Home Forums Birds & Dogs Hunting Dogs Flying with a hunting dog?

Do any of you travel by plane (commercial) with your larger breed (Labrador) sized dogs?

From what I’m reading, traveling with small/tiny dogs is more straightforwardly accommodated.

Your experience and advice would be appreciated.

You can put puppies/small dogs in an approved soft-sided carry-on and stow them under the seat in front of you but adult dogs would need to ride in the cargo hold. I've never don't that but have heard they may have issues with their ear drums bursting so I doubt I'd ever try it. That may be totally wrong so hopefully others can weigh in.......

I have been assured by both Delta and Alaska Air that the cargo holds on all currently used passenger planes are pressurized. This may or may not be true for smaller regional carriers that use turboprops. It's always good to ask.

Brian we frequently ship Police dogs and candidates. They ride in the cargo holds..major airlines are pressurized...it always makes me nervous but has never been an issue. That said be aware most airlines will not ship a dog if ambient temperature at any part of the route is 85 degrees or more ( and rightfully so...)

Delta is probably the worst & really doesn't want to fly pets anymore. In fact they make you fly them air cargo only now I think. That being said I used to use them for a non stop from Anch.-MSP, now use Alaska Air. They do a better job of customer service & at least it appears they have a genuine interest in making sure things go smoothly for the dog. There are also temp restrictions going the other way so when its under 10-20 degrees they wont' fly pets. I usually put a pad down first & then a blanket or shirt that has familiar smells for the dog. Also put a then hanging bowl on the door with frozen water so the dog can drink some if needed.

Thanks Tom. That’s a reassuring.

Is there an industry standard crate that you use?

Do you just freeze a bowl of water?

Which crate do you use?

Thanks for your response.

Does anyone have recent experience with American Airlines?

I have a Ruffmaxx from Cabelas in Large & Travel Aire in XL. Neither are the most solid available but you also have to take weight into consideration. The Large carries a 65lb dog & the XL a 74lb.

Yes just freeze the water the night before you travel. Most pet strores sell bowls made to hook onto the door. If its for the lab in your avatar get a decent size bowl similar to something like this:

https://www.pettravelstore.com/pet-crate-bowl/


https://www.amazon.com/Miller-Manuf...mp;psc=1&refRID=CY7A2VBEX64M7FGZHFA6