When I travel between New York and D.C., Zoloft comes along in a black, Chanel knockoff from a Manhattan pet boutique. Its impossible to see her inside; and thats key because bus lines and Amtrak dont allow pets. So you see, they leave me no choice. What can I do but ignore the rules? And if a driver or a conductor objects, I have a psychiatrists letter. It says Im agoraphobic, and my dogs a therapy pet. It doesnt say anything about me being delusional and myopic – or incredibly, pathologically narcissistic, for that matter; but thats another story.
For once, I was grateful to be seated in the back of the plane; and that a flight attendant kept blathering on and on, in the PA system. The squeaking and whimpering was so intense that nearby passengers were looking around, wondering what they were hearing. And I was sure wed get caught. Maybe I should have given her a doggie Valium; or maybe I should have taken one myself. Thankfully, she was quiet by the time the drink cart came by.
Look, I know I am – at best – a bad example. But if you see a dignified man traveling over the holidays with a little, black Chanel shoulder bag that whimpers, please dont growl. Take pity. Im a victim of a very insistent love. And that means I have to victimize you a little, too. Thank you.
Its not always easy. I snuck Zoloft on a flight back to D.C., rather than pay an extra 150 bucks for the privilege. I mean, babies sit on laps for free – why not dogs under seats? Nobody noticed her at check-in; and we walked her through security without even having to show a doggie boarding pass – although, you know, the truth is, if she had gotten frisked, she probably wouldve enjoyed the pat-down.
Flying with a dog in cabin vs. cargo
Generally, if your dog in its carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, it can go in the cabin. So that means a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds. Of course, that under-seat space can vary depending on the aircraft, and airlines typically restrict how many total pets are allowed per flight — which is why you should check with the airline. You can’t buy an extra seat for your dog. Traveling with a dog this way, essentially as carry-on luggage, usually incurs a lower fee than if it travels in the belly of the plane. And by the way, a pet in its carrier counts as your carry-on bag.
Having your dog with you might provide peace of mind — although you’re not allowed to take it out of the carrier during the flight. But it might add stress, as you worry about lugging the carrier down the airplane aisle or the dog barking or having an accident that will disturb fellow passengers.
» Learn more: The best travel credit cards for pet owners
Can I fly with my large dog in the cabin?
Unfortunately, most airlines will only allow small and light dogs in the cabin. This is because they usually must comfortably fit underneath the seat in front of you. If you are traveling with a large dog, it is likely that you will need to ship him or her in the cargo hold of the plane.
Barking Dogs THROWN OFF Plane. Surprise in the Airport.
For an easy and safe trip every time, it helps to know everything you can about flying with a dog in a plane. The wonderful thing about having an emotional support animal (ESA) is that they are allowed to fly with you free of charge! But before we get there, it’s important to prepare well for Fido’s air travel!
This includes being aware of getting your paperwork in order, researching the airline’s ESA or pet policy, finding a portable kennel for the trip, learning how to calm your dog, and so much more. Basically, today we’ll show you how to fly with a dog without causing you and your pet too much stress.
**Please note, as of January 11, 2021, under new regulations passed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the allowance of Emotional Support Animals onboard flights may vary from airline to airline. Please contact your airline of choice for their most up-to-date policies on Emotional Support Animals.