How to travel on an airplane with an 8 week puppy in a travel bag at my feet?

[Sheri Kane]

Any suggestions? I am picking Riley up at the Portland airport, and then getting on an airplane home. I haven't purchased the approved carrier yet,( that I will only use once) what kind of carrier? And where can I buy it. Thank you Sheri

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Will he be in the cabin with you?? I bought a $15.00 little carrier that went under the seat at Pet Smart when I brought Charli home. Most of the flight she was in my lap sleeping.

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

What size?

[Debbie Penny]

Sheri, best to check with your airline, they will provide the exact measurements of soft sided carrier permitted on board. Make sure it doesn't have wheels! I flew with Teddi in cabin, her weight including the carrier had to be under 22 lbs. I was not even allowed to place the carrier on the airplane seat, The air attendant explained that if any animal urine got onto a seat they would have to take the whole seat out and throw it out, also because of allergies, Teddi had to stay completely in her carrier under the seat for the entire flight. I was able to give her water as I brought a small bowl that I could hold in the crate for her, she slept pretty much the entire 4 hour flight. whew... : ) Wishing you all the best with your travels.

[Mustard Seed Ranch]

YEARS ago we flew home from Mexico with a mexican hairless. Although we bought a crate and had health papers we wrapped him like a baby and I held him in my arms for the flight ...obviously pre 9/11 and you could never do that now a days!

[Christine and Daisy]

I discussed that with my breeder in February who was shipping my dog from Manitoba to British Columbia on May 1st.
It was going to be a 4-hour flight and I stressed about it weeks in advance. I even cried because I felt so bad for her having to ride on an airplane at all. We chose that breeder for a few reasons. We felt none of the breeders in British Columbia, Alberta or Washington State could compare with the benefits we were getting from our breeder in Manitoba.

With my husband we had discussed me driving there to pick her up, flying with her in the cabin or having her in the cargo area. The breeder let me know that certain airlines were better for puppies to travel down below. The best airline was West Jet as animals are kept in the heated compartment where the pilot's luggage is kept. Not with the rest of the cargo like Air Canada does. She said it's better for dogs to be in a heated, quiet, dark environment so they can sleep. Not many distractions like being in the cabin with noise and odors etc.

I chose West Jet and knew my puppy would have a calmer ride home. Everyone said she would forget about the flight the second she saw us.
After she was shipped (I hated using that word, but that's the breeders wording) I received her flight information and she was on Air Canada!! Not West Jet, that I had requested. The breeder had to put one of their dogs to sleep the day before and was probably a little forgetful.
She arrived totally fine, a little cold in the cargo hold at the airport. We took her outside and opened the crate door on some grass. She started at us initially from the back corner of the crate. Very slowly her little tail started wagging and she walked out of the crate. She didn't go to the bathroom and we had an hour's drive from there home. She was in the best spirits and was sitting on my lap giving me kisses the whole way home.

I know you are planning to bring her in the cabin, but I was the same way as you a few months ago.