Where the dog will fly: in the cabin or in the luggage compartment
As hand luggage
In the cabin of the aircraft are usually allowed to take pets, if, together with carrying, they weigh up to 17 lbs. Occasionally it can be up to 22 lbs – for example, in Alitalia.
The maximum weight and requirements for carrying see the website of the airline. Among the general rules: the size of the crate or carrier is 41–54 inches by the sum of three dimensions, it is well ventilated and securely closed, the bottom does not leak (it can be covered with a disposable baby diaper), the pet inside rises to its full height and does not rest against the head with the lid.
For dogs and cats in hand luggage, airlines usually allow both soft and hard carriers. In the cabin they are placed under the front seat. According to the rules, the pet must sit in its temporary house during the flight. Sometimes it is allowed to plant two animals in one container.
Some airlines do not allow pets to carry on if you are flying in business class: Finnair explains this by the fact that there is no room for cages under the seats.
A service dog and a guide will also fly in the cabin – even if they are lean sheepdogs. Such animals need documents about the “profession” (among others), they must be in a collar and muzzle. The owner may need a document on disability. Dogs of psychological support, depending on the rules of the airline, can fly in the cabin or in the cargo hold.
As a rule, pets in the salon take in addition to the usual place of hand luggage, and not instead. Naturally, for the money.
In some areas, the transportation of animals in hand luggage is prohibited, for example, in the UK, where the animals are sent only cargo. Similar rules are found in airlines: on the Emirates aircraft, all animals are sent to the luggage compartment.
Animals that weigh more than 17 lbs with the carrier kennel will have to be checked in. There can also send a dog aggressive breed, even if by weight it passes to the salon. See the list of best dog carriers.
The maximum weight depends on the airline: for example, American Airlines allows an in-cabin carrier kennel of up to 19 inches in length, 13 inches in width and 9 inches in height if it’s noncollapsible, larger if it’s collapsible. If your pet is heavier than it should be, you can send it as a cargo. In what other cases it may be useful, read the article on the official rules for the transport of pets.
The usual crate for transporting an animal in the luggage compartment is not suitable. In the store, the easiest way to ask is a container that fits the IATA standard, but be sure to double-check whether it matches the requirements of your airline. Here, for example, the rules for the transport of animals in JetBlue. For fighting dogs, reinforced crates may be required: so that you understand what this is about, here is their description on the Lufthansa website. For heavy dogs, it makes sense to buy wheels to the kennel, but be sure to remove them before being sent to the luggage.
Before the flight, the bottom of the cage is covered with waterproof diapers: stick it with scotch tape so that it does not slide out. Alternatively, you can use special absorbent diapers for animals. Place a blanket or blanket on top.
There are different opinions about food for animals in baggage. Many people are afraid that stomach upset will happen to the dog from stress, so they don’t feed them on the day of the flight. Others treat a small delicacy before the flight. If not sure, consult your veterinarian. Water is usually poured. To prevent it from being splashed out during loading, experienced owners ask for ice in the nearest café before being sent to the luggage compartment and put it in a drinking bowl.