Dog on a plane.

by Sharon and Jasmine
(Michigan)

In the next couple of months I will be moving from Michigan to California. I plan to fly and take Jasmine (coton) and my siamese cat with me. I don't know if it would be better to have them under my seat (probably would have to buy 2 seats), or to have them in the belly of the plane. There will be 2 layovers.


If they are with me, I could possibly feed them and take them out to go to the bathroom. I also wonder if I should get tranquilizers for them from their vet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I will be freaking out on the plane as well. I will have to get help from airline personnel as I can't carry the both of them. Help!

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Jan 24, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		coton traveling as extra baggage and accompanied
by: Anonymous

Hi everyone, I am so glad I found this blog. I have my coton living Madagascar on Feb 2nd as checked baggage of one of my friends (who cannot take him in cabin). Ethiopian airlines is assuring me that food and water will not be allowed during the flight (11 hrs + 5 hrs stopover). But they will give water during stopover. No pets had died so far with them.
But asked that I bring my coton to the vet to ensure he is in excellent shape (which is the case).
Just wondering: will he survive?
tranquilizer?

Thanks for your input.

CR
Oct 02, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		IT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE! NEW
by: Koda's mom

The first few times I flew with Koda he was a nervous wreck, crying and squeaking for hours, irritating people around me and breaking my heart because the only thing I could do to help him was hold him but the flight attendants wouldn't allow it. And then I found it. CBD oil. Given in the CORRECT AMOUNT, it is a lifesaver. He was calm, not stoned. Unlike pharmaceuticals, here are no side effects unless you give way too much. Like all supplements, if your dog is on medication, check with your vet to see if there are any interaction concerns. There are a few that when taken with CBD may result in reduced or increased effectiveness.

I personally take CBD for it's anti-inflamatory benefits. My arthritis is completely gone!

And everyone, for God's sake, NEVER put your dog in the bottom of the plane with the luggage. Besides being terrifying for your pet, many have died.
Feb 16, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Best Traveler NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a 5 year old female called Luna. She has been traveling with me on a plane from New Jersey to Miami since she was 6 months old. We fly 8 times a year. She is an amazing traveler. I do not give her drugs or any treats. I use a regulation size carrier and she stays under the seat in front of me. She has separation anxiety and as long as she is at my feet she is so relaxed and comfortable. I do have to contact airline prior to travel because there is a limit to how many pets can be on a flight. And it's not free unless it's some type of service dog. I absolutely love taking my Luna traveling with me. Good luck it will be ok. We have a special breed.
Jan 05, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Coton air travel NEW
by: Gale (for Iris and Tuffy)

Iris asked me to relay this information to help those flying with their Cotons.
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I travel by plane with Tuffy a lot and you must check the airline regulations as they do change. Only 10 lbs and under and a soft carrier they will smoosh under the seat in front of them. Unless they are a service dog with your dr. medical proof, they are not allowed out from under the seat at all(and they will throw up if you sedate them, so don't even try because even a small piece of baby Benedryl makes them sick). There is half the space under the seats now that there are permanent boxes attached for flotation devices.

My Tuffy goes into hibernation on the plane and only gets to stand up and walk around on leash in between flights. We use a handicap stall and I put a pee pad down for him and dispose of it. He refuses food and water until we are settled at destination.

The woman who is planning to take both of her cat and dog is in for a big surprise as I don't believe there's an airline who will allow that on board in the cabin. Also it cost $100 or more one way for each of them. If they cause a problem, she could be left off at the next stop. It's scary and uncomfortable. I wish her luck

Dec 01, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good traveler NEW
by: Tana W

We have a 5 month old Coton (Bandit) who has done a 3 day 1500 mile car trip and a two leg plane trip without any issues. He was a great traveler and I planned to take him outside in SLC but he squatted and peed right at the TSA exit. I was prepared with disinfectant wipes, paper towels and poop bags. He was a trooper, sat under my seat with his head poked out of his carrier looking around but no wining or crying. I would not hesitate to travel with him on a plane again, he is a peach!
Oct 12, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		travel from Michigan to California NEW
by: Lulu

We take our Socrates from Michigan to California (San Diego) many times a year. You need to make reservation for your little ones. The cost of one way is $125.00 / a pet (in Delta Airline). your little one must be inside of carry on bag and the bag must be fit under the seat (especially during take off and landing). You need to make reservation ahead with carry on pet carrier size. One more thing, you need to get a pet health certification from your vet (it is around $62.00 / a pet). When you have the pet health certification, you need to travel in 72 hrs. The airline does not want to see the certification, but it is required by the law (in some case, Gov't agency may come out to inspect).

Detroit airport does have a pet restroom area inside of Terminal, so you can take your little one to take care of business before get on board. San Diego airport also has a pet restroom area outside of Terminal.

We do not give Sorates, but during the flight, we put him on our lap (he is inside of carry on pet carrier). It is only a four hour flight from Michgan to California, so my little one can deal with travel.

Good Luck with your little ones.

Socrates and Lulu


Oct 09, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Crate size NEW
by: Anonymous

Hello-

Check out http://www.sherpapet.com/products/delta-airlines

My dog is 12 lbs and tall -- she has no trouble switching positions.
Oct 09, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dog on a Plane NEW
by: Anonymous

We have not flown with our little girl yet. We do have reservations to fly from Orlando, Fl to Rochester, NY. It is a direct flight. Our little one weighs 9.5 lbs. However, we have been unsuccessful trying to find a crate that meets the airline lines criteria so as to allow her to be able to turn around in it if she wants to change positions. Casn those of you found your carriers. I ordered the Southwest carrier and she fits in it but has no room to move in it. I don't want to board her.
Oct 09, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Air Travel NEW
by: Greta's mom

Hello! I routinely fly w/ my 2 year old 12lb Coton. I never ever give her any sort of tranquilizer or sleep aid. My vet advised that some of those sleep aids can make your animal sick and vomit-- which then can create a bigger problem in an enclosed area. She always goes in a airline approved crate under the seat in front of me. She does really well - I do reduce the amount of food & water the day we fly to help her be comfortable. She gets a bit nervous at take-off and landing, but I just put a small treat in her crate at those times. Unfortunately I just don't trust airline workers to handle the animal carriers appropriately. Also at least the animal knows you are nearby on the plane versus being put in the belly and not knowing what is going on. These are just my opinions. Good luck!
Oct 09, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Plane NEW
by: Fynn & Riley

i have travelled with my CdTs several times with not much issues. Toronto to LA. Toronto to Vancouver. I am not a fan of putting them in the belly of the plane. I don't trust anyone with my dogs and I'm a bit if a control freak that way. Also with multiple connections I would not be comfortable. Just too many stories of lost dogs, baggage etc.

I am also not a fan of tranquilizers or drugs. I exercise the crap out of my boys for about a week prior to leaving. I also keep them on leash attached to me a few days before to keep them following me and awake most of the day. I also will not feed of give them water before a flight. I usually fly in the AM so they get an early dinner around 4 or 5 and then nothing till we arrive. You don't want them needing to go mid-air. I also wouldn't feed them between connections either. Just have them wait. I have used rescue remedy once as a calming remedy on one of my guys. Our last trip to LA this summer was not a great one. The rescue remedy worked wonders. I bought some there and gave him some daily about 3 days before leaving. He was fabulous on the way home and just slept. Even better is that it's all natural.
I can't speak for the cat, but that's my opinion for the dog. Good luck.

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