Excited :)

[John Campbell]

In my example, I had assumed that they were flying as cargo... My misunderstanding... It still seems awful tight, but Brigitte has much more experience that I do... Last time I flew with a pet it was on a Maintenance Ferry Flight he he slept in first class (By himself).... But it was no one but me, him, and the Pilots on board.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

It would be lovely if they didn't have to be under the seat in the cabin...but still they seem to deal fine with it and are under your control and supervision the entire way which is a nice feeling. You don't have to stress about how they are in cargo or on the runway waiting to be loaded etc. Cats often like being cuddled up in small places, and napping for a few hours doesn't distress them. I will take them out on leash to the pet relief area at airports for wait times... or let them out at the gate waiting area...I've not been told to put them back in the carrier there so they really are only shut in for the flight.

 

[Pam Flachs]

Agree, Brigitte. My trip with my kittens was long. We had a particularly long layover in Atlanta, Ga (!), and the kittens entertained the crowds waiting with their antics. Both were on harnesses and leashes so got plenty of exercise to tire them out for the flight.

I wish we had the option of seating the carrier on the seat next to us, especially as we have to purchase flights for them.....doesn't make sense to me to pay as much for the kittens to fly as our own flight ticket, then be shoved under the seat like excess baggage

 

[John Campbell]

It would be lovely if they didn't have to be under the seat in the cabin...but still they seem to deal fine with it and are under your control and supervision the entire way which is a nice feeling. You don't have to stress about how they are in cargo or on the runway waiting to be loaded etc. Cats often like being cuddled up in small places, and napping for a few hours doesn't distress them. I will take them out on leash to the pet relief area at airports for wait times... or let them out at the gate waiting area...I've not been told to put them back in the carrier there so they really are only shut in for the flight.

Having spent many years in an airport as a pax and employee, I have seen many people open their carriers to let them get some exercise... People in the area usually do not care, and most like it. Some will compliment you on them and even want to pet them... I know I watched a ladies dog while she went to the rest room (I was wearing an airport badge and would not recommend this for you). Opening the carrier and letting them stretch a little bit may be good for them, and entertainment for everyone.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

When I've had cats out on their leash, I've had the desk staff at the gate come to visit them...and some even suggest to me that I need to get a letter from my doctor so the cat can fly free as my emotional support animal ;-)

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Agree, Brigitte. My trip with my kittens was long. We had a particularly long layover in Atlanta, Ga (!), and the kittens entertained the crowds waiting with their antics. Both were on harnesses and leashes so got plenty of exercise to tire them out for the flight.

I wish we had the option of seating the carrier on the seat next to us, especially as we have to purchase flights for them.....doesn't make sense to me to pay as much for the kittens to fly as our own flight ticket, then be shoved under the seat like excess baggage

I completely agree, it is ridiculous we pay so much for their flight yet lose our legroom for that cost!

And yes, given the option I'd buy the extra seat (sometimes would be even cheaper than the pet fare) and let them be on the seat next to me!

 

[John Campbell]

When I've had cats out on their leash, I've had the desk staff at the gate come to visit them...and some even suggest to me that I need to get a letter from my doctor so the cat can fly free as my emotional support animal ;-)

WOW - Great Idea... I did know that assist animals travel for free, and are not required to be in a carrier as they are there to assist you... Best of both worlds.

If the animal is an emotional support animal (ESA), then you must tell the airline representative that the dog is an ESA. You will be required to produce a formal letter of prescription for a service dog or ESA from a licensed mental health professional. A letter from your medical doctor will NOT be accepted, as the letter must be written by a licensed mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, social worker). There is no way around this. In addition, it is becoming increasingly common for airlines to require you to submit a copy of this letter several days prior to the flight. Click here to find out more about a letter of prescription. Some airlines (Midwest and Frontier, for example) actually require you to have your therapist or licensed mental health professional complete one of their third party verification forms. If you don't have a therapist

See more at: http://www.nsarco.com/airlines.html

 

[Brandy DW]

I already paid for their flight with me in the cabin - so I won't be doing the esa but kind of interesting.

Brigitte thank you, you have calmed my thoughts on this and now I feel better about it. Thanks everyone for your responses and I'll ask the people at the gate if I can let them out (depending on their stress levels - if they don't do well in the small room with security i won't be letting them out at the gate with a ton of people).

 

[Patti]

I am not familiar with the sleepy pod so am puzzled by all the poofy stuff inside, but kittens generally like to cuddle together, and as Brigitte noted, they usually sleep the entire trip. Assuming the kittens know each other I doubt they will get into a spat with each other, and even if they did they aren't going to cause any more harm to each other in this small space than they would if they had an additional four inches to move about in.

I have used many different carriers and personally love the Tutto carriers, that is my favorite by far. I have the medium size and can fit pretty much anything into it except an F1. They have lots of pockets and storage slots. The sides expand to make more room, and the walls can actually collapse if needed to fit under the seat. They are a tad expensive but well worth it.
http://store.tutto.com/pet-carrier-1/

 

[Brandy DW]

Getting kittens today!!