Have you ever wondered how your pet would react to being in the cabin of an airplane? When you really think about it, it’s a metal tube in the sky, full of strange sights, aggressive sounds, and wild sensations that would be stressful for any animal to experience. Fortunately, you, as their owner, can take a few steps to prepare your pet and make the in-cabin air travel experience less stressful for them. That being said, these steps do require some careful planning and preparation. Regardless of where you’re going, here are some tips and tricks on preparing your pet for in-cabin airline travel.
Understand Airline Policies
If you’re going to be taking your pet with you during in-cabin airline travel, you need to know the pet policies of the specific airline you’re flying on. Not every airline is pet-friendly, and the ones that are tend to have regulations on the size and weight of pets they allow in the cabin. On most airlines your pet, along with their carrier, needs to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you. Of course, your pet needs to breathe and remain secure in their carrier, so it needs to be well-ventilated and sturdy to keep them safe throughout the flight.
When you’re choosing an airline, choose one that’s pet-friendly. Some airlines give pets special amenities, like climate-controlled cabins and extra space under the seat. Most airlines have a limit on the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight, so make sure to book well in advance if you’ll be traveling with pets in the cabin.
Visit the Veterinarian
Paying a visit to your veterinarian is always a good idea to prepare pets for air travel. When you take your pet to the vet before flying to a pet-friendly vacation destination, you can make sure your pet is in good health and fit to travel. Your veterinarian can give you the necessary vaccinations, health certificates, and other documentation, when you see them, and the airline may require these things before letting your pet on board. This is also a great time to discuss any concerns you might have with your vet, like if your pet suffers from anxiety or is prone to motion sickness. The vet may prescribe medication or other treatments to reduce your pet’s stress, so they stay calm and comfortable during the flight.
You also need to make sure your pet’s identification is up to date before embarking on any travel, especially air travel. Your pet should be microchipped, and the microchip should have the most recent and relevant information. Think about adding a sturdy collar with identification tags that include your contact information, as well. It’s unlikely that they’ll get lost when flying with your pets in the cabin, but these will help if that does happen.
Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier
Your pet won’t be as stressed out during in-cabin airline travel if they’re familiar with their carrier beforehand. Some time before your flight, start showing your pet the carrier is a safe and comfortable space at home. Place things like their favorite blankets or toys inside to give your pet associates the carrier with a sense of security. Then, increase the time your pet spends in the carrier little by little, and think about taking them on short car rides to give them some in-carrier travel experience.
Crate training can be a huge help here, especially if your pet gets anxious or isn’t used to being confined. You want to make the carrier a positive and relaxing space for your pet, which goes a long way in helping them stay calm during the flight.
Pre-Flight Preparations
When the big day comes, there are a few things you can do to make sure your pet is well-prepared for the journey ahead. Feeding your pet a light meal a few hours before boarding keeps the flight’s movement from upsetting their stomach. The meal should be light and given well in advance of departure, so your pet doesn’t throw up or go to the bathroom in their carrier. Of course, you also need to keep your pet hydrated, but don’t give them too much water for the same reason: you really don’t want them going to the bathroom inside their carrier, in the airline cabin.
Give your pet a good amount of exercise so they can burn off excess energy before the flight, as well. You can take them for a nice long walk or have an extended play session so they’re not bouncing off the walls of the cabin, and more likely to relax and sleep during the flight instead.
At the Airport
Getting around the airport while trying to make a flight can be stressful for people, especially when traveling with pets. Getting to the airport with a lot of extra time to spare can play a big part in reducing this anxiety. This gives you more time for the check-in and security procedures. At security, they’ll probably ask you to remove your pet from the carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine. When this happens, always keep your pet leashed or harnessed to keep them safe.
Once you’re through security, find a quiet spot to wait for your flight. Airports can be overwhelming for pets because they have tons of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells, so you want to keep your pet as calm and comfortable as you can. If your pet tends to get anxious, you can use calming sprays or pheromone products.
In-Flight Care
When you board the flight, most airlines require you to place your pet’s carrier under the seat in front of you. Don’t open the carrier during the flight, since your pet can escape into a stressful environment, which isn’t safe for anyone. Instead, use a calm voice and gentle touches to soothe your pet. You can also do this with familiar items like a blanket or toy.
If your pet shows signs of distress, excessive panting or whining, try to comfort them without opening the carrier. Calming treats or chew toys that your pet associates with relaxation can be a big help in this situation.
Post-Flight Care
The first thing you do after landing should be getting your pet and making sure they’re comfortable. Give them water and a bathroom break as soon as possible. Additionally, your pet may be overwhelmed by the new environment at your pet-friendly vacation destination, so giving them time to adjust can be a big help.
Try to re-establish your pet’s regular routine as quickly as possible after arriving. Pets thrive on routine, and getting back to the feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules they’re familiar with will help your pet feel more at ease in their new surroundings.
In-Cabin Airline Travel With Pets
There’s a ton of careful planning and attention to detail that goes into preparing your pet for in-cabin airline travel. When you understand airline policies, make sure your pet is healthy and comfortable, and take steps to reduce stress throughout the journey, you can have a positive air travel experience with your furry friend. With the right preparation, you and your pet can have a smooth and stress-free flight, so you’re ready to explore new adventures together.
You need to stay committed to your pet’s well-being for a rewarding travel experience. When you follow these tips and tricks, you can make sure your pet arrives at your destination happy, healthy, and ready for more adventures.