Travel with Pets - Any dog bags fit under seats?

Today, I have decided that I will be bringing my chihuahua to Puerto Rico. I was wondering, is there any bag that will fit under the seats? My chihuahua weighs about 7 pounds, so I hope I can find a bag that will fit under the seat.

My flights to Puerto Rico are on an MD-88 and 752, while my return flights are both 752s.

Best animal carrier around for air or land is a Sherpa Bag.

www.sherpapet.com

Accepted by virtually every North American carrier, and a small is probably ideal for a Chihuahua.

Best animal carrier around for air or land is a Sherpa Bag.



Concur. DDDaughter has one for her 9 lb YorkiePoo and it fits nicely under the seats.

Shouldn't this post be under the Pet Airways forums. http://www.petairways.com/

Another vote for the Sherpa bag. I have one for my cat, which is the size of a small panther. Yorkies and Chihuahuas should be quite comfortable.

Shouldn't this post be under the Pet Airways forums. http://www.petairways.com/

Unfortunately that is not a forum on FT. However FT does have a "Travel with Pets" forum which by coincidence I also happen to moderate and I am moving this discussion over there.

RSSrsvp - Moderator DL board

Of course, you don't have to buy a Sherpa-branded bag... just get any pet bag with the same dimensions. I have two no-name bags I bought at WalMart for $25 each about 8 years ago that fit just fine under any United seat... much cheaper than an $80 Sherpa bag, and the dogs seemed to like them just fine. (Well, as much as any dog would like any carrier bag.)

This isn't to say that Sherpa bags are bad, but that if you look around on the internet, you can find very similar bags for much cheaper. Just make sure to compare the dimensions and features (e.g. venting on the sides, access zippers, etc.) and pick whichever one holds the best value for your needs.

Today, I have decided that I will be bringing my chihuahua to Puerto Rico. I was wondering, is there any bag that will fit under the seats? My chihuahua weighs about 7 pounds, so I hope I can find a bag that will fit under the seat.

My flights to Puerto Rico are on an MD-88 and 752, while my return flights are both 752s.

Do you have a budget in mind for a bag? There are many decorative type bags out there that IMHO are far more attractive than the Sherpa bags.

Wow, Continental's in-cabin pet carrier regs are tight: Maximum dimensions are 17" long, 12,5" wide and just 8" tall.

My cat will pretty be "snug" during our 11 hour Transatlantic flight! :eek:

I'm having trouble finding a bag that will fit those requirements. It seems the bag makers have not caught up.

I thought the animal had to be able to stand up in the bag? What animal is standing up in an 8 inch bag? I don't think my 17 pound kitty will ever fly!

I thought the animal had to be able to stand up in the bag? What animal is standing up in an 8 inch bag? I don't think my 17 pound kitty will ever fly!

In addition to the 8" height restriction, CO limits the weight of animal + carrier on an int'l flight to c. 12 lbs.

Twice a year, I travel on AA w/my 20+ lb Maine Coon cat. I used to put him in a Sherpa but recently changed to the Sturdibag (http://www.sturdiproducts.com/4111/xcart/product.php?productid=2&cat=1&page=1). B/c of the rounded edges, it fits far enough under the seat in front of me to keep the FAs happy. He's much more comfortable b/c it bends/shifts when he does.

Wow, Continental's in-cabin pet carrier regs are tight: Maximum dimensions are 17" long, 12,5" wide and just 8" tall.

My cat will pretty be "snug" during our 11 hour Transatlantic flight! :eek:

I'm having trouble finding a bag that will fit those requirements. It seems the bag makers have not caught up.

I thought the animal had to be able to stand up in the bag? What animal is standing up in an 8 inch bag? I don't think my 17 pound kitty will ever fly!

In addition to the 8" height restriction, CO limits the weight of animal + carrier to 12 lbs total.

Twice a year, I travel on AA w/my 20+ lb Maine Coon cat. I used to put him in a Sherpa but recently changed to the Sturdibag (http://www.sturdiproducts.com/4111/xcart/product.php?productid=2&cat=1&page=1). B/c of the rounded edges, it fits far enough under the seat in front of me to keep the FAs happy. He's much more comfortable b/c it bends/shifts when he does.

Most pets lie on the botton of the carryon bag and sleep throughout the trip. I wouldn't get too hung up on the 8 inch bag requirement as their website says it is for "hard cases". Sherpa and similar type carryon bags are soft cases.

Also I have just reviewed their requirements for carryon pets which I have copied below. Where do they state a 12 pound limit?

In-cabin Pets

Continental allows domesticated cats, dogs, pet rabbits and household birds to be carried in the aircraft cabin on most U.S. flights within the U.S. An in-cabin pet may be carried in lieu of a carry-on bag and is subject to a $125.00 service charge each way ($250.00 for round trip travel). For travel that is on Continental Connection by Gulfstream International Airlines exclusively, the in cabin pet service charge is $50.00 each way ($100.00 for round trip travel). Pets can be booked online or by calling Reservations for assistance.

For travel outside the U.S. with an in-cabin pet, contact Reservations (800.525.0280 in the U.S.) for assistance and information about international in-cabin pet acceptance and service charges.

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" L x 12.5" W x 8" H (43 cm L x 32 cm W x 20 cm H).

In-cabin pet kennels may be available at Continental ticket counters for $55.00. The dimensions are 17" L x 12.5" W x 8" H (43 cm L x 32 cm W x 20 cm H).

