How to Manage Long Flights with Your Pets

Flying is a wonderful experience, provided one has prepared for it. The same goes for pets; depending on how short or long your flight is, it will require some planning. With different requirements for different airlines and countries, taking a long flight with your pet can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, with a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your trip is smooth and stress-free. 

Tips For Long Flights with Your Pet

Contact your vet as soon as you can.

Your pet needs to be fit and healthy for a long flight or any form of pet travel in general; sick or injured pets are not allowed on a flight after all. Your vet will examine your pet and make sure it is healthy and fit enough to go on a long-haul flight. A vet visit is also important because most countries have import documentation that relates to your pet’s health, and this documentation is provided by your vet. Health certificates, vaccination records, and de-worming certificates are a few examples of documentation that your vet provides after a successful check-up, so head to your vet first if you’re planning a journey.

Book your spot as early as possible.

Making a timely booking is important when you’re travelling with your pet; airlines allow a certain number of pets on board each flight, and this number varies depending on the make and model of the aircraft being used. Waiting too long could mean missing out on a booking, so book early and confirm your pet booking with the airline as early as possible.

Crate training is an essential part of travel preparation.

Crate training is like any form of obedience training; it is the simple practice of familiarizing a pet with their crate, so they remain calm and comfortable while travelling in it.

Your pet will not enter the crate and be comfortable in it of their own accord, they will need to be trained to do so. Do not force your pet inside the crate; let them explore and check it out for themselves. As they gradually become familiar with the presence of the crate, you can start putting a blanket or item of clothing inside the crate, so your pet slowly comes to associate the crate with a familiar environment.

It is important to get your pet used to travelling in a crate before travel too. Before making a big trip, take your pet out for shorter drives so they can get used to the sensation of travelling in a crate and become comfortable travelling in it.

Feeding times should be monitored before travel.

Pets should typically be fed less than two hours before departure for domestic flights, and less than four hours before international flights. Make sure to feed your pet a small amount of food before flying, but not too much; travelling on a slightly empty stomach is better for your pet than travelling on a overly full stomach.

Do not use sedatives or tranquilize your pet.

A frequently sked question is whether a pet should be tranquilized during air travel. The answer to this question is NO. When your pet is tranquilized or seated, their brains are unable to process information properly. This can lead to confusion and panic, which will cause undue stress when in an unfamiliar setting. Sedation also affects a pet’s balance, meaning they are at risk of injury during the flight.

Sedatives don’t just affect a pet’s brain though. They reduce heart rate, body temperature, and respiration, which is dangerous to pets and especially snub-nosed animals. Sedation can also cause dehydration, but this is less common than the other, more dangerous side effects of the process.

If you’re worried about your pet being anxious while travelling, try to crate train them before your planned pet travel. Crate training and a familiar object like a blanket will be far safer and more helpful than tranquilizers or sedatives. Never sedate your pet for a flight. 

Pet Travel In-Cabin

When pets travel in the cabin, they are allowed to stay close to their owner in the passenger area. This option may be comforting, as they are surrounded by familiar scents and voices. However, the cabin environment can be intense for some pets, owing to the barrage of new smells and sights. 

Once you’re both on board, your pet must stay in their crate for the entire flight, as airlines don’t allow pets to roam freely in the cabin. This rule is for everyone’s safety, but it does limit their ability to move or interact with you. 

While some pets feel reassured by having their owner nearby, others may still feel anxious due to the confined space, loud noises, and constant movement around them. For longer flights, it’s worth considering if your pet can handle such close confinement while experiencing so many new things at once.

Pet Travel in the Cargo Hold

It may sound less appealing, but a cargo hold can be a comfortable and safe option for pet travel, especially for international journeys. Pet-friendly airlines have dedicated pet transport sections in the cargo hold, which are temperature-controlled, pressurized, and equipped to handle live animals comfortably. Pets breathe the same air as passengers, and their crates are securely fastened to avoid movement during the flight.

Not all airlines are the same, which is why it is so important to choose a reputed pet-friendly airline. By choosing a pet-friendly airline, you can reduce the risks associated with cargo travel. Airlines with established pet transportation services prioritize pets’ safety, ensuring they aren’t left unattended on the tarmac for long periods and are shielded from extreme weather conditions.

Regardless of your choice, it’s helpful to enlist the support of a professional pet relocation service, especially for long or complex journeys. Companies like Carry My Pet work closely with pet-friendly airlines, managing each stage of the journey to minimize your pet’s stress. Before travelling, make sure to go through your checklist and prepare accordingly, and you’re sure to have a smooth trip with your pet.