It’s everyone’s favorite part of airline travel – the security checkpoint. The crowded lines, removing articles of clothing, and emptying your purse and pocket contents into a box are all reasons why these checkpoints can be a hassle. Now imagine having to do all these things while traveling with a pet. Overwhelming? It can be. With a little preparation and the proper equipment, your next experience with airport security will be a breeze. Here are some helpful tips next time you enter a security checkpoint with your pet.
Pack Light and dress accordingly. You will want to be able to minimize the amount of tasks you will have to perform to clear security. Packing a laptop in a briefcase and a pet in a carrier while dressed in sneakers will make your experience at airport security a difficult one. You will have to remove both the laptop from the briefcase and untie and remove your sneakers before even dealing with your pet. Leave the heavy jewelry and change at home or pack them in checked luggage.
Know your airline’s pet policies! Please be aware that all pet policies are unique to each airline. Knowing your airline’s pet policy can only help during the security process. Find a list of airline pet policies.
Your pet carrier must be airline compliant* and will be X-Rayed. During the security process, your pet’s carrier will be X-Rayed. This is completely normal. Put all of your dog’s accessories into a clear plastic bag inside of your carrier. This will help prevent delays and holdups while scanning your bag. Try to avoid carrying any liquids or gels for your pet. The same restrictions for lotions and gels that apply to you also apply to your pet. (3.4 ounce containers in a one quart plastic bag)
Your pet will be screened by the metal detector. After you place your bag into the X-Ray machine, you will then proceed into the metal detector with your pet in your arms. It is important to remember that your pet might be distracted or distressed by all the people, noise and commotion. We recommend keeping your pet leashed during the time it is out of the pet carrier. This way, if the pet succeeds to wriggle out of your grip, you will able to restrain them from running. Additionally, having a small treat in your pocket may help in getting your pet back into the carrier quickly.
Allow extra time to check in and clear airport security. Delta, Continental and American Airlines will not compensate you for missing a flight as a result of airport security holdups. US Airways will reschedule travelers who have been held up at security only for passengers that arrived more than 2 hours prior to flight time at no extra cost.
Using a little common sense as well as being organized will go a long way to make traveling with your pet safe and fun for you both.
*Airline compliant pet carriers must have a waterproof bottom, adequate ventilation, secure fasteners, and must fit in the space under the seat in front of you. Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier.
Your tips on airline pet travel is very realistic. These are the things that I do and I haven’t had a hitch ever since. The only exception is when you are traveling internationally where you get to facilitate some clearance and quarantine through respective government-operated offices. Do you have further tips on this?
RESPONSE
In most cases the requirements to enter another country vary by the country with the exception of most EU countries that have unifed rules. 90% of the time if your pet has been vaccinated for rabies, micro chipped with the ISO 15 digit microchip and is accompanied by the veterinary health certificate for that country you should have not problem entering. There are some counties such as the UK that also require a blood titer test and there are a fair number of countries that reauire an import permit. Your best pet is to visit this page which contains the complete instructions and forms for every country: http://www.pettravelstore.com/categories/Pet-Passports/
Jerry
To avoid hassles and unnecessary stress, it’s better to check the website of the Airline your planning to board with your pet. Airlines varies in their regulations regarding taking pets on a plane.
Your airline pet tips are quite helpful and practical. When I was bringing a surprise puppy for my daughter, I wasn’t aware about the details of airlines concerning bringing pets. Good thing I went to the airport way ahead of the schedule time. An airline compliant pet carrier is crucial to smooth and without delay routine checking. Thanks for the post.
RESPONSE
In order to avoid problems when checking in a pet as checked baggage make sure your pet has an IATA compliant pet crate. Many of those sold in pet stores do not meet the standards.
Jerry
Followed your tips and I was able to get off the line fast and easy. Just forgot the leash part though. Good thing I always bring a treat with me. Looking forward to more of your posts!
RESPONSE
Thank you, I am glad that things went well for you and your pet.
Jerry