Air Travel Advice

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Q: Air travel advice & hints on carrier training for 12wk old puppy?
Traveling by air 1st time this coming Sunday w/12wk old Chinese Crested Powder Puff who cries and barks for over 1>2hrs when put in carrier. He will be in cabin w/me and I am afraid of what will happen if he is not quiet & calm w/airline.
Anyone had experience?

A: You need to do some *serious* work before Sunday.

First, start giving the dog treats in the carrier. I’d work on this several times a day. Put him in the carrier, give him a treat. Immediately take him out. Progress to putting him in the carrier, zipping it shut, and giving him a treat. Be sure to give him the treat when he’s *in* the carrier — not when you take him out.

Increase the time he’s left in there. He does *not* get a treat when he cries. Only when he’s quiet.

On the flight, prepare a KONG with peanut butter in it (good luck getting this through security, but they might let it go) for him to work on. Tell them it’s necessary for medical purposes or something.

No offense, but if I was on a flight with a screaming puppy for two hours I’d be wanting to kill both you and the puppy! It is *not* fair or considerate to your fellow passengers to subject them to your bratty puppy.

Q: Advice for air travel with Milk and Peanut allergies?
I am wondering if anyone has any advice for travelling internationally (South Korea to Toronto, Canada and back) with milk and peanut allergies. Although I have made this trip many times, I recently found out that I am severely allergic to milk and mildly allergic to peanuts (among other things but these are the most serious).

Is there anything I need to know or anything I must do to be prepared for this? Also the ban on liquids may be a problem, any suggestions?
Thanks but I’m kind of looking for more information. I know all about the allergies and side effects of them and I have an epi-pen already. I was thinking maybe someone had some information on traveling in relation to the new travel regulations and bringing food on board the plane. Has anyone else attempted to bring liquid milk substitute on board, ie soy milk, that would be over the tiny amount of liquid your allowed?

A: Mitch is right about the milk allergy. Milk is an ingredient which goes by many names (casein, whey, some ingredients which go by lacto_____, various other aliases). So lotsa breads, especially commercially baked ones, will be a problem. Thanks to better labelling since last year, it’s easier to identify labelled foods with allergens or possible cross-contamination.

My son has had severe reactions to milk, but only upon ingestion. Milk in the environment, even dried milk, doesn’t affect him. My daughter is mildly allergic to peanut (hives only, upon ingestion only). We’ve flown domestically a few times, and have had no issues. We’ve also noted no peanuts on board domestically either. BUT, if someone brought their own peanuts on board, and there’s microns floating around the air, a severely allergic person would be at significant risk. And this is not a completely manageable risk. So get an Epi-Pen (knowing it only buys you time, as Mitch said, you’re supposed to call 911 if you administer it), and consult with the airlines to see if you can lower the risk to an acceptable level (perhaps you can sit in first row of coach or 1st class and have the flight attendant wipe down immediate area (including air vents!) with bleach solution).

Good luck.

Q: Advice & tips on air travel with my dog, in the cabin?
May I get advice & tips from those in the know on traveling by air with my small, Maltese dog? Which airlines allow her in the cabin with me? Which carrier works best? Comments?

Ten points for the best answer.

And no thank you in advance, I am not interested in your online business dear.

A: I would ask this in PETS since I’m sure alot more of them travel with their dogs than people in TRAVEL do.

Q: Newbie asking for advice on Air Travel Procedure?
Hi Everyone!

I have never flown before. Anywhere. I’m the first person in my immediate family to have a passport – so I have no one for advice!

I am planning on flying (alone) to Germany from Virginia, USA in early November, and will be meeting friends there.

My first question, however, is: basically, what happens when you walk in the airport to get on an international flight? What procedure do you follow?

I think I have a vague idea but I’d love any advice you all could give!

Thanks so much!

Renny

A: First thing to do would be check in online (24 hours before your flight) to get your boarding pass.

Go to your airline–if they allow curbside check for your luggage, do that; otherwise, check your luggage at your airline’s counter.

Then you go through security. Here’s the website that tells you what is allowed in your carryon:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

You’ll take off your shoes, coat, metal items, put them and your purse/carryon in plastic bins, and they go through the scanner. You walk through the security entrance. Retrieve your stuff, put on your shoes, then look for signs to indicate where your gate is.

Go to the gate. Grab some water and snacks on the way. Wait there until your flight is called (note the letter on your boarding pass and board when that letter is called). Snag an overhead bin close to your seat and put your luggage up there. Sit down, buckle up, and have a good flight.

If you have any questions at all, just ask an employee.

