Reblog Wednesday: Traveling With Animals

Welcome to Reblog Wednesday at Createyou86. I read an article this morning about the most animal friendly airlines.  Let me tell you about my previous experiences.

I have a small Papillon named Penn she weighs about 6 pounds.

I prefer to travel with Southwest Airlines.  Southwest is most times the cheapest fare around, and they are animal friendly. In order to fly with your animal on Southwest there are a few things that you will need to do.

1. Your small cat or dog must be up to date with vaccinations/health before traveling, and you need to have proof of that information with you while traveling in case you are asked to present it at the airport.
2. You need to have a carrier for your animal that is approved by the airline.  They have the measurements online.  You should also call just to make sure (you can purchase a carrier from Southwest at the desk when checking luggage for $45.00).  I called ahead,  and they knew to have a carrier available for me when i got there to purchase.  I looked in stores, couldnt find the appropriate size, and didnt want to fuss with a purchase that wouldn't work.

Next you should call ahead to make a reservation for your animal, and find out the price for their flight.  Know that you cannot buy a roundtrip ticket for your animal.  The flights are per way.  Southwest's Animal in cabin price is $95 / way (This has been the same price for about 2 years, and I just traveled with my animal with them in May 2015, but I would always call just to make sure!).  You pay this IN CASH ONLY at checkin.
4. When it comes to food I would not feed your animal The morning of to insure no accidents.  I would also recommend stopping a few miles before the airport to let your animal go potty.  Going through security can be a bit of a pain so already having potty out of the way is helpful.  Otherwise, even between flights you'll have to leave the airport, and go back through security a second time to get back in.  Be sure to bring a clear baggy with dry food to feed your furry friend throughout the day.
5. Make sure that your animal is comfortable for their flight.  The carriers have to be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you (that is what in cabin means), and the animal cannot come out of the carrier for the duration of your flight.  There does have to be enough room for the animal to be able to get up, and turn around comfortably in the crate which is not an issue with the Southwest carrier.  The bottom of the carrier is soft plastic so I like to put an old t-shirt on the bottom, and Penn's favorite stuffed baby or bone inside in case she gets board.
I lucked out with a very easy animal to travel with.  She is extremely well behaved, and sleeps almost the entire time.  Southwest Airlines workers are more than happy to answer any questions you might have about travel.  They also have more information on their website Southwest Airlines. 

I hope that this post has been informative.  Have you ever traveled with a pet? Let us know in the comments below!