Flying with Pets..

[Hokuspocus]

I know there are a few of you who have flown with pets (small dog or cat) I am just wondering what to expect...I am flying to Denver to meet my dad at my grandparents house and taking him a puppy (we have enough already!) she's really small so thats not the problem...What do I need to bring with me? Shot records? What else?

[MDT]

Are you taking the puppy in the cabin with you? This is what we did with our cats when we moved to Massachusetts. We were supposed to have their shot records with us, but no one checked anything. Travelling with those cats was actually the most unexpectedly painless process. Worst part was having to take them out of the carrier to go through TSA (you can imagine how fun that must be with scared cats), but even that wasn't too bad.

[mrs767er]

Are you taking the puppy in the cabin with you? This is what we did with our cats when we moved to Massachusetts. We were supposed to have their shot records with us, but no one checked anything. Travelling with those cats was actually the most unexpectedly painless process. Worst part was having to take them out of the carrier to go through TSA (you can imagine how fun that must be with scared cats), but even that wasn't too bad.

I think cabin pet fees are over $100 each way. Most airlines limit the number of pets, as well. Check with yours--are you on rev tkts?

[Hokuspocus]

I'm flying southwest (tix we bought) I'll have to check with them and see about the pet fee in the cabin. Thanks I would have never thought of that!

[MDT]

Yeah, when we were first looking into things, the fees were ridiculous. Ended up that with the NWA/Delta merger, though, that Delta decided to throw the fees out for non-revvers. That saved us A LOT of money.

Definitely check with Southwest about the fees. They'll probably have to know anyway if you plan to travel with a pet because that usually has to be documented in your reservation.

[madlibs]

Here's a page about Southwest's pet policies:

Southwest Airlines - Policies, Procedures, and Tips for Children Traveling Alone

I know it says "Children Traveling Alone" above... but it really is their pet page.

[UKcats06]

I know everyone else has already said it, but make sure you call Southwest! At Delta, there are only so many pets they will accept on a flight, so its first come first served when people call to put pets on the reservation. Make sure you call so you don't go to the airport and there is no room for the puppy!

[Mrs.Alchemist]

I just learned this week that Southwest lists in-cabin pets as non-revs. I thought it was kinda funny....

Anyhow, it's SO EASY. I've never heard of them actually checking pet medical records before boarding. When you go through security, you just have to take the metal off your pet, and walk through the metal detector holding it. Be prepared for the TSA agents to pet your puppy... I think it cheers up their day. It's a piece of cake. Also, plan for your pet to be one of your carry-ons. If you have to check bags with SW, it's not so bad because they don't charge to check.