Flying with a pet...

[MustangOrange]

Has anyone ever flown with their pet in the cabin? We are moving from MD back to the promised land (DFW to be exact) and we plan to take our little dog with us. We would prefer to bring him in the cabin and to fly American Airlines.

He's about 20-21 lbs and can fit in an airline approved carrier and turn around. Looking online, I think that fits their requirements. Do they weigh the pet or anything? What happens to the bag when you go through security? Do you just carry the dog through and put the bag on the belt to be x-rayed?

We don't have any experience with this and would just like some input/reassurance/am I forgetting anything.

 

[Bob Wills]

Shouldn't be an issue, but you'll need to pay the pet airfare as early as possible. AA will only sell so many "tickets" for pets.

They've never weighed our pet, so unless it's obvious that your pet is way over the limit, I wouldn't worry. At security, you'll have to take your pet out of the carrier and walk with them through the metal detector. They'll also run your carrier through the x-ray machine.

One other thing that they have requested in the past is a "health certificate" from their vet, but I'm not sure on the details and if this is required when the pet is flying into Texas.

If you're feeling brave, I know that folks also sneak their pets on board all the time. I guess you'll just have to weigh the pros/cons on getting caught.

 

[TexasEd]

Take a vaccination record with you.