Flying with Fluffy

By James Wysong

Travel columnist

updated 12:50 p.m. ET April 13, 2005

When you are on a flight you expect to hear an occasional crying baby, the engines whooshing, a flight attendant shouting about the seatbelt sign. But a bark, meow — or even a cockle-doodle-doo? Not really.

The Air Transport Association estimates that more than a half a million dogs and cats are transported on commercial airlines each year, and 99 percent reach their destinations without incident. Which is great, but it’s small consolation if your pet was part of that remaining one percent.

Besides the usual dog or cat in-flight, I have flown with lizards, snakes, fish, chickens, pigs, monkeys, ferrets, a fox, several birds, and even a rat (although he was a stowaway).

I remember a few times when the animals have either escaped from their cages, had bouts of explosive diarrhea, or were involved in onboard pet fights.

The most memorable was a parrot named Fluffy. Because she was great at repeating phrases, we allowed the owner to take her out of the carrier and let her hang out in the back galley with the flight attendants.

We taught Fluffy how to repeat all the flight attendant sayings like “chicken or beef,” “seatbelt sign is on,” and “coffee, tea or me.”

If a passenger came back and asked for two or more drinks, Fluffy would let out our favorite phrase of “high-maintenance flier,” which had all of us in hysterics. We stationed Fluffy at the door after we landed and as people deplaned, she squawked “buh-bye” to every passenger.

Many people consider their pets as important family members. I know, because I have five cats and sometimes wonder where I fit in my wife’s pecking order.

There are many do’s and don’ts out there when it comes to traveling with pets. The following is a list I have compiled for a better pet flight experience.

1. Never sedate your pet without the explicit permission of your vet. High altitudes and sedatives are usually a dangerous combination. While many of us choose to anesthetize ourselves in flight, it’s not a good idea for your animal.

2. Contact your airline before flying with your pet. Write down all of your questions ahead of time, and remember that there are no stupid questions. Okay, maybe you can leave out the one about pet parachutes.

3. The carry-on option is by far the best if your animal is small enough. You have to book early though, as there are limits on the number of pets allowed in the cabin at one time.

4. If it is possible, book a non-stop flight or at least one with minimal time layovers between flights. Most animal fatalities take place on the ground.

5. Make sure your pet has some type of identification collar or tag with all necessary details, since there have been times when pets have escaped from their kennel. Bring a leash for walking and a scooper just in case.

6. Check all conditions regarding flight and health. If there is supposed to be a heat wave or a blizzard where you are going, then put it off for a couple of weeks. Same goes for your pet’s health; if it is ill, then delay. Better safe than sorry.

7. Choose a carrier designed for air travel and familiarize your pet with it well ahead of time. Consider length, width and height.

8. Don’t feed your pet too much before a flight, for obvious reasons. You may think that guy with foot rot is cabin enemy number one, but just wait till your precious Fifi clears her intestines and creates a smelly morsel half her size. Instead, get a calorie supplement from your local pet store or vet.

9. If your pet is too big to bring onboard, have some compassion. Your pet has to go into a dark scary place filled with weird noises and unfamiliar motion. Lessen the trauma by adding his favorite blanket and a chew toy or two.

10. Ask about getting frequent flier points. I am serious, because many people don’t know that if you have to pay extra for your pet, most airlines will accept them as bona fide frequent flier club members.

Most of all, ask your veterinarian for any special instructions.