I'm going to be flying from Alabama to Alaska in a few months and will be hoping to take my 2 cats with me...I will have multiple layovers and I've never been on a plane before so I have no idea what to do with myself or them....any advice??
2007-05-18 08:13:49 · 9 answers · asked by Laura R 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I'm taking them because I'm moving there...they do ok in vehicles but they get let out of their carrier and lay under the car seats....they are fairly large and don't get along so I would have to put them in 2 carriers for them to be comfortable.
2007-05-18 08:44:44 · update #1
I work for an airline so I can give you some information.
There are two ways to take pets on a plane - either in the cabin or in cargo. First of all, check with the airline that you are using. Most airlines allow small pets in the cabin as long as they are in approved pet carriers that fit under the seat in front of you. Some only allow one pet per passenger, or you may have to have both pets in one carrier. There is usually a small fee for bringing them on board.
Animals carried as cargo need to be placed in a rigid container designed specifically for the transportation of live animals. If your cats are large, that may be an option.
Check with your vet, also. Some animals travel better if sedated. The vet can also give you advice about food and water for them, etc. while travelling.
Also, make sure you check with TSA about how to carry catfood for the trip - there are lots of rules now about what you can take in your carry-on baggage and what has to be checked. TSA has their own website you can log on to.
Good luck.
2007-05-18 08:29:42 · answer #1 · answered by marguerite L 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would check with whichever airline you're planning to use for their rules and regulations on pet travel. I have heard that with some airlines who allow them in the cabin as carry on luggage, that they have to be placed in the foot space under the seat, which could be a bit cramped for them on a long journey. You'll also need to speak with your vet to see what documentation and flea/parastite treatments your cats will need to comply with legal and airline regulations.
Personally as you have two cats, I would recommend that you transport them in the hold as cargo. Buy each cat it's own travel box, ensure that it's large enough so that they can lay down if they want to. In the UK most vets recommend against sedating cats for flying, due to the fact that if there is any air turbulence that the animal may be too drowsy to steady itself in it's carrier, which could result in minor injury. This is also another reason that its best if each cat has it's own carrier.
I've posted a link below to the Pet Travel America site which will answer many questions that you may have about pet travel.
http://www.airlines.org/customerservice/passengers/Air+Travel+for+Your+Pet.htm
2007-05-18 09:25:01 · answer #2 · answered by Michele the Louis Wain cat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took one cat from Tampa, Fl to Paris, France with one layover in between. She, Sophia, was in her carrier for at least 12 hours and did SO well. I brought a small bottle of water and a little plastic bowl. I also brought a small baggy of food. I gave her small portions throughout the trip. She never urinated or poo'd the entire trip and never fussed.
A few years before I flew with two cats a much shorter distance (Houston to Tampa). One of the cats had a very hard time with the situation. The flight was so short I didn't give them food or water but the one cat urinated in her box and really made a fuss. The other cat was the one who went to Paris with me and she did fine.
I really think it is different depending on the cat and how comfortable they are in their carrier and in a vehicle. Sophia used to ride in the car with me since she was 5 weeks whereas Pearl (the one who had a hard time) never went in the car and cried constantly when in her carrier. Poor girl:(
My personal suggestion is to get an airline approved carrier by Delta. They are really great. They are soft sided and can be completely closed off to light or not. Throw some towels in there and a toy they may like.
P.S. It is not safe to give cats sedatives for flight. Also, animals in small carriers do not have to be checked like baggage. They can be considered a carry-on, check with your airline on their policy and cost. I never have checked my cats as baggage, they were always carry on.
One more thing, I did not travel with my pets on vacation. Each time I was actually moving. Personally I wouldn't put them through the stress for vacation. By the time I was moving out of the U.S. I knew Sophia could handle the flight. I knew Pearl could not and I gave her to another home.
2007-05-18 08:25:29 · answer #3 · answered by ~~∞§arah T∞©~~ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Check with the airline to see if they allow two pets or any at all. And check with the hotels if they allow pets. To save yourself a lot of work, I suggest to board your cats at home with a vet. The cats will be well cared for and not put through the trauma of flight and adoption to the climatic change in Alaska.
2007-05-18 08:20:00 · answer #4 · answered by Yafooey! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NEVER allow your pets in the cargo hold of an airplane. This area is meant for luggage, not live animals. Your cats could get hurt, lost or even killed. Only go on an airline that will allow the cats in the cabin with you. Check out this site for lots of good information: http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/?page=airtravel
2007-05-18 09:20:23 · answer #5 · answered by babydoll4579 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You need to buy an airline approved kennel to put your cat's into. They will be checked like luggage at the airline desk. They will be transferred to each new plane just like your luggage.
Otherwise you could buy an additional seat on the plane and hand carry the kennel.
2007-05-18 08:17:42 · answer #6 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Can you get someone to watch them? Another option is a pet retreat. Or you can get a kennel and travel with them. The airline will take good care of them. They are real careful with animals. I have a cat and I would personally put her in a pet retreat. She would get pampered while I was gone and the attention she needed.
2007-05-18 08:18:16 · answer #7 · answered by Sweet Momma 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would pay a visit to your vet. I went to visit one of my aunts last year and took my dog. My vet was able to go over all of my options with me and make sure my best girl made it there just fine. Im sure they have some great traveling options for cats as well. Basically, theyll show you how to reduce stress.
2007-05-18 08:19:18 · answer #8 · answered by Christine T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well fiorst u need to get da cats vaccinated nd take it to da airport then u need to go to da office of da airline nd show em everything!srry to say but they r going to put ur cat in a cage nd lock him where they have all the suitcases nd everything nd he/she might get scared the first time i took maii cat she started getting sik nd we had to giv her fresh water!because it was her first time going on an airplane but just call ur airline nd they will give u information on wat u need to bring or do
2007-05-18 08:19:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