Will Hattie fit in airline approved carrier

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I made my reservation (non refundable) to go get Hattie, and bought the approved airline carrier (hard plastic x-small ASPCA one from Walmart) that will fit under the seat (nine inches high). My breeder tells me Hattie will be between 9-11 pounds at 8 weeks. Does anyone know if she will fit in this? The airline rules say she must be able to stand up and turn around. The flight is only three hours. My breeder is meeting me at the airport. I'm so afraid she won't be allowed in the carrier! I hope someone can ease my worries over this or give suggestions. Would one of the soft bags work better? But it can still only be nine inches high. Thanks :)

[Kate]

Hi Sandy, Your breeder could probably ease your mind the most because I'm sure she has done this many times. What airline are you on? When I moved cross country I had a 22 lb cat with me and he was fine. Most airlines publish the measurements of their underseat areas, but I used a soft-sided carrier because it would be a little bit forgiving. Also, I doubt they're going to check to make sure that Hattie can stand and turn around. In fact, they'll probably be looking at how adorable she is, They didn't check when I flew with my cats. Also, I have a friend who flies all the time with her small dog and she says they never check (her dog can stand but can't turn around). She uses a soft carrier as well.  You will need to take her out of the carrier so they can x-ray the carrier. You'll carry Hattie. Anyway, try not to stress about it too much and enjoy the experience. I'm sure it'll be fine and I can't wait to see all the photos!

[Jodi and Stella]

I used a soft carrier that the breeder brought when she met me at the airport. I think with a soft carrier you have more leeway with getting it to fit, hers did not quite go all the way under but it was enough to get by. Stella was 8 pounds when I brought her home, she fit fine in the soft crate.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

If it's allowed, I would also go for the soft sided. Good luck-how exciting!! Call the breeder to verify!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Waiting excitedly to see photos of Hattie!

[Carol Brand]

You need a soft sided bag like this:

 

http://www.sherpapet.com/

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Any way you can pick up your Hattie and not have to go through the airlines?  Or Do you know anyone who works for the airlines who can work with you.  It seems the airlines have changed many of their guidlelines recently.

[Dori & Rua]

I flew to CA and to FL with Rua (January & February) on 2 different airlines and on 4 different planes.  I used a soft-sided carrier which I could squish to fit under when I needed (had to on one of the planes).

 

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753707&kee...

 

I bought the Sherpa bag and I got a large.  Rua weighed 12.5 - 13 lbs. 

 

When are you traveling?  If you pay for mailing, I will lend you mine!  Send me a friend request and we can figure things out!

 

[Kate]

Dogjaunt is a blog written by a woman who takes her small dog with her everywhere. I think it has some useful information.

Airline policies:

http://www.dogjaunt.com/guides/us-airline-pet-policies/

What to expect:

http://www.dogjaunt.com/2009/05/traveling-by-plane-how-it-works/

[Jodi and Stella]

Stella cried quite a bit and I thought everyone on the plane would hate me but they were very sweet and understanding. The flight attendant said "this is nothing, you should have heard the cat we had howling for the entire flight last week" I know you can't hold her but I would put my hand inside her crate and let her mouth it and that seemed to comfort her a lot!

[Dori & Rua]

The bags can squish down some.  How big is Hattie supposed to be?  Rua will be 9 months old on the 27th and is 16.4lbs.  I'll probably could still use my bag, but the fees to fly her are redonkulous!  It cost me $150 to CA (as my CARRY ON) and $250 to go to FL.  She didn't make a peep! 

[Jodi and Stella]

Sandy when I flew Stella home I flew Southwest, it was $75  for her and I had to pre-arrange it, then pay upon check-in. I flew direct but I would guess it is only one fee for the trip. I called the airline customer service and they were great at answering all my questions including the dimensions under the seat. You sound as obsessed as I was! lol. You wil make a great doggy mom!

[Lynda Kamrath]

She will fit.  She may not be too comfortable, but it is only a three hour flight.  Talk to your breeder.  She has probably had plenty of experience with airline regulations.