Q: First time air travel advice please?
I’m travelling from Edinburgh to New York for a few days next week.
As i’ve never been abroad before i’m still not quite sure what to expect, such as airport check-in & such like.
Any pointers for me? Thanks …

A: Join the frequent flier program for the airline you will use. Joining is free and you can do it online.

Call the airline before your flight date if you want to request a seat. You should request a window seat since it is your first-ever flight. It is OK to tell the reservations agent it is your first-ever flight. Some airlines don’t do advance seat selection and others charge a fee. The reservations agent will tell you if there are restrictions. Go to www.seatguru.com for info on seating arrangements in airliners.

Call the airline the day before your flight and the morning before your flight to make sure there are no schedule changes. You can also check flight status online.

Pack almost everything in a suitcase that you will give to the airline to “check”. The suitcase has to weigh 50 pounds or less.

All liquids & gels in containers over 3 ounces and anything that might even LOOK like a weapon (nail file, scissors, etc.) should go in your checked bag. Go to www.tsa.gov for more info on prohibited items.

Mark or tag all checked luggage with something that makes the bags more distinctive. An example would be to attach a strip of colored tape to each side of the bag. It reduces the chance someone might pick up your bag by mistake at baggage claim (there are millions of black suitcases). Also clearly tag ALL bags >>> inside and outside <<< with your name and a phone number someone will answer + your e-mail address (but not your home address). The free tags from the airline check-in counter are OK.

You are usually allowed two carryon bags, but they have to be not larger than a small backpack. One carryon is better.

Take some things to do or read. Also pack basic toiletries and one change of clothing in the carryon bag. You are allowed to pack “travel size” liquids & gels in your carryon bag, but the items have to go in their own clear plastic bag and scanned separately when you get to security.

Dress in shoes & clothing that are comfortable and not tight, but also not overly casual. Avoid clothing with metal attached (ex. jeans with studs).

Make sure you have your passport, frequent flier number, and ticket (print the confirmation if it’s an e-ticket) on you before leaving home.

Get to the airport two hours before your flight. Really. It is MUCH better to have an hour to wait than to arrive later and have a problem.

Go to the airline counter and give the agent your passport, FF number, and flight info or ticket. Tell them how many bags you want to “check”. You can request a window seat at check-in if you didn’t already do so. The agent will put destination tags on your checked luggage and give you a Boarding Pass. They will then either take your checked bag(s) or tell you to carry it/them to the x-ray machine.

The “Gate” for your flight will be on the boarding pass (example E-17). Follow the signs toward your gate. Ask an airline or airport employee for directions if you are not sure.

At some point you will have to go through security. There will be a stack of plastic bins – place your shoes, carryon bag, the clear plastic bag containing any liquids or gels, sweater/jacket, and anything metal (including cellphone) in the bin. Keep your passport and boarding pass in your hand. Follow the instructions of the security personnel – they will have you place the bin on the X-ray conveyer belt and you will walk through the metal detector. Once through you collect the bin and put everything back where it belongs.

Then go to the gate. Check to make sure there has not been a gate change – most airports have TV-type monitors with the info. If not sure, ask an airline or airport employee.

Try to wait near your gate. If you want to wander off, be back 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. Follow the instructions of the ground staff when boarding starts. Your seat number will be on your boarding pass; The numbers increase toward the back of the airplane and the letters go from left to right >> as you face the front of the plane << (Seat 1A is at the front on the left and seat 22 F would be towards the rear + probably on the right). .

Once you find your seat, take out whatever you want for entertainment (book, etc.) and put your carryon bag either in the overhead storage compartment or under the seat in front of you.

Follow the instructions of the flight crew.

The aircraft is a machine and has a lot of moving parts that make noise. There will be sounds like “Thunk” when taking off and landing as the landing gear is retracted (after take-off) and lowered (for landing). The pilots also adjust parts of the wings during the flight and that sometimes causes noise.

The flight attendants will serve drinks and snacks once the plane is at “cruising altitude”. Meals are served on long distance flights (more than 5 hours). Long distance flights also usually offer entertainment, like movies. The airline’s website should have info on the available films.

There are restrooms on airplanes. Be sure to latch the door to let others know it’s occupied, and latching the door also turns on the light.

When the flight is almost over, the crew will instruct the passengers to put everything away and fasten seatbelts. Follow their instructions.

Once the plane has landed it will taxi to the airport terminal. Stay in your seat with the seatbelt fastened until the crew tells you it is OK to exit the aircraft. It will be obvious when you can do so.

