Airline carrier

[sheltielover17]

I'm getting a 10 week old Sheltie puppy this weekend (my precious prior girl died from cancer last August at the young age of 8). Since my children live far away, I am hoping to take this pup on flights in the US. 1) Does anyone have a favorite airline carrier (preferably one with a sleeve to put over my luggage handle!) and 2) Does anyone have a favorite airline to fly that is more dog friendly than others? Thanks so much for any ideas!

 

[Piper's mom]

Congratulations on your upcoming new puppy! Exciting times ahead for you!
I can’t help you with your questions but I’m certain someone here will be able to. I’d also check to see if there are any Facebook groups in your area or a dog group that might be able to help you out. Where I live we have a dog group that’s on Facebook and there are many knowledgeable people on it.

 

[Margi]

My friend is here visiting with her dog right now. She has flown with him several times. She says the most important is the size that the airline will allow, and making sure you get a window or middle seat cuz the crate won't fit under the seat as easily. She has no preference for a brand name of crate, and says the three airlines she's taken her dog on have all been about the same. Hope this helps.

 

[Cindy]

Not to hijack this thread, but Pico has reservations for both thanksgiving (United) and christmas (southwest) to travel to see relatives.
Both are non stop flights from 2.5-4 hours. Pretty sure I will diaper him for the flight just in case. I need to research doggie relief station locations, but not sure Pico will go on fake grass
I just ordered a Sturdibag (large) for him after much reading. The other option was a large Sherpa, which I will try if he doesn't take to the Sturdibag.
he is 12.5" tall and 10lbs NOW. he will probably be 12 lbs at Thanksgiving, maybe 13 at Christmas.
Unless he has a growth spurt, but even then he should be well under 20lbs.

 

[Cindy]

So Pico was 14 lbs for thanksgiving.
the carrier extends from under the seat in front of me (one economy plus seat, one economy..they were the same). but it is the designated length/
one seat it slid under with no squishing (economy plus, airbus 320), one had squishing (economy airbus 319).
the regular economy seat I had to slide the bag in from the floor of the aisle.
he did fine in the sturdibag..he was probably 14.5 inches tall then. he did get warm, so I will open ventilation to the max next time.
I did not see ANY dogs in a carrier they could fully stand up in. people tend to buy the smallest carrier they can for their dogs probably so they have more legroom..
like a 4 lb yorkie-poo in a tiny carrier he could only stand in if the lid was fully open as his back was an inch above the carrier'e top.
or a corgi that was like a sausage in a box, he couldn't move beyond laying down and rolling a bit side to side.
Pico could roll on his back, curl up in either end of the bag, stretch/push his legs out, and turn himself around.
I often put my hand in the bag and couldn't even reach him so he had plenty of height when he was laying down in there.
but he is technically too tall for the bag. I flew United this time and was nervous as they have a rep for checking and asking for dogs to do a show and tell.
I fly Southwest for Christmas and they have a rep for being the most lenient.
I figure he will be 15 lbs then. our last flight.

one things I was not expecting...at security you need to carry the dog through.
Pico did not want to cone out of the bag. I think the noise and commotion maybe scared him.
all other times he was fine coming out of the bag, but he would sit up and put his legs forward and refuse to budge. both time took some cajoling.