dogs in the airport
 

since I've never flown with my dog before and I'm going to have to in about 2 weeks, I decided I'd ask here... if you're flying with a small dog in the cabin and will have to lug it around the airport with you while you're on a layover, does the dog have to stay in its kennel or can it be let out on a leash? Does it vary by airport? I've searched a lot, but haven't been able to find any airport policies on this... all I've found has to do with how they are treated as luggage by the different airlines. Letting the dog relieve his/herself also has to be done outside security, outside the airport, right..?

my old boss used to fly with a small dog.

its usually out on a leash both in EWR and FLL with no questions asked.

--Russ

I saw a small poodle type dog on a leash at DCA last month.

The rules vary by airport. Even when the signs say that the dog must remain kenneled, though, these may not be enforced. I certainly wouldn't hesitate, once I get to my departure gate, to find a quiet corner and let the pooch out (on a short leash) while waiting for boarding.

Relieving should be done outside, which means outside security.

On the plane, the dog must remain kenneled, though if your seatmate doesn't object, you can usually open the kennel top to let the pup stick their head out. If the FA tells you not to, then obey, of course.

What airports are you flying from/to?

After a 3 hour flight from Punta Arenas to Santiago, Chile, I saw a dog owner let their dog out of the carrying case. The dog ran around and then deposited something on the carpet in the baggage claim area. This was not a good experience.

I once flew from WGA-OOL with Ansett on a Fokker F27 and I had the pleasure of sitting next to a feisty pedigree Boxer called, I soon found out, "Mangle." I was quite anxious to stretch out, but Mangle had the window seat and made it quite clear, through a series of rasping barks, that he was more than amply placed in 16D and had no intention of moving.

does anybody know the rule at Chicago's O'Hare..? I'm thinking that I can probably let her out on a leash... I hope so, since I have a 2 hour flight to get there and then a 3 hour layover, then another 3+ hour flight... I don't think she'll like staying in the container the entire time. :-p

It sounds like you'll need to let her out for a bit, and probably should take her outside, so she can relieve herself.

I was in DEN last week, and someone had their little fluffy out in one of the restaurants.

I wouldn't attempt taking our dog into a restaurant, but I guess if it's not prohibited, it might not be too horrible.

We let our dog out on a leash in ORD regularly without any issues. Just be careful you get the leash snapped on good. The vision of the dog taking off down concourse B at a dead run is a scary one.

I think the cuteness factor of your dog can matter sometimes. I know that many GAs, etc., like to come up and pet our Papillion when we travel with her.

Once you land do not let your dog out of the kennel until you are outside of the airport. I've seen way too many "accidents" in baggage claim and believe me it is not pleasant.

well, if my dog was badly behaved and had a habit of running away from me, I'd think twice about letting her out on a leash, but since I've never had that problem with her, I don't think I'll have an issue if I walk her on a leash while I'm in the airport, especially if I take her outside to do her business when I get off the plane. It'll be her first time around so many people, though, so she's likely to stick close to me, even if she does manage to get off the leash.

I'm a dog lover, but...

It annoys me to no end when I see travelers who have the dog on the leash walking through the crowded terminal, or sitting in the middle of the crowded boarding area playing with their dog and/or cat. IMHO, airports are crowded, unfamiliar places, and animals may behave unpredictably in new environments. There are a lot of people who aren't animal lovers, or have allergies, so I think that passengers who are flying with their pet should make every effort to be inconspicuous and avoid bringing their pet into contact with other passengers. You love your dog, but your dog may not be loved by everyone who is nearby.

If your dog needs to stretch his/her legs and it isn't feasible to leave the terminal, then find a quiet stretch of hallway or empty gate and walk around there. People who are walking to their gates have enough to focus on (watching gate numbers, carrying luggage, etc.) without having to worry about getting tripped by a dog on a leash.

When you get to your gate, it's ok to take the dog out of his/her kennel provided you do it in a quiet corner away from other passengers. To sit down in the middle of a crowded seating area, take out your dog and assume that's it's OK with others who are sitting nearby is inconsiderate. It's a hassle to pick up your suitcase and change seats, but you may be forcing people to do that if they're allergic or uncomfortable around dogs.

I hope I don't sound like a animal hater--I'm the furthest thing from that!--but I've just seen too many inconsiderate people traveling with pets. (And, for the record, I practice what I preach when I travel with my pets. In fact, the ideal trip is one where almost no one--except for security screeners, ticket agents and a few observant individuals--even realize I'm traveling with an animal.)

I'm curious...just where do you take a dog outside at ORD to do their business? It's concrete and crowds as far as I can see.

Also, the funniest experience I ever had with a pet on a plane was when a cat escaped from her carrier and ran up and down the plane under the seats. The owner was unaware that this had happened, until the FA made the announcement that a cat was loose in the galley.