Make sure you collect everything you brought with you. CHECK the pocket in back of the seat in front of you to make sure you aren’t leaving something you put there.

Once off the aircraft follow the signs to Passport Control. Be prepared to answer the standard questions asked by immigration officers everywhere:

What is the purpose of your visit?
How long will you stay?
Where will you stay (hotel name & address)?
Can you support yourself during your stay?

You may be asked to show copies of hotel reservations and your return airline ticket.

Once past Passport Control go to Baggage Claim. Most airports have multiple baggage carousels (conveyer belts) and there is usually a sign or TV-type monitor that indicates which carousel your flight’s bags will go on. Ask an airline or airport employee if you are not sure.

Collect your bag(s) and go through the Customs checkpoint. Exit the terminal (usually by going out the doors marked “Ground Transportation”).

Hope you have a good trip!

Q: Cheap air travel advice to Europe, please??
I am looking at going to Europe over spring break. Don’t care where, just want the cheapest ticket possible. Often, you can buy cheaper tickets by flying to less popular destinations (like Duesseldorf or Manchester), even though you might be laying over in a more popular place, say London or Paris? Would it be good advice to buy a ticket to “WhoKnowsWhere” if it means a layover in one of those hub cities, and then just stay there, not using the third leg of the flight (as long as the same route is taken on the going and returning flights, of course)? Am I crazy? Are they going to charge me a fee for “missing the last leg of the flight” and picking up the return flight at the layover point?

For example, i just found a sale ticket to Munich for $538 pp including taxes. The layover is in London to and from. Could I just skip the London leg and have about 15 more hours of vacation time? A trip to london is probably more like $700 pp.

A: Nope, I asked about the same thing when I went backpacking this summer…there was a roundtrip flight from the u.s. to Munich that connected in London. We wanted to get off in London spend a few days and eventually make our way to Munich for the trip home. They told us that if we didn’t reboard in London that we would lose out bags and our return flight would be cancelled. My advice if you are on a budget…get the most reasonable flight you can find into europe then fly easy jet or ryan air to where you want to go…you can find flights on those airlines for 20 euros sometimes. Just be careful because they have stricter weight restrictions on baggage so travel with the least amount of stuf possible.

Q: I need air travel advice.?
In early Oct. I’ll be needing to fly from Tucson, AZ to El Paso, Tx and want to know of any discounts, or suggestions. What’s the absolute best and economical (not too risky, though, will be traveling with two children 7& 12) way to go? Southwest seems cheapest, but are there other ways I can get discounts? Thanks!
One more thing: I for sure want the kind of tickets that I am guaranteed seats, not the kind where there “may not be any available seating”

A: AVOID southwest…very little space and its not assigned seating, its first come first serve, sooo try continental..that’s the only airline i’m going to suggest ’cause its the best US carrier..hands down..just monitor their prices they like to drop them suddenly..i got a plane ticket to OAK for $193..it was cheaper than southwest’s $99 one way!

Q: Does anyone have advice on air travel with 3 kids alone, ages 5-10?
I’m traveling alone next week with my 3 kids at 6:45 AM (a 17 hour transantlantic flight on Air Canada!)from LAX. Advice on what to carry on, activities for the plane (Air Canada does not provide kids activies or for that matter food from Los Angeles to Toronto), etc. would be appreciated

A: I would definitely bring snacks for them, even if the airlines provide food, it’s usually stuff my kids won’t eat. I would avoid gummy snacks, since those are too close to gel, which is now prohibited on flights. You should be allowed to pre-board as well, check with your airline for sure about that. If your finances allow it, I’ve found traveling with either a lap top computer or one of those portable DVD players a Godsend for kids, make sure the battery is charged as well (possibly get an extra as well). If they have a Game Boy, Nintendo also makes little game boy videos of movies, TV shows, etc. Other ideas would be to have them bring books on board, etc. I have 2 children, and I would STUFF each child a backpack of their stuff. Magna Doodles are great for younger kids, and hit the toy section of WalMart or Target for fun travel toys. I found stuff generally held the kids attention a little longer if it was new, so I’d usually purposefully keep stuff until after take off. Check out the TSA (US) web site on traveling with kids and make sure you explain fully to them the screening procedures. Here’s the link. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
Best of luck to you and hope you have a good flight.

Q: Advice on air travel with a toddler ?
We have an opportunity to get away for a couple of days. Our 2 year old has never been on a plane or stayed in a hotel. What do we need to know to make this trip a success? Please feel free to share experiences. I would like to make this trip as smooth as possible. Thanks!!!

