Top Ten Tips for Flying with your Pet
Planning to Fly with your Pet and Don't Know What to Do?
What is the biggest tip in pet airline travel?
I know that many people travel with their pet. It is easy to figure out that you shouldn't open your car window. However, most people have never flown with their pet.
This website gives some tips on airline travel with your pet.
If you do not know these already, they can be important to your pet's health and your sanity.
#1 Travel Tip on Flying with Your Pet!
The number one travel tip for flying with your pet is to:
PLAN AHEAD!
Do not show up at the airport with your pet without a carrier, without paperwork or even knowing if you can walk into the airport with your pet unless it is a disabled-assisted animal. The worse thing you can do is wait until the last minute and then have to reschedule your flight or even get into trouble with Airport Security!
Other Travel Tips that you Need to Know to Plan your Airline Trip with your Pet
Millions of people have flown with their pets. If you have never taken Fido or Muffy on your trip with you, you need to plan.
Here are the top ten tips that you need to do while planning your airline flight. There is no specific order but you need to consider all of these.
If you have any questions, you can always consult the internet at the TSA Website or contact the airline that you are flying on.
Please plan in advance. Waiting until the last minute could cause a stressful trip for you or your animal.
Get the Correct Size Pet Carrier that is "Airline Approved"
Nothing is like putting your pet in cramped accommodations. We don't want to sit in a cramped seat and your pet feels the same.
Find the right size in accordance with the size of your pet. If you have a larger pet, remember that you can't carry them on your lap, they need to go into the cargo so a different type of cargo carrier is necessary.
Teafco Argo Airline Approved Aero-Pet Carrier - Exceeds TSA Standards
Know if Your Airline Allows Pets
If you plan to take your pet, remember, some airlines do not allow pets to travel.
Please check before purchasing that great airline deal and finding out that you can't take your four-legged family member.
Prepare All Necessary Paperwork BEFORE Arriving to the Airport
Ever stand in the Post Office line while someone in front of you fills out the paperwork...they should've completed before getting to the counter?
It is even worse with taking a pet. There is more to it than a simple form. Check with your airline and obtain the necessary paperwork before getting to the airport. Most of the time, you can obtain this paperwork to fill out, online.
Hotels that Allow Pets, Worldwide
- Thousands of Pet Friendly Hotels
Here are accommodations that you can take your pet without needing to call in advance. These locations are Worldwide so you shouldn't have a problem finding a place to stay while you travel.
If Your Pet is Old or Fragile, Consider Another Method of Travel
Traveling with an old or fragile pet is not only difficult, it could cause the pet to suffer severe trauma.
If you are traveling with a larger pet that you cannot take on the airliner with you, remember that a pet will go through significant stress while being in the cargo hold. It can get extremely cold down there and could be life-threatening.
Always travel with your pets only at the recommendation of your veterinarian.
Know Your Airport Rules Regarding Pets
Most airports do not allow you to just walk in with your pet unless it is in a carrier.
If you wait until you get to the airport to put your pet in their carrier, put them in the carrier as you exit your vehicle. Do not walk in the airport with a pet unless you have a pet that is used for disabled assistance unless you check with the airport first.
Select a Non-Stop Flight if You Travel With Your Pet
Always Travel on the Same Flight as Your Pet
Nothing is more stressful than switching planes. Pets feel the same way as humans during these times. You can have long layovers or even worse, several plane changes. Try to avoid this for your pet and take a non-stop flight.
Also, If your luggage gets mis-routed, imagine your pet circling the luggage collection rack in another city.
Select Flights that are NOT During the Hottest or Coldest Part of the Day
Extreme temperature changes are even more detrimental to your pet. This is especially true if your pet is riding in the cargo hold.
When traveling with your pet, always take this into consideration.
Do not send your pet ahead or earlier than you.
When you travel on the same flight with your pet, you can calm their stress quicker when you pick them up without having them wait long periods of time.
Pet Friendly Restaurants, Worldwide
- Places you can take your pet to eat!
You won't be able to prop up you dog or cat in a chair, but these restaurants allow you to take your pet while you eat.
The Cat Who Saw Stars - Another kind of flying cat
Inform at Least One of the Airline Attendants that Your Pet is on the Plane
Airline Attendants knowing that your pet is on board may give you an advantage in boarding, exiting and even special treats for your pet if you are on board. They may also give you information you wouldn't normally know about flying with your pet that the airline ticketing did not tell you.
Many people are pet lovers, it is always advantageous to let them know.
Discuss With Your Vet PRIOR to Putting your Pet on a Tranquilizer for Air Travel
My Veterinarian told me to use benadryl with my dog. Please don't do this unless you consult with your vet. Human medicines are sometimes lethal, especially to some dogs with special conditions.
Always consult with your vet before you travel! Medicines can make your dog feel strangely, especially during airlines flights; something they may be unfamiliar with.
