I want to take my dog (about 6lbs) with me in November - January and have questions about the flight. I have been in contact with a couple of airlines and understand that animals are in the cargo hold - which is not heated. The outside air temperature can get quite cold if I remember from the overhead monitors.
A friend of my daughter's told me last night that a friend of hers was unable to take her dog on a flight in December because of the weather.
I have talked to others that have brought their pet with them but never thought to ask about this.
Does anyone have any insight or tips?
How about the trains ---- are dogs allowed on the trains? I can't recall seeing a dog on a train. I'm pretty sure I could take her on board as long as she were still in her travel crate.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

I have a friend who as as recently as last year was able to take her very small dog in the first class cabin with her.
She said that she booked coach seats then upgraded to first class with frequent flyer miles. There was also a fee for the dog.
I don't remember which airline. But I'll ask next time I talk to her.

To my knowledge, DELTA is the only airline that will allow pets up to 14lbs to fly INSIDE the cabin, in international flights... buy the SHERPA bag (it's the best), if you haven't a decent carrier for your pet, as the SHERPA bag is canvas, mesh (see through) on both sides, nice full-length zipper flap on top and fits comfortably under the seat (a requirement)in front of you, ONCE the plane takes off and has reached the altitude when you may remove your seatbelts, you're allowed to pull out the sherpa bag, unzip the top if you'd like to pet your dog... we've done this plenty of times with our 2 Pomeranians, 1 is 8lbs, the other is 14lbs... they were exceptionally well-behaved and flight attendants let us know that if we wanted to walk our dogs in the back (while passengers were sleeping), we could do so! How nice!!! We didn't though, but did take them into the lavoratory a few times to take them out, give them water and talk with them for a while, short of doing that, we'd unzip the top, they'd pop their cute heads out to look around and we could easily reach down to pet them. Once, when we returned backed to the states from Italy, we brought our Italian cats with us, with only 1-pet-per-passenger rule, our cats had to fly in the cargo area, we were so worried!!! But Delta, cargo dept, was top rate with their care and a Delta Veterinarian was on the flight, I pressume in the cargo area to monitor them and provide any necessary care, but neither pet required it, whew! They were fine, I on the other hand, was incredibly sleep deprived from worry ... oh well :-) ... hey, can pets become Frequent Fliers???
p.s. Delta's fee/pet is approximatley $70 US

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ling in Italy,

Ling - were your international flights to Europe?
Wow, I hope that is true. I just checked Delta's website and it does not say anything about allowing animals on international flights other than to Mexico and such. I have e-mailed them in the hopes that I can. Additionally, their site says that pet travel could be restricted during times of extreme weather. (I am hoping to go from Dec-Feb and that could put a damper on things as well)
And the SHERPA carrier --- it held your 8lb pom and fit under the seat as well? (Mine is 8 as well) Thanks for your input.
Deborah - Thanks too. I would love to hear more after you talk to your friend.

Torile, yes, Europe, Italy specifically... and unless Delta has changed their regulations for pet travel inside the cabin, it is the same, and in addition to my 8lb pom fitting very comfortably, my 14lb Pom fit too (perhaps not as much moving around space as smaller dog, but he could definitely move his head easily 90degrees either way and stand up, and as i mentioned previously after a certain point after take-off, we'd always unzip the top flap and he could and our other pom could stick their heads out... smaller one would have to stand on his hind legs a bit.

I would call Delta directly, and get more info... IF they've changed their regulations, please post here when you can.

thanks!

Hi Torile,

I recently traveled (domestically) with an 11 lb golden retriever pup in a Sherpa bag carried on.

International rules may be different, but be sure to ask Delta what health certificates are required. Typically, you have to get a certificate from your vet with 10 days of your departure, plus whatever paperwork is necessary for the arrival country in Europe. Airlines will only allow a small number of pets to be carried on in both coach and first so the earlier your reservations are made, the better.Some airlines have restrictions on what brand of carry on carriers you may use, along with restrictions on height and length. Make sure you get confirmation from the airlines that you are carrying on a pet. There is also a fee for "in cabin" pets.