A: Plenty of hard liquor might help you get through it! I traveled this summer with a one and a two year old (and I’m a single mom so no other help!) It could have been much worse! I was pleasantly surprised. I had three carry ons full of snacks, cups of milk, juice, coloring books and anything else i could think of. I also bought a coloring table activity thing new and didn’t’ let them play with it until on the plane. Be prepared for dirty looks from other passengers as well. Apparently they forget sometimes that you paid money for the same flight as they did. Try to avoid red eyes or early morning and late evening as people book those with intentions of sleeping quietly. And the thing that worked best…talking about the exciting plane trip we were going to take. How cool, we’re going to fly just like those planes up in the sky! My little brats still say Look mommy, a plane! it’s going to the ocean like us?!
good luck and hope you have a good time

Q: Long Air travel with pet cat… advice?
Im taking my cat on a long air travel with 2 transits, as cabin baggage. I’d like some advice bout sedating him. He’s the type that gets very stressed in a strange place and does moan and howl about it sometimes, n i wouldnt want any trouble if pasengers complain. besides But i am worried about sedating him cuz it’ll be 20 hours in all, n thats a long time. Will he be ok without food for that long? what about his toilet? I don want him awake and stressed for that long either, plus i dont know if he’ll get air sick or something, or if the altitude and stuff would give him a hard time.
i’d appreciate some advice or tips if anyone has taken their pets on long trips before…
thanks for the advice everyone…
i should add im takin him from india to canada n its permanent since we’re moving. i’ve checked on health cert stuff, n he’s vaccinated n all. n by cabin baggage i mean i can keep him with me under the seat in his carrier. im takin his own carrier which is pretty sturdy, but the airline (lufthansa) said they’ll provide one too if i need so i’ll take that one if its better!
im not sure what their rules are bout drugging him, but it would seem that 20 hours will be pretty traumatic if he’s awake n stressed out about it. but looks like sedation has its down side too. are there any drugs that calm him down but don put him out or something?

A: okay! i would be sacred too! u should see if the airline will let you kep ur cat in a crate in the seat next 2 u or under it if u explain the problem to them! (i would let u) just see! but don’t sedate him! sooooo dangerous when it is 4 20 hours!!!

Q: What is your best advice when air traveling with small children?
My husband and I are going to the east coast of canada from Ontario (where we live) on friday night. This is the first time we’ve travelled as a family. And i’m scared to death!! My kids are 5 (girl) 3 (girl) 9 months (boy) Any advice whatsoever to help me survive this adventure would be more than appreciated!

A: Movies!! Find out if they have access to play DVD’s on the plane that kept my little sister quiet the whole ride. If not see if a friend has a portable DVD player you can borrow and mail back to them once you arrive home. If not try to get some food in your carry on they like, something to snack on will keep them happy, don’t forget drinks. Toys, but not too small because if they drop it then you’re on a search trying to find out where the little car rolled to. Not too big either because there won’t be a ton of room. Coloring books. Give them inside windows they’ll love looking outside even at night it’s cool on the plane to look out. If you give your kids gum, give them gum to chew it’ll help a lot with popping their ears as you change altitudes.

The baby you’re going to want to keep up as much as possible during the day so he’ll want to sleep on the plane. He’ll probably be awake as your rushing to find you’re gate and emptying your pockets and going through metal detectors but try to get him to sleep on the plane and play with the girls. Keep them busy, maybe even a nap if they get tired, most airplanes have pillows and blankets.

Q: International air travel with rabbits? Advice please.?
hi everyone!
I’m going to be travelling from Italy to Canada and will remain there for a long period of time, and therefore need to take my pet rabbit with me. My trip will take place in November, and since air travel with rabbits is a delicate subject, I’m starting to get informed as of now.

I’ve done a lot of research and found out that very few flights allow rabbits in the CABIN, which complicates things since I want bunny in the cabin with me, not in the hold or as cargo. From what I’ve gathered so far, Continental, Delta, Finnair, etc, allow rabbits on board. Problem is, Continental doesn’t specify whether having rabbit in the CABIN applies only to flights within the US, or internationally as well. Delta says that they need to be shipped as checked baggage, which is not an option. Finnair apparently doesn’t allow them on “leisure flights” so I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean. I haven’t yet called the airlines, though I plan to soon. What I was hoping to find, however, was someone who has already been through the process, and could shed some light on the situation.
If anyone has previously travelled with a rabbit, by plane, overseas, and with the bunny in the cabin, please let me know what airline was used. I’ve read online about people who have brought their rabbits in the cabin with them, but the information is vague and I’d really like for someone to tell me directly so I can better understand.
I’d really appreciate it, because I’ll be gone for many months and can’t leave Bunny behind. Thanks in advance!

