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  • Check in earlier than usual. Give yourself at least an extra hour to check in with your dog, Geller says. For example, if you'd normally arrive one and a half hours before your flight's departure time, plan to get to the check-in area two and a half hours prior. This time also allows your dog to eliminate anxieties it might have and get it acclimated to the commotion of the airport.
  • Don't make a fuss when you say goodbye to your pet. "If you're behaving differently, you're raising red flags to your dog," Geller says.
  • Make friends with the flight attendants. "You want them to be emotionally invested," she says. "Reach out to them for helping you with your dog." Offer a monetary tip or positive reinforcement to show the flight attendant that you care, Geller says.
  • Ask the flight attendant to check the temperature. The temperature in the plane's cargo area can fluctuate, so politely ask the flight attendant to ask the pilot to check the temperature to make sure your dog is safe and healthy, Geller says.
  • Tip the baggage handler. Geller suggests a tip of at least $25 and says to ask him to please look after your dog. This is particularly helpful in the case of a delay.
  • Keep your dog well-mannered. If your dog is barking in the cabin, spray it with water to quiet it down, Geller says. You might also consider a bark collar that is remote controlled and voice activated.
What to do when you get off of the plane

Published 09/21/2009

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