To Gamble or Not?
Sep 5, 2009 | 4:45 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 5
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?
Does anyone have any suggestions or can recommend airlines that are bit more lenient?
Last edited by goblue88; Sep 5, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Sep 5, 2009 | 4:56 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boulder, CO
Programs: UA, AA, WN; HH, MR, IHG
Posts: 7,055
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!
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!
Sep 5, 2009 | 8:16 pm
#3
Flyertalk Evangelist and Moderator: Coupon Connection and Travel Products
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Milton, GA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum Elite, Hyatt Discoverist, Radisson Elite
Posts: 19,217
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.
Besides, you do not want to make the animal uncomfortable on such a trip.
Sep 6, 2009 | 11:54 am
#5
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 27,014
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.
Sep 7, 2009 | 10:26 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
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Posts: 12,004
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.
Sep 7, 2009 | 3:29 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boulder, CO
Programs: UA, AA, WN; HH, MR, IHG
Posts: 7,055
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.