r/travel • u/Brilliant_Noise618 • 1d ago
Air Travel With Bichon Input Please
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u/flindsayblohan 1d ago
I have a carrier from Roverlund that fits perfectly under the seat (no squeezing or mashing) and is comfy for my Shih Tzu. Pets traveling in the cabin must be paid for - I pay every time - and they must remain in their carrier under the seat in front you. First class would be more comfortable for you of course, but makes no difference for the dog - they are in a carrier that is the same size in either cabin. Get trazodone from your vet to help keep them calm, bring treats, bring a potty pad or 2 and bring a bag to dispose of it in.
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u/Brilliant_Noise618 1d ago
Thanks for the tip. Is the carrier you mention 18 x 11 x 11? If not what the dimensions of your Roverlund? Thank you for the insight.
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u/flindsayblohan 1d ago
https://www.roverlund.com/products/out-of-office-pet-carrier-1
They have one that meets those dimensions and one that is a bit larger. My Tzu is about 12lbs and he’s fine but he couldn’t be much bigger. Nobody has ever measured my bag, so you’re probably fine with the slightly larger one, but it would be a tighter squeeze on regional jets. And I didn’t want the worry - I’m an airline family member and sometimes we are more scrutinized to follow rules.
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u/nim_opet 1d ago
All carriers are the same size. Animals need to be in the carrier throughout the flight. Under seat space in first class is not any taller than in economy if you are flying domestics.
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u/flindsayblohan 1d ago
Carrier sizes do actually vary slightly. Some manufacturers will make a slightly larger carrier that flexes to fit if needed, but a picky gate agent can rightfully decline boarding. So even if it says TSA approved, it’s a good idea to look at the dimensions and compare them to the airlines requirements.
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1d ago
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u/flindsayblohan 1d ago
🤷🏻♂️ United quietly stopped making any mention of turning around because it was too subjective and let to arguments.
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u/buggle_bunny 6h ago
That's not the airlines problem. If they can't comfortably fit they can't travel in the cabin.
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u/buggle_bunny 6h ago
And it's already overweight, stop looking for ways to lie and cheat the system. Do it properly and follow the rules.
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u/bjketter 1d ago
It's been over a year since we flew American. The carrier only weighs a few pounds so we are usually under 20 if we don't have much in it. Can add toys after they clear inspection.
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u/bjketter 1d ago
Unless you lie and get certified as a fake service dog it is $150 both ways and an additional $150 if there is a layover longer than 4 hours between segments and no real way around it. From my experience emotional support animals are no longer a thing they just allow. They have let us put the carrier in an empty seat next to us during a flight but I think that was them turning a blind eye to us breaking the rules. They always tell us to make sure the bag stays closed for the duration of the flight. The area on the floor in first is nice for your comfort but the dog carrier isn't really going to allow the dog to gain any comfort from it. The closed bag is not just for allergy reasons it's because they want to avoid issues with passengers who are afraid of dogs and scared dogs going potty in the plane or lashing out at an unfamiliar person.
Our dog is a cavachon and is 17 pounds so we haven't had any trouble but with an in cabin pet you can't check in online you have to go to the counter and wait in a line and they weigh the dog and confirm they fit comfortably in the carrier. They also occasionally ask for proof of her shots. You need the special green ticket from them to get on the plane.
We do medicate our dog so she sleeps most of the flight and other than that she is good. Our vet recommended it and we get updated dosage at her yearly very visits.
She is 18 months and has flown 5 round trips i think. She sometimes takes a day or so to resume eating and pooping normally after the trips. I hope it goes well for you.
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u/Brilliant_Noise618 1d ago
The max weight at American Airlines is 15 pounds. From what I've read; they weigh dog and carrier pre flight. How does your 17 pound make the weight? Plus they're to fit in a 18 × 11 x 11 (inches) carrier..are airlines a little flexible or by the book?
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u/zekewithabeard 1d ago
You have to pay and follow the rules. Pets stay in the carrier. No way around that. Some FA’s are hardcore about it. The dog also needs to -comfortably- fit in the carrier. So many people shove them into carriers entirely too small where they can barely close. The Sherpa brand on Chewy work well. They are well ventilated and stand upright on their own. Your dog is not hypoallergenic so be prepared for the slight chance a passenger makes an issue about it.
We transport my MIL’s dogs for her twice a year. They are 8lbs so it’s fairly easy. They get a long walk the morning of the flight, a quarter of a trazadone, we do buy domestic first tickets and wait to board until very last. Also drive 2.5 hrs after the flight in order to avoid a connecting flight.