How to Make Airline Pet Travel Safer

How to Make Airline Pet Travel Safer

by Kurt Knutsson

Many of us want to take our pets with us when we travel. They’re a part of the family and it seems unfair to leave them behind. However, there are many obstacles to overcome when travelling with your furry friends. For instance, most dogs will feel stressed or nervous on a plane, which is why many owners will use CBD to help calm them down, as well as for the many other benefits mentioned here. This article talks about problems like this, how best to make a pet plan, and discusses which equipment can help you dodge the drama of the next airline blunder. From mishandling of pet carriers, misdirecting dogs to the wrong airport, to leaving animals for extended periods in extreme temperatures such as a hot tarmac, taking a few extra steps could make a difference on your journey.

Some airlines worth noting are innovating and proactively addressing pet safety with thoughtful approaches to traveling with your pet. Delta Air Lines was one of the first airlines to implement real-time GPS trackers from Sendum on pets and live animals placed in cargo. The Sendum PT300 tracker goes on the kennel and provides immediate location, temperature, light, air pressure, humidity, motions sensors that detect shock, drop, vibration and orientation of kennel.

Delta monitors the data of your pet while in transit and you can use a web interface to monitor along the way to 89 U.S. destinations. The Sendum PT300 tracker goes on the kennel and provides immediate location, temperature, light, air pressure, humidity, motions sensors that detect shock, drop, vibration and orientation of kennel. You can see if your airline is listed as a Sendum GPS device customer.

American Airlines recent addition of a new transcon aircraft on routes between LAX-JFK and SFO-JFK created a vented pet holding cabinet for passengers seated in rows with no seat stowage. The dog or cat goes into the vented space for takeoff, taxi and landing these special A321T aircraft. Smart.

Tips for avoiding airline pet transport trouble

1/ choose passenger cabin over cargo for animals if possible. Most U.S. airlines require IATA approved carrier fit under seat in front of you otherwise must be service animal or travel in cargo.
2/ direct flights when possible
3/ avoid extreme cold/hot weather
4/ use your own gps tracker on carrier or pet
5/ print and carry airline’s pet policy

American Kennel Club Calming Coat

Avoid tranquilizing your dog or cat when traveling. Other smart alternatives like this calming coat can help with anxiety during and after air travel. American Kennel Club Calming Coat Medium 19″-24″ Chest, Pink $29.99



Peak Pooch Airline Approved IATA Carry On Travel Carrier

If traveling within the cabin with a pet that does not qualify as a service animal, you will need to have an airline approved soft carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Never put an animal through the TSA x-ray machine or into any compartment that is not well ventilated. Peak Pooch – Expandable Foldable Airline Approved IATA Carry On Travel Carrier w/ Fleece Bed $24.98

Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor

Whistle GPS Pet Tracker attaches to your dog’s collar. Battery life can go up to about 5 days depending upon wifi and cellular connection strength. This tracker works with wireless data from AT&T to communicate your pet’s locations. Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor $79.95

Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel


Not all pet carriers are the same. Airline require pets traveling in the cargo hold be secured in a IATA and USDA-approved carrier. An animal must be able to stand, sit and turn around comfortably while inside. Petmate Vari Kennel up to 15LBS $44.95

Tile lost and found tag

Less expensive to a GPS tracker, Tile lost and found tags could help locate your dog or cat if she gets away or is sent to the wrong airport. I tape a Tile lost and found tag under the inside top of my dog’s carrier or attach to her collar. When carrier comes within 100 feet of another bluetooth tile community member’s phone it shows location…. and with a plane full of people right above the cargo below, it’s easier to get a ping showing your pet’s location. Tile lost and found tags $24.95

 

More of my Pet Tech stories here


   

2 comments

Lisa B. March 22, 2018 - 5:04 pm

There are weight limits for pets flying in the aircraft cabin, even if they can fit into an approved carrier. Best to ask the airline about that before you fyl as well.

Reply
Amy Cerutty January 22, 2019 - 12:00 am

Thank you for sharing the helpful tips for international pet travel. I also preferred to choose passenger cabin over cargo. I had also bought Anti Anxiety and Stress Relief Calming Coat for my pet which can really help with anxiety during and after travel in Plane.

Reply

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