Preferred Airline for flying your dogs?

Question

Hi there, i will be moving back to Australia next year and am in the process of organising my dogs to fly over, and have already hired an animal moving company to help with this, I was wondering however, if anyone had flown their dogs before and which airlines they found the best. I have been talking to american airlines and they seem ok but i wanted to ask since this is my first time flying them. They will be flying from Washington Dc to Los Angelese then from LA to melbourne they will fly qantas which will be booked through the moving company. i guess as many perspectives is what im asking for to get a better understanding of the quality my dogs will receive.
thanks
Aimee

Answer 1

Continental Airlines has temperature and pressure controlled cargo areas if your dogs too big to fit into the passenger area. I know this because when i got my puppy the breeder would only fly her through Continental because of this. I believe they're the only one (at least in the US) who does this (meaning american airlines does not, and they won't even let your dog fly in certain times of the year in certain states because they can't control the temp).

Answer 2

Never flew my dog or myself internationally. However have many times in the USA. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines I recall were good. As were a few other major airlines that may fly where you are going. This I do know that sny airline that agrees to fly your pet when not in the main coach with you are required to have a pressurized and temperature control area in cargo. Inquire don't assume. Also ask if your pet will be flown on the same plane you are on. They staff have usually informed me while on the ground when my dog is being loaded and that is nice very nice and comforting, if they don't volunteer this info and you can't see the loading do ask, they should call down and ask. Once my dog flew on another flight and they informed me and asked for my OK because the plane (smaller) I was on did not have this type cargo section. It worked out fine, my dog flight arrived about 20 minutes before or after me as promised.

Answer 3

There's actually an airline called Companion Air that allows you to fly with your dog in the cabin. Most airlines allow you to bring small dogs (under 20 lbs), but this airline caters specifically to you and your dog. I haven't had the chance to use it yet, but its supposed to be great. Check out the site at www.companionair.com

If your dogs are medium or large size dogs, they will probably be in the cargo area, which is not heated and sealed the way the passenger cabin is. They're treated like luggage. I would seriously suggest you try an alternative method to transport your dogs!

Answer 4

I use Continental,or Delta airlines.True the pet is put in cargo area,but have found both to be a realiable companies.Continental is climate controled,but doesn't seem to go to as many airports as Delta.Would suggest insuring your pet and insure it for the value of your pet,think it is around 50 cents on every $100.00,well worth it.

Answer 5

i flew my dog from chicago to houston....dog is @ 85# part rot and part shepherd---so a fairly large dog....pack very little food as they won't eat it anyway---and really u are better to provide medicine to relax your dog.....this is an EXTREMELY tramatic event for the dog....i went and picked up my dog in the cargo area at the houston airport...dog was very glad to see me and would never ever get into the crate again....very loud for their ears...would i fly her again....only if i had to---but was worth it---took me three days to drive down with 2 kids and me in the car...now that would have been too much for the dog

good luck and may god bless you for thinking ahead and WANTING to bring your dogs with...