Travel with Pets - To Gamble or Not?

I have a 5 month old mini goldendoodle that I want to take home for Christmas. She's about 16.7 lbs now and I have no idea how much she will weigh in December. I was debating whether or not I should take a chance for her to sit in-cabin with me.

Does anyone have any suggestions or can recommend airlines that are bit more lenient?

If she's 16.7 lbs now, I'd say there's no chance she'll be small enough to fit in-cabin in December. Even now she barely qualifies as small enough. I'd say that if you really want to take her, plan to ship her in the hold... for her sake and yours.

It's not about leniency, it's about her being able to actually fit in a bag under the seat. If she can't physically fit, it'll be miserable for her, even if the airline allows it.

Welcome to FT!

Totally agree.... there is no way that dog will fit with over 3 months to go before flying.

Besides, you do not want to make the animal uncomfortable on such a trip.

I triple the motion on this not being a wise move. In addition it is definitely no fair to the animal. @:-)

My son has a mini goldendoodle. I have never seen a pup grow as fast as this guy. At 6 months, he looked like a gangly teenager and was very very energetic.

Thank for the advice everyone. Does anyone have a suggestion on which airline to fly? I was contemplating American or Delta. At this point, I'm leaning towards American but Delta seems fine as well.

Thank for the advice everyone. Does anyone have a suggestion on which airline to fly? I was contemplating American or Delta. At this point, I'm leaning towards American but Delta seems fine as well.

It seems to me based on the posts so far that you would definitely have an issue flying with your dog in a carryon bag on any carrier.

Does anyone have a suggestion on which airline to fly?If you're asking for advice on which carrier handles checked-bag pets better... I don't know. Prices do vary; United charges $250 for medium (or larger) kennels; AA and Delta may charge less. For the comfort of your pet, I'd pick whichever airline has the most direct routing, to minimize time in the hold and in the kennel.

Thanks all. I booked an early flight from NY hoping that we won't delay since it's earlier. I decided on checking her on Delta. Let's hope all goes well.