In-cabin pet restrictions:

* Only one pet per passenger is allowed in cabin.
* One pet per flight is allowed in the front cabin (select aircraft only).
* Four pets per flight are allowed in the Economy cabin on all Continental Airlines, Continental Micronesia, Continental Express and Continental Connection (except flights operated by Cape Air) flights.
* One pet per flight is allowed in the Economy cabin for Continental Connection flights operated by Cape Air to/from San Juan, PR and within the state of Florida.
* Pets are not permitted on flights operated by Cape Air dba Continental Connection to/from Guam.
* Pets are not permitted with unaccompanied minors.
* Pets are not permitted in the BusinessFirst cabin of Boeing 757, 767 or 777 aircraft due to inadequate storage space under the seat.
* Customers traveling with an in-cabin pet on a Boeing 757-200 aircraft must be seated by the window.
* Customers traveling with an in-cabin pet may not be seated in the bulkhead or an emergency exit row.
* Pets are not permitted on flights to and from Hawaii.
* Pet must remain in the kennel at all times on board the aircraft.
* Customer is responsible to determine and comply with all state entry requirements which may apply.
* Advance arrangements must be made.
* Pets under eight weeks old are not permitted.
* Pet must travel on the same flight as the owner.
* No oxygen will be administered to a pet in the event of an emergency.

Most pets lie on the botton of the carryon bag and sleep throughout the trip. I wouldn't get too hung up on the 8 inch bag requirement as their website says it is for "hard cases". Sherpa and similar type carryon bags are soft cases.

Also I have just reviewed their requirements for carryon pets which I have copied below. Where do they state a 12 pound limit?

In-cabin Pets

Continental allows domesticated cats, dogs, pet rabbits and household birds to be carried in the aircraft cabin on most U.S. flights within the U.S. An in-cabin pet may be carried in lieu of a carry-on bag and is subject to a $125.00 service charge each way ($250.00 for round trip travel). For travel that is on Continental Connection by Gulfstream International Airlines exclusively, the in cabin pet service charge is $50.00 each way ($100.00 for round trip travel). Pets can be booked online or by calling Reservations for assistance.

For travel outside the U.S. with an in-cabin pet, contact Reservations (800.525.0280 in the U.S.) for assistance and information about international in-cabin pet acceptance and service charges.

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" L x 12.5" W x 8" H (43 cm L x 32 cm W x 20 cm H).

In-cabin pet kennels may be available at Continental ticket counters for $55.00. The dimensions are 17" L x 12.5" W x 8" H (43 cm L x 32 cm W x 20 cm H).

In-cabin pet restrictions:

* Only one pet per passenger is allowed in cabin.
* One pet per flight is allowed in the front cabin (select aircraft only).
* Four pets per flight are allowed in the Economy cabin on all Continental Airlines, Continental Micronesia, Continental Express and Continental Connection (except flights operated by Cape Air) flights.
* One pet per flight is allowed in the Economy cabin for Continental Connection flights operated by Cape Air to/from San Juan, PR and within the state of Florida.
* Pets are not permitted on flights operated by Cape Air dba Continental Connection to/from Guam.
* Pets are not permitted with unaccompanied minors.
* Pets are not permitted in the BusinessFirst cabin of Boeing 757, 767 or 777 aircraft due to inadequate storage space under the seat.
* Customers traveling with an in-cabin pet on a Boeing 757-200 aircraft must be seated by the window.
* Customers traveling with an in-cabin pet may not be seated in the bulkhead or an emergency exit row.
* Pets are not permitted on flights to and from Hawaii.
* Pet must remain in the kennel at all times on board the aircraft.
* Customer is responsible to determine and comply with all state entry requirements which may apply.
* Advance arrangements must be made.
* Pets under eight weeks old are not permitted.
* Pet must travel on the same flight as the owner.
* No oxygen will be administered to a pet in the event of an emergency.



Wow, that's a colorful post.

The weight restriction is imposed on COs int'l flights, I was specifically alluding to asimegusta's post re: TATL flights and I have added that to my post.

Just received an email from a friend that Southwest refused to let her fly in-cabin with a Medium Sherpa bag and she had to purchase the 8" high Southwest carrier.

I looked up United's requirements and a soft-sided carrier is supposed to be a maximum of 17x10x10 inches, which would technically rule out a Medium Sherpa as well. I've flown several times with a Large Sherpa with no problems. But I guess a zealous agent could refuse either one. :(

One consideration not mentioned above is whether the dog/cat has a personality such that it's going to try to claw it's way out. If so, be sure to buy a bag that's sturdy.

Just received an email from a friend that Southwest refused to let her fly in-cabin with a Medium Sherpa bag and she had to purchase the 8" high Southwest carrier.

I looked up United's requirements and a soft-sided carrier is supposed to be a maximum of 17x10x10 inches, which would technically rule out a Medium Sherpa as well. I've flown several times with a Large Sherpa with no problems. But I guess a zealous agent could refuse either one. :(

I would have made a stink and asked for a supervisor. Medium sized Sherpa bags are accepted by every major carrier. If you are dealing with an uncooperative agent you must always remind them that these bags are soft sided and there is no issue.

I would have made a stink and asked for a supervisor. Medium sized Sherpa bags are accepted by every major carrier. If you are dealing with an uncooperative agent you must always remind them that these bags are soft sided and there is no issue.

I don't think that will work on an international Lufthansa flight, like the one I'm taking. The website clearly says 55x40x20cm, soft-sided or no.

I tried the medium sherpa back and it was a nice fit, but the dimensions are bigger than allowed by the airline. I don't want to show up the day of my flight and be denied.