In-Cabin Pet Kennels - Page 1

I'd appreciate some advice from the frequent flyers with pets.    Almost all seats are all assigned ... I have to get them to change seats on the first leg somehow, so my boy and I can sit together. I just need to buy the in-cabin kennel, and the nice Indian man on the United service phone said I can buy one at their check-in, when we get to LGA. (Not for nothing but I always end up having to repeat myself, or ask them to repeat themselves because the accent is hard to understand. Very polite, though.)

I don't like not knowing for sure they will have one on the day I actually fly. So I wondered, does anyone have a preferred type of or brand of carrier that is guaranteed to be acceptable for flying in-cabin? United lists a $60 price tag for theirs... but then I will be sure it is approved.... But what if they run out or something? 

Here are the requirements:

Pets must be carried in an approved in-cabin kennel. The kennel must fit completely under the seat forward of the customer and remain there at all times aboard the aircraft. Maximum hard case kennel dimensions are: 17.5 in. (length) x 12 in. (width) x 7.5 in. (height) (or 44 cm x 30 cm x 19 cm) for hard-sided kennels. Customers should contact United Reservations to confirm kennel availability at specific locations.

In-cabin pet kennels may be available at United ticket counters for $60.00. Purchases may be made with cash or check, and are subject to availability. The dimensions are 18 in. (length) x 11 in. (width) x 11 in. (height) (or 46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm) for soft-sided kennels. Customers should contact United Reservations to confirm kennel availability at specific locations.

Thanks!

beetree,
Are you totally sure that puppy will fit in one of
those soft sided crates at 8 weeks?

If so, order one online, or buy one at home, and 
UPS it to the rescue so they can get the pup used
to it.

Um, no, I am not sure of anything! That sounds like a good idea....!  Now which one? Soft or hard? (He  only has to be in there for about 7 and 1/2 hours, not even if I subtract 1 1/2 hrs for the layover.....I can let him pop his head out, at least?   Haven't a clue what to do if he doesn't fit!     DON"T SAY THAT CAN HAPPEN!  

Steph says he's what... 7 lbs right about now? How much can he grow in these, what 2 1/2 weeks? (I'm shrinking him with my mind, but DH did say he wanted the big one!)

http://www.petco.com/product/115345/Bergan-Comfort-Carrier-Black-Pet-Carrier.aspx

here you go...airline approved and right dimentsions.

I just sold a puppy to Aruba and we had this issue. They flew in, picked up the puppy, and flew home with him in-cabin. We bought a Sherpa size LARGE (biggest they make that will fit under a seat) and it was a tight squeeze. The puppy was fine and happy, but I can promise you that an airline attendant in a bad mood would cause a commotion over it. The puppy could lie down easily, turn around, etc, but the issue was the ears. The top of his head did hit the top of the bag. Since it was a soft bag, puppy didn't care. He was just happy as could be and nice and quiet. A rowdy puppy and a moody airline person = not going to happen.

The puppy was a WL male that weighed 13.5 lbs on the day of the flight (I didn't give him much of any food the night before and limited water). Including the bag, he weighed right under 20 lbs going onto the plane.  

I was able to take an gsd puppy with me in the cabin. Here's the soft crate I used.

http://reviews.petco.com/3554/107197/akc-sherpa-american-kennel-club-navy-pet-carrier-reviews/reviews.htm

I was able to use the large size.
Everyone was more interested in petting the puppy than weighing/measuring.

A couple tips... Go United Economy Plus if you can...stowage under the seats is a bit larger than most. Plan ahead of time to go at an off peak time. This way you can easily get an entire row of seats to yourself. This way the puppy can be stowed under the seats for take off and landing but can be on the seat during the rest of the flight.


Hope this helps!
Sonia

for flight layover,

bring a baby blanket and let puppy out on a leash on the blanket - excellent chance for early socializing.
for potty break..... take puppy to the family restroom and let him out. clean up with handsoap and papertowels.
this will keep you from having to go thru security over and over...

I am, thankfully, flying the Economy Plus on the longer legs of the journey, ... third row on the smaller plane... as it only has two seats per side.

I downloaded the United App for my Iphone, and somehow it let me change the seats that weren't together.... I hope it is true, because it was too darn easy!

I am checking out everyones suggestions, thanks so much for the replies. So, I need the tallest soft-sided one I can find and hope he never stands up????? I was figuring on lots of puppy wee pads! Did I read somewhere to not feed 4 hrs before... something about giving pups Karo syrup, too, carbo load them?

I have a feeling I'm going to have to count on MAJOR cuteness to overcome obstacles and the fact they'll destroy my poor son at the same time if we can't get on the plane home!

I did buy flight insurance, something I am normally against in case they sic the oversized puppy police on me, but once I get the pup in that bag I'll just want to get home! 

Oh and Steph, he isn't 8 wks until about  Sept 11th, right? So, A few days really can't make that much difference? At least someone has actually flown with a 13.5 lb. GSD puppy.... that is encouraging!

I can have it shipped to you no problem, whichever one I end up getting...

Great tip's Sitasmom! Thanks!