I recently experienced my first trip with an in-cabin pet. This isn’t my first time with dogs and air travel, but it was a completely different experience.
I have grown up only knowing big dogs – labradors, goldens, and a pit bull mix. In making the decision to introduce a dog into our family again, it was very important to me that they could join us everywhere we went. My blog isn’t called Traveling Missus for nothing.
That led us to the amazing Stella – a sweet, petite, King Charles Cavalier. Great with kids, perfect for cuddling, and pint-sized enough for travel.
Our first trip with Stella was to Utah. In preparation, there were a variety of steps we had to take to set ourselves up for success.
Step 1 was ensuring we had the proper on-board carrier. Soft-sided carriers are easier because they are more malleable. The underneath of airline seats are not created equal. We purchased ours from Away and so far, so good. It also doubles for car rides with its seat belt attachments.
We also research the requirements for the airline we planned on booking with. We typically travel with United, and their size requirements are as follows:
Step 2 was purchasing tickets. We had to indicate we were bringing a pet in-cabin. For the trips we have booked so far with our dog (all domestic) it has cost $150 each way (so $300 round trip).
Step 3 was at the airport. We had to show her to the check-in agents so they could confirm the carrier size (and her size) and write-up her onboard ticket. I brought all of her vaccination paperwork with me, but all they really wanted to know was her age. Apparently there are age restrictions for dogs if traveling outside of the USA.
Step 4, security. Little miss had to come out of her carrier and I carried her with me as I went through the metal detector. I made sure any and all collars were already taken off of her and stored in her carrier to reduce any issues.
After that, we were home free. She was extremely confused while we waited to board, and was especially nervous on the actual plane. However, she was a champ the whole time. We packed extra treats (and poop bags) to keep her distracted as needed.
I think you could say she enjoyed herself once at our destination. 🙂
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