Tips for Successful In-Cabin Airline Travel

Many people ask me what I do to keep my dogs calm for a flight. I have some basic tips and tricks that will set you up for a smooth take off and landing. Follow my step by step guide below.

Step 1:

Get a great carrier. I recommend the one from Away found online here. It’s airline approved, fits under the seat and is very comfortable for you and for the dog. I have purchased, thrown away and donated several different travel bags throughout the years and this is by far the BEST! It doesn’t collapse on the dog. The compartments are on the correct sides. The ventilation is wonderful, yet keeps your dog private to prevent their over stimulation. I will never travel without this bag! When it first came out it was sold out almost immediately. I ordered it the day it came out, received it and cannot imagine life without it. I went back online and ordered a backup in a different color just in case.

Step 2:

Practice carrying your dog around in the carrier (whichever you chose) much prior to the flight. Make it a positive experience! Take the dogs to the mall, the park anywhere that is not a negative association with them like the veterinarian office. Load your dog into the car inside the carrier. Start small and build up if your dog is nervous at first. The key is positive association. Always reward the behavior you want with affection or food. If it’s been 10 minutes and your dog is sitting quiet and calm in the carrier, then give him/her a reward. Next time push for longer calm time then, reward. The goal is to get the dog excited in the carrier, but also remain calm. Give your dog treats or loving pets when the dog is calmly inside. Also make the space cozy by putting in their favorite blanket. You are creating their safe space that they love to be in.

Step 3:

Fly Southwest Airlines they are the nicest.

Step 4:

If your dog still gets anxious/ nervous in the carrier or as the environment changes you will want to talk to you veterinarian about a prescription. I am not a veterinarian, but our vet suggested trazodone. I have never had to use it but bring it just in case.

Step 5:

Find out where the service animal/ pet relief area is at your departing airport as well as your destination airport (especially if you are on connecting flights). Sometimes the pet relief area is outside of security so make sure you look up the airport map online prior to and give yourself adequate time. We get to the airport really early and take the dogs to the relief area before boarding and again when we land. No matter how long or short the flight is it is important to do this ritual. It helps the dogs hold it on the flight as they know as soon as you land you will be going to the potty. I wipe their paws with Purell wipes and then I use the gentle water wipes (found here) before they go into the carrier. It’s an important step because the ground is covered with pee pee from other doggies, and you don’t your dog to track that into the carrier. Their carrier is supposed to be a sanctuary for your dog. They want only their own scent in their bag.

Step 6:

Carry a few pee pee pads. I don’t limit water intake on the flight. If my dogs are thirsty or have treats on the flight I never withhold water. I’ve had a dry throat on a flight before, it is miserable. Thus your ritual of visiting the potty before and after the flight will be important. The pee pads are important for long flights too. We flew to Europe and it was 10 hours transatlantic. Although we went to the relief area right before we boarded it was a long time. When we arrived the boys couldn’t hold it and gave me the signal in baggage claim that they needed to go. I pulled out the extra pad in my purse and they both went right on the pad and I just threw it away, no mess and no one even knew. In the event that your stuck on the tarmac for a while or your flight is delayed in the air you will want the ability to take your dog to the bathroom, put a pee pad down and everyone will be happy. Once Bradley needed to go midair on the way to the east coast, I took him to the lavatory, put a pee pad down, sat on the toilet and held my feet up and he went on the pad. There was no mess. I was so thankful I had the extra pad with me.

Step 7:

If you dog will not use pee pee pads bring doggie diapers. They have some awesome ones on Amazon, our favorite brand is here. You never know when an accident will occur and if something not planned happens you will at least have the diaper.

Step 8:

When the flight attendants pass out food to the humans give your dog treats! The dog will feel included and look forward to airline travel.

Step 9:

Anticipate the routine and get your dogs to participate in it. Now every time we land the dogs hear the “DING” and they perk up and know it’s almost time to get off the plane and go potty. They get excited and happy. I used to talk to them after the ding and tell them what was going to happen. They just know now and are very happy.

**Note these tips are for small dogs. I have never traveled with a large dog that needed to be in a crate in cargo.