Originally Posted by billycwhatup

OK - here's the update. I'm literally on the plane now. I ending up really pushing it with an XL Sturdibag. I also bought a large version which I planned to use if I had an issue. For starters, I picked up the puppy this morning and, well, she's a big girl. I would guess 22 pounds but very long.

Long story short, we're at 30K feet right now. I was able to get her past the check in with very little interaction. I tired to look confident and experienced with this although neither was true. Went through TSA with no drama - even got help getting her back into the bag from a dog loving agent. The flight attendant seemed unthrilled with the size. I tried to get her (the wide way) into the "common" space between the two first class seats and ultimately put her the long way in the narrow area directly in front of my seat. Again, the flight attendant told me that the bag was out too far, I squished it a bit, and she (thankfully) seemed to decide escalating was more effort than it was worth.

Not sure I could have gotten on board if we was a single inch longer, but we're on our way home!

Thanks to everyone for your comments and suggestions.