what is the best airline to fly on with a big dog?

Answer 1

That's a no brainer! Continental airlines have a wonderful pet-safe program. I will heartily recommend them any time. I have shipped dogs for many years, but they have never been treated as well as on continental... they actually have pet sitters that never leave the pets.

the only downside, is that they only fly to major airports.

Answer 2

You need to find out if you need a health certificate. If you are taking the dog out of the state or the country there is paperwork that has to be completed. Call you vet, they will know what you need.
Also, a lot of this paperwork has a time limit. Whenever anyone gives you papers, ask how long they are good for.
You will need to plan ahead and ask lots of questions. You don't want your pet stuck in quarantine that can last weeks and months. Which can happen if the paperwork is not correct.
Flying is safe and probably the least stressful method of transport. Book a non-stop flight and try to get the same flight. That way you are right there and you don't have to worry about changing planes or anything.

Answer 3

Flying is REALLY hard on dogs. They don't get let out to go, they are confused and get jostled around in the plane. If you have to, you HAVE to buy an airline approved carrier, which can be expensive and hard to manage for a larger dog. My 30 lb beagle had to fly a few times and he HATED it. I have to move my 120 lb shepherd across the country and I am driving him. He could never handle the flight and could easiy get injured.

if you HAVE to fly, DO NOT give them tranquilizers, as that can cause them to get injured by being too limp and getting bumped around too much. Read up on the rules for the airline before you fly, and you will need a vet to check the dog before you fly them to verify that they have no diseases or illnesses (a respiratory infection could easily be spread to any other animals on the plane)

I won' ever fly my dogs again. They are confused and alone and it is really hard on them.

Answer 4

Score another one for Chetco.
If you have to ship your dog, the most comfortable choice for the dog would be Continental.
I had to relocate after Katrina, and I am now stuck with Delta, or drive 4 hours each way to Atlanta, Ga. or 4& 1/2 to Birmingham, Al.
Delta has to be "hands down" the worst I have ever used.
The attendents dont have a clue and could care less.
When I use them I am on the phone the entire time the puppy is in flight. They have a very steady habit of changing the aircraft that the puppy was scheduled to ship on to another flight (same destination, just different times) That would not create a problem except for the fact that they NEVER call the owner or the buyer to inform them of the change. Of 9 shippings I have had adjustment of some sort that I had to make on 6 of them.
I know it is sometimes impossible to drive a dog to a new destination.
And yes people, I have actually paid people to carry my puppies to Atlanta or B'ham for me.
If you are going to be on the same aircraft as your dog, it might not be as stressful on them, even if they are stuck in cargo.

Answer 5

in my opinion there is no safe airlines 4 pets just drive your dog will be much happier