Weather restrictions by airlines are for those animals in cargo, where it might be to hot or too cold. I *strongly* encourage you to try to carry your dog "in cabin".

Best of luck!
Ann

I have not flown internationally with my dog but i do fly domestically with Rosco--16lb cairn terrier. I also do cairn rescue and fly dogs all over the country. There is a heated/pressurized area that the animals normally go if they are not being accompanied or are large. I also recomend getting the Sherpa and getting your dog use to it....especially if he/she is not crate trained to begin with. I thought Air France allowed small pets in cabin but i could be wrong. American i know allows them to Belize and the carribean.

Great info on planes but wanted to let you know that there are also documents that you will need as new regulations went into affect last year. You can find the info HERE

We were on an Air France flight from Paris to San Francisco last month, in coach, and a French woman seated in front of us had her small dog with her, out of its carrier for the entire flight. My husband was concerned but I told him to be more concerned about the baby seated across the aisle from us. We had an uneventful flight with both baby and dog.

Torile: Last May I flew from NC to Florence with my cat "Delta" on Delta Airlines. (This was actually her second international flight because she was brought over from Italy as a kitten.)I have a wonderful pet carrier that converts into a rolling suitcase, bed, & carseat plus it fits underneath the seat for my big ol 9lb kitty. Delta/Air France are wonderful airlines to fly with pets. The fee was $75 one way. You'll first need shot documents from your Vet no more than 2 weeks in advance. (Just explain you are flying internationally so they'll know the particular form to give you.) You will also need to let the airline know in advance you are bringing your pet on board. They allow 3 pets per cabin to fly on international flight so its important to verify in advance with reservation personel that you would be one of the three for your flight. Delta Airlines website also has pet travel info.
(Now if I could just figure out how my kitty could earn frequent flyer miles everytime we fly!)

Thanks to all who responded. I just got off the phone with a Delta representative and they confirmed what you have said.
So - the next thing I did was get online and order a Sherpa to start getting her used to it. I felt so guilty last year putting her in a boarding kennel for 6 weeks (even though the owners adore her) and the thoughts of doing that again made me reconsider such a long time away. I am happy I don't have to.

Oh Chris, you made me laugh....many times when i get on with Rosco, i get dirty looks but i always tell them he will be better behaved than the kids on the flight! And so far, i have been correct . And Torile....the key to an easy flight is getting your dog use to the Sherpa....maybe if you have time take a short (cheap ) flight prior to the long overseas one. Good luck

Stephanie dogma to Rosco and Zoey

Palm Springs vacation rental

GETTING PETS COMFORTABLE WITH SHERPA BAGS:

1 week before our departure(s), we start leaving the sherpa bags, unzipped near their regular feeding area, with one of their pet toys and bits of dry dog food... gradually they become curious (again!) and begin popping in and out of the bag, playfully, to nibble on some of the dry food, to sometimes playing with toys inside the bag... by the time departure date arrives, they're fine and comfortable getting in the bag.

Hi (this is kind of on the topic),

I'm going to be at the Rome Academy for about a year starting in Oct., 2005. I live in NYC and want to bring my 2 dogs with me: one a 90lb male and the other is a 50lb. female. I need to know 2 things:

1. Best Airline to fly them there - what crating is necessary, etc...
2. Italy's requirements on bringing the dogs into the country...

- Also, I don't have a place yet to house them when I'm in Rome. The Academy doesn't allow dogs, so if someone knows a place, a farm situation, or some type of situation there that could point me in any direction...I would really appreciate it. I can also be emails at karmatic8@yahoo.com.

Thanks, Rockgin

It would be really great if some company started to allow pets in the cabin, maybe in a special section of the airplane.

We just returned from Italy and took our 8.5 lb. schipperke with us in the cabin on our Delta flight - she was very well behaved and it worked out just fine - I was worried but all was well.

In Italy you can take your dog anywhere. We took her to restaurants, museums, shops, everywhere. She had a great time.

Delta was great too - just make sure you have all the health documents - they did check us leaving NYC and leaving Italy.