Help from Gov't. Airline Security Agent, Airline Employee or Experienced flyer with pet?

Question

Ok guys..... I have heard from a few of you regarding your personal opion, and appreciate your personal wisdom. However, I would greatly appreciate any feedback from experienced traveler w/ pet, Gov't. Airport Security Agent or Airline Employee.

You can travel with a child on your lap for free until they are 2 (maybe 3 if they are small), but it cost $90.00 one way ($180.00 round trip) to bring a small cat in a soft sided, pet travel bag as my carry on for a one segment, 1 1/2 hr. flight.
Seriously, for $20.00 he could have his own ticketed seat.

My question: When going through Airport security, officials are require to look at your ticket and ID. When you have a pet w/ you, do they look for a "special" marking on my ticket that designates I have already made arrangements & paid the airline or do the care?

Answer 1

I work in the airport and have for the past 5 years. The TSA does not look at your boarding pass for a pet marking and they do not care at all whatsoever if you have a pet. The airline will look at it though when you get to the gate. So they will know if you have the pet or not. If you are thinking about trying to sneak a pet on, I wouldn't do it. I have seen people try this before and it resulted in them being permanently barred from traveling on that particular airline.

Answer 2

They care, trust me, they care.

I flew, one way, with my miniature dachshund a few years back. When I got to the airport, she was in her pet carrier (it was small enough to fit under my seat). I had to take her out of the pet carrier when I checked in, they examined the bag like they do with regular luggage, then I had to put her back in. I also had to produce all required papers for her (shot records, rabies certificate) before they would even let me leave the check-in area. They also tagged the bag, even though she was traveling up with me. The tag shows that the pet has been certified to travel, and has checked in and been paid for. I believe my airline's ticket also said I had a pet with me as well.

And when I went through the x-ray machines? I belive I had to take her out of the bag and walk her through the machine with me, but I don't remember that part exactly (it's been at least 5 years since we traveled).

As tempting as it is to want to sneak your pet onto the plane, you won't get very far. They are very thorough about checking your bags as it is, and add a pet into the equation, it makes for some tricky traveling. You won't want to get caught and held up at the gate while you explain things, that is, if you make it past the security checkpoint with the x-ray machines first. Then if you don't have her paperwork, you won't be going anywhere with her. It's best to just shell out the extra money and travel with your cat.