Tips for Flying with Pets
The idea of flying with a pet gave me anxiety for two months. I have a cat named Toulouse, and he has the biggest animal personality I’ve ever known. And, Toulouse likes to explore (and doesn’t like to listen to his human, AKA: ME). So, the idea of flying a cat from Atlanta to San Antonio had me a bit on edge. What if Toulouse got loose in the airport? What if he meowed nonstop? What if the airline wouldn’t let me board the plane without proper documentation? Well. After living through the experience, I don’t know what I was making such a fuss about. Nevertheless, I’m sharing some travel tips to flying with pets. BECAUSE - I couldn’t seem to find personal experiences on the interwebs ANYWHERE to sooth my anxieties.
TRAVEL TIPS:
Research your airline pet carry-on policy. Then CALL your airline to ask about the policy. (I called Delta three separate times just to confirm and ask more questions).
Carrying on pets is easier than checking them below the main cabin. I purchased a soft shell carrier from Amazon, and it fit perfectly below my seat! I also doused a small towel with feline pheromone spray to help calm Toulouse and placed it inside the carrier.
Research the official health department policy of the state where you’re traveling. Delta only requires vaccination records for your pet, but the state of Texas requires a signed vaccination record upon entry (AKA: A HEALTH CERTIFICATE).
Set up an appointment with your vet the week you travel. Health Certificates are only valid for about a week - this is where the vet checks out your pet to make sure everything is fine and dandy. They can also help you administer anti-anxiety medicine for your fluffy friend, if you set your appointment up for the morning of your travel (cough, cough - that was me - I needed Toulouse to be heavily drugged).
Because I called Delta ahead of time to register Toulouse, I avoided extra paperwork at the special check-in area. The only thing they had me fill out was a luggage tag (in case I were to misplace my pet).
The pet carry-on fee is almost as much as a one-way ticket for a human. Prepare your pocketbook.
TSA makes you carry your pet through the metal detectors (so they can check your pet carrier via x-ray). I’ve heard you can keep a harness on your pet, but it depends on the security in each airport. Toulouse’s harness leash needed to be x-rayed. So. I walked through the metal detector loosely holding Toulouse (if he bolted, it would have been ADIOS KITTY). Thankfully, he stayed put on my shoulder. Even through the gunpowder residue swab (I was the rando). As soon as his carrier came through the x-ray, he jumped back in.
Depending on the medication your vet recommends for your pet, you may need to administer more just prior to your flight. I found a family style bathroom and gave Toulouse more drugs. He took them like a champ! (He also didn’t want to spend very much time in the airport bathroom - which I appreciated).
Pet relief areas are created with dogs in mind. We tried to coax Toulouse into using the green turf for a potty, but he couldn’t get over the dog smell. He immediately found the exit door and waited for us to follow. Good thing his little kitty bladder is made of steel.
Give your pet a pat on the head after making it through the long travel day. Toulouse was a champ!
