller
Brookville, New York
I just brought a 13-week-old Norfolk puppy down to Palm Beach on JetBlue as a birthday gift for my son-in-law. I had the correct size carry bag, made certain the pup didn’t have a full meal prior to travel, had a vet’s health certificate and off we went. The woman sitting next to me had her 12-year-old Yorkie in a carry bag. Both dogs were quiet, and the flight staff didn’t mind when the carry bags were open to pet the dogs. I’ve never had a problem travelling with a dog, but then again I don’t do it that often.
Lisa Brown
Sterling, Virginia
Flew my Lowchen, Panda Bear, last June to our national in California. Panda is small enough to fly in the cabin with me. This was her first flight ever! She made it through security by walking ahead of me through the security checkpoint. Changed planes in Dallas on our way to California.
In Dallas she got to stretch her legs and use the “dog rest station.” It was very well appointed, with artificial turf, poop bags, a hose to spray the turf down (and flush), a bench and a sink to wash hands and paws.
She marched through the airport like she was a frequent flyer! Used to crowds at dog shows, she happily made her way through the crowds at the airport. As she sat waiting to board our next flight, several people thought she was a stuffed-toy dog. I fielded multiple questions about flying dogs, where we were going, and why her bum was shaved.
We had great flights to the West Coast and back to the East Coast. We encountered no issues or problem. Panda took her first flights all in stride and brought home the National Specialty BOS.