FlyerTalk Forums - Pets: First Class

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I was asked for health certificates from a vet within 10 days of travel for in-cabin travel with my cat by UA (PDX-LAX), AA (LAX-JFK) and AS (LAX-ANC and vv) and for my puppy by AS (ANC-LAX). Should've flown DL apparently because I would have happily skipped squeezing in a vet appointment while in the middle of packing and moving!

I went and picked up my new puppy and flew him back with me from DFW to MSP in FC. I was on my way home from vacation and added a stop to the return. It was $125. I was able to carry on a small suitcase as well as the pup in his carrier. I wasn't asked for any paperwork.

He flew with me once again on a roundtrip on an RJ. He was under the seat when the FA came through. She was holding a piece of paper when she approached me and then started looking around. I thought it was funny when she looked up to the overhead bin and then asked me where he was.

For both trips, the people sitting next to me had no idea there was a dog under the seat until we got off the plane.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesteroh (Post 27425957)

A lot of airport have pet relief areas so the pet can go right before getting on the plane or if there is a long layover.

Most pets can hold their bladder for a long time. I have absorbant pads I put down in the bottom of the carrier and then have a cat blanket on top of that (for the cats comfort) and fortunately I've never had one have an accident but if they did it would absorb it. I think they have dog diapers as well.

I know some people think pets should be banned from airplanes (and have seen some people say infants/small kids should be banned) but there are times when you have to fly with pets. If you have a long haul move driving isn't feasible. I've taken my cats to shows before and driving isn't feasible. If you are getting a cat or dog from a breeder flying is necessary unless the breeder is only a few hours a way.

Agreed that sometimes it's necessary. There are sometimes other options, though. For example, for moves there are pet ground transportation companies that do an awesome job. A dog I had many years ago arrived via one of these companies with GPS tracking, uploaded photos and regular reports during the whole trip. The drive was from Oregon to Minnesota. They took great care of her!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmarge18 (Post 27431976)

Cute kitty! I tried to get a private screening room since I knew they'd be ready to bolt if I slipped my grip, but the TSA agent denied my request. Perhaps it's just Seattle being obnoxious. Fortunately, neither cat freaked; they were more scared of the outside and ready to get back into the crate at that point.

I don't think the TSA can deny a private screening request, can they?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesteroh (Post 27421655)

It's $125 and you have to call Delta.
If it's flat bed seating you won't be allow to have the pet and it can't be a bulkhead since the carrier has to go under your seat in front of you.

I've seen them twice on flatbed flights - though I'm 99% sure both times their owners had sneaked them on board. I think the FAs mostly just don't care since challenging it would delay the plane most likely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HonoraryOrange (Post 27434695)

I don't think the TSA can deny a private screening request, can they?

I wouldn't think so. Although now that I think of it, it was one of SEA's contractors to augment TSA help, it was 0430, and I just wanted to get through quickly. I probably could have pushed the issue but I try to not push any issues with overbearing TSA.