First Flight NYC->LAX any advice?

Joeturbo26 · Nov 25, 2016

Rico is taking his first flight with me on December 4th. I feel like he's housebroken enough and well behaved enough to do the "hotel thing".

I knew he'd be my business trip partner when I got him, as I travel a lot for work, and so often see dogs on flights and in hotels.

I'll admit he isn't such a "let you hold him" for an hour let alone, almost 6 hours on a flight kind of dog...

He is still a puppy (will be 8 months on the day of the flight) so he can be a bit rambunctious! I refuse to sedate him.... the most I'd do is maybe give him a Benadryl, you think that's a good idea?

Any advice on how to keep him well mannered and calm for almost 6 hours? LOL.

He is flying with me, no crate.

Thanks!

MunasG · Nov 26, 2016

Joeturbo26 said:
Rico is taking his first flight with me on December 4th. I feel like he's housebroken enough and well behaved enough to do the "hotel thing".

I knew he'd be my business trip partner when I got him, as I travel a lot for work, and so often see dogs on flights and in hotels.

I'll admit he isn't such a "let you hold him" for an hour let alone, almost 6 hours on a flight kind of dog...

He is still a puppy (will be 8 months on the day of the flight) so he can be a bit rambunctious! I refuse to sedate him.... the most I'd do is maybe give him a Benadryl, you think that's a good idea?

Any advice on how to keep him well mannered and calm for almost 6 hours? LOL.

He is flying with me, no crate.

Thanks!

Maybe try the thundershirt. I've heard it good to keep them calm and less anxious. It's available on amazon. I bought one for Nellie as she get anxious when I have to leave for work. I tried it this morning and she looks calmer but hard to tell. It's supposed to work for 80% of dogs. Good luck!

Honeys Owners · Nov 26, 2016

Meclizine 25mg is over the counter, lasts for 24 hr , and is an anti nauseant and is sedating. https://www.amazon.com/Meclizine-Generic-Bonine-Chewable-Tablets/dp/B00EMLC07O

davidh · Nov 26, 2016

Most of the time they do well on a plane, and in the hotel. Mine love to go, but we go in the car. Are you flying a private plane? Because I have never seen a commercial airline let you have a dog on the plane that was not in a flexible crate that will fit under the seat in front of you, unless they were a service dog.

Joeturbo26 · Nov 26, 2016

davidh said:
Most of the time they do well on a plane, and in the hotel. Mine love to go, but we go in the car. Are you flying a private plane? Because I have never seen a commercial airline let you have a dog on the plane that was not in a flexible crate that will fit under the seat in front of you, unless they were a service dog.

Yes, I'm flying private.... my own citation X.

Hahahahahaha. NO! I wish!

He is flying as an ESA emotional support animal, American Airlines is VERY good with their policy.

Goingmad · Nov 27, 2016

Geez.. I thought French bulldogs are banned from airplanes due to their respiratory problem

Joeturbo26 · Nov 27, 2016

Goingmad said:
Geez.. I thought French bulldogs are banned from airplanes due to their respiratory problem

That's only if they're traveling in cargo I believe.

2bullymama · Nov 27, 2016

Safe travels... he'll be fine as long as he can look out the window

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Joeturbo26 · Nov 27, 2016

2bullymama said:
Safe travels... he'll be fine as long as he can look out the window

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lol yes he has a window seat.

Hervé Eulacia · Nov 28, 2016

Joeturbo26 said:
lol yes he has a window seat.

Are AA fully aware of his first-class-on-Etihad grade pickiness?

Envoyé de mon iPad en utilisant Tapatalk

Joeturbo26 · Nov 28, 2016

Hervé Eulacia said:
Are AA fully aware of his first-class-on-Etihad grade pickiness?

Envoyé de mon iPad en utilisant Tapatalk

Hahahahahahaha!!!!! Yes he only likes an Etihad apartment suite!

CarrotTheFrenchie · Nov 30, 2016

Joeturbo26 said:
Rico is taking his first flight with me on December 4th. I feel like he's housebroken enough and well behaved enough to do the "hotel thing".

I knew he'd be my business trip partner when I got him, as I travel a lot for work, and so often see dogs on flights and in hotels.

I'll admit he isn't such a "let you hold him" for an hour let alone, almost 6 hours on a flight kind of dog...

He is still a puppy (will be 8 months on the day of the flight) so he can be a bit rambunctious! I refuse to sedate him.... the most I'd do is maybe give him a Benadryl, you think that's a good idea?

Any advice on how to keep him well mannered and calm for almost 6 hours? LOL.

He is flying with me, no crate.

Thanks!

I fly with my dog quite a bit. Both on short domestic flights and also oversees. I would recommend you get a bag even if you don't need one. I have the large Sturdi Bag. My dog doesn't love it but she will usually fall asleep pretty quickly due to the vibrations of the plane. You'll need somewhere to put your pup if you want to use the restroom. I'd get your dog used to the bag now while he's still small. Biggest issue I've had with flying is the stress of getting my pup to pee/poo at the airport. She'll NEVER go to the bathrooms in the designated spots. But amazingly she's been able to hold it even on the 10 hour flights.

Joeturbo26 · Dec 13, 2016

So we are home safe and sound! Let me tell you.... it started out a little scary! From JFK to LAX, he was panting like crazy.... I almost immediately regretted my decision to bring him. However, I will admit, the air conditioning on the flight could have been better. Eventually he calmed down and it was fine.

From LAX home to JFK, he was AMAZING! Totally chill, completely different than the flight there. He slept the entire time.

Going we sat in coach (I thought for sure my airline status would have gotten us upgraded, but the flight was oversold). Coming home, we were upgraded.... I could not imagine going more than 6 hours in coach with him again... there simply isn't enough room.

So in conclusion, my two biggest bits of advice for any future flyers is:

1. Benedryl is your friend
2. Business or First Class only.

Cbrugs · Dec 13, 2016

Glad to hear all went well!

Squishy Walnuts · Dec 13, 2016

I'm happy to hear it went so well! I couldn't fly with my dogs. Wally is too big and too crazy.

domi8tor · Dec 14, 2016

I think you can have a pretty good idea by seeing him on a long drive approximately an hour commute. That should give you an idea. I know the airplane travel time is a lot longer, but pretty much same concept.
To be on the safe side I will take some kind of mild sedatives, you don't want to be empty handed, in case he starts freaking out.