Flying over Christmas

[Christine + Ellie]

Ellie will be coming home with me during Christmas for about 2 weeks. We will be flying from NYC to CA. Currently Ellie 7 months old and 20 lbs. Too big to fit underneath the seat.

At first I was really nervous to check Ellie underneath the plane but than I got over it. Today a lady at the dog run said she would never check her dog. I know she means well but it got me nervous all over again.

Does anyone have any experiences with checking their dog?

Ellie was shipped to me from TN when she was a pup but that was a short flight. This is a 5-6 hr flight!

Thanks in advance

[Lynn D.]

I have checked my dog before, but it was a short flight. My dog didn't seem to care and everyone swore that they would make sure she would be fine. It was a smaller plane, I am nearly 100% sure I would have heard her bark if she did.

I know someone who was one of the baggage guys that load/unload the plane at a international airport. He tells me that the luggage is stacked around the dog to secure them during take off and landing.

Try not to worry. I bet Ellie will be fine.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

When my DH was in the military we had a small toy poodle, but she was too big to fit under the seat as well. We used to have to fly her (you go where they tell you to go). We probably flew her 5 times. We would always get a mild anxiety pill from the vet to just mellow her out a little. We wrote her name on the cage so those handling her could talk to her. We would rush to the gate and watch to be sure they put her on and she would always be waiting on us in the luggage area when we got there (guess she was first off). She was always fine. The only thing I don't think I would do is take a flight with a change of planes (that would make me too nervous). That being said, that was when I was a whole lot younger ..... I don't think I could fly my girls now (I'm almost afraid to fly myself anymore). But if I had to I'm sure I would. Just make sure to watch the weather. I know if it is too hot they won't take the pets, I'm not sure how cold it can be or if that makes a difference. We also had to get some sort of health certificate from the vet to take to the airport as well so make sure you check on that. Good Luck.