Air Travel with a giant breed?

[Kris]

Anyone here ever have to travel by air with a giant breed (ie. Irish Wolfhound)? How did you do it? Any recommendations/cautionary tales?

Thanks in advance!
Kris

[Barrett]

How far are you having to go? I work for an airline and I see many dogs and cats go through everyday. Check your airline and make sure you have the correct size cage and be sure it is accepted for travel. No wire cages and no colapsable cages. Use the plastic ones and run a couple pieces of duct tape around it so it can't bust open if the little plastic bolts come undone during flight. I have seen many cages pop open because one bolt in the front or back comes off. You can drill extra holes and use zipties in the fron and back for extra security. If you are going on an express carrier you won't be able to check an extra large carrier. Many airlines won't take an extra large carrier. Pack lots of food in double ziplock bags and tape it to the top of the carrier. Tape bottled water to the top of the carrier too. Use duct tape and go crazy with it so the food does not get ripped open or come off. Label it " food " and be sure there is enough for two days. You might want to zip lock the cage door closed if it is possible. I have seen very stupid airline workers open the cage to pet the animal before. Put a pillow inside the crate so your dog will be comfortable laying down. Pack wet wipes and towels in your carry-on luggage incase your dog goes to the bathroom in the crate. You will want to clean him up before he goes in the car.
If it is at all possible, DRIVE to your destination. It is very hard on dogs and cats when they are checked as luggage. They get lifted by people, they slide around in the cage, they have to ride around on a bumpy bag cart near aircraft noise. They could be left in the sun by mistake...I would drive if at all possible or board your baby in a kennel. It is so stressful for an animal to fly.

[Kris]

I have never seen a plastic travel crate large enough for Darby.

[Barrett]

How big is he? I have seen great danes fly before. It just has to be big enough to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Would he fit in the extra large crate? They are pretty huge. I could sit up comfortably inside one and curl up with room to spare.

[Kris]

He's 35" at the shoulder but needs significantly more than that to sit. They recommend 54" deep crates for IWHs and I haven't located a plastic one of that size yet.

Boarding him truly isn't an option as I will be there for 6 months.

Air travel is really my only option and the trip would be roughly 8 hours iirc (it's been a few years).

The only good thing is that I have time. The trip wouldn't be for at least 11 months.

Kris

[Vicki]

You'll hear lots of horror stories about pets travelling on planes and the things that can go wrong and you'll probably worry yourself silly about leaving them in the care of strangers, but last month we moved us and our 2 dogs from Dallas to London and the dogs were absolutely fine when we got them back! Other than being a little jetlagged, they were no worse for wear. If there was any way we could have driven them rather than put them through going on a scary plane, we would have done but obviously we didnt have any choice in the matter either!

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to give the name of the airline here because I'm not sure what the advertising rules are, but if you want to know who we went with feel free to message me! The airline that took care of us were very friendly and kind to us, even to the point where the pilot let us know over the speaker system on the plane that the dogs were being boarded and we should look out the window to see them!!

[Dogsareme]

Beware of some Airlines. They will not take responsibility if your dog dies(expecially AirCanada). There have been some changes with Airlines in that regard. They will also not fly your animal if it's more then 90F out. I guess the cargo hold will be to hot and can kill your animal.
I would call some of the airlines and see what their rules are in regard to flying animals. Ask them if your dog died would they take responsibility.

[Barrett]

If you are catching two planes, make sure you have a few hours lay over time. You can pick your dog up at baggage claim and walk him around to go potty and stretch before the next flight. Never book your self for the last flight of the day. You want at least one flight after yours just incase you get seperated. And of course call before you make your reservation. Animals cost more to check than regular baggage and every airline charges a different fee and most airlines have an animal embargo policy for winter and summer travel. I know your breed doesn't have this problem but some arilines won't carry a short nosed breed ever..because of breathing difficulties in the heat. If I needed to go somewhere for 6 months I would take my dogs on the plane with me. I totally understand your need to check your dog. Good luck on finding the right airline and the right kennel.