A: I checked Continental Airlines, and they said outside U.S. flights to call Reservations for assistance and information about international in-cabin pet acceptance and service charges.
Reservation Contacts in Milan, Italy:
02 69 63 3256
Mon. – Sat. 0800-2000
02 69 63 3256 (OnePass Service Centre)
Mon. – Fri. 0800-2000
00 800 5555 8000 (continental.com Support)

Pets must be carried in an approved in-cabin kennel. The kennel must fit completely under the seat forward of the customer and remain there at all times aboard the aircraft. Maximum hard case kennel dimensions are: 17″ L x 12.5″ W x 8″ H (43 cm L x 32 cm W x 20 cm H).
In-cabin pet kennels may be available at Continental ticket counters for $55.00. The dimensions are 17″ L x 12.5″ W x 8″ H (43 cm L x 32 cm W x 20 cm H).
In-Cabin Pet Restrictions are listed at the website shown below.

Q: Can you recommend a carseat for air travel?
I’m looking for an infant carseat that we can carry onto planes with us – either strapped into the airline seat, or as carry-on baggage, or checked at the gate with the wheelchairs.

I’d really appreciate any advice from your air travels with infants, what seat works, any seats that are too big, etc.

Thanks.

A: I flew with my 3 month old daughter and she was in an Evenflo (0-6 months) car seat and everything was fine.
Almost all car seats that are FAA approved (it should say on the box or seat) will belt into a plane seat with no problems.
You will have to buy a separate plane seat for your child if you are bringing a car seat on board though. If you choose to hold him in your lap (you should request this when buying tickets) then the staff will provide you with a seat where you have a little basket/bed you can place him in.
Good luck!

Q: Advice for air travel. I have never been on a plane before?
So in July I am going to the Florida Keys (YAY!) for my sisters wedding. I will be flying from Portland Oregon to either Miami or Fort Meyers Florida and then driving down the Key West.

However the plane ride is around 8 hours! I have been talking with different people and some say they hate to fly and some say they don’t mind it. I am not sure how I will be. I don’t really care for heights or being in crapped spaces. Do you think I will be okay? Some people have been saying they take something for the flight to relax them. Should I? If so what should I take? I just don’t want to get on the plane and then deiced I don’t like it and freak out or something. I will be going with my dad who has never been on one either and is a bit nervous too.

Also what am I allowed to take on the plane? I heard you can’t even have small things that may be considered a “weapon” like tweezers etc? What do you normally take with you and what is okay to bring with you in the plane and where your bags go?

Any other advice for first time flyers would be great! Thanks for reading
Driving down *to Key West.
ADD: Do you have to pay for the food/drinks on the plane or is it included in the ticket? What kind of stuff do they have to eat and stuff?

A: Flight travel can be very relaxing and can go by very quickly. Fortunately your flight will not be 8 hours straight. The max time from PDX (Portland) to MIA (Miami) is only 5:15min. Many times it even takes less than that amount of time due to the jet stream.

Being nervous is very common for first time travelers. You may want to consider bring a laptop or portable DVD player with headphones. If you know of a friend that has noise cancelling headsets, I would recommend asking to borrow them. They really reduce the amount of noise.

Some people have a cocktail pre-flight and then one on the plane. It helps reduce anxiety. However, you will be travelling between 32k-38k feet above sea level so the effects of acholol can be more intense. So limit your intake if you consider this option.

Unfortunately food is not provided any longer. However, snack boxes are available for sell on the plane for normally $5-$10. I would suggest buying something at the Portland airport. There are some great options at your departing airport. In fact, its one of my favorite airports to fly into and out. Great shopping and food!

When you arrive in Miami you will think you have entered into a foreign country. It is definately an interesting experience. Your drive from the airport to Key West will take you about three hours. The drive once you get into Key Largo is amazing. You will be so surprised by the amount of bridges you will cross. It’s an amazing drive so keep your mind focused on your final destination and your flight will fly by quickly.

Have an amazing trip!

Q: Any advice on air travel with my Shih Tzu?
I am traveling with my 9 lb shih tzu in February…from Richmond, VA to San Diego, CA.

We will have a 2 hr lay over in Atlanta….flying 1st class on both flights. I am not sure if we will have adequate time to take him outside and back into the airport (through security, etc..) for a potty break.

Has anyone else traveled with thier dogs before and have any good advise??

(I will have the health certificate in hand and an approved crate for him to be in the cabin…under my seat).

Thanks in advance!

A: I just make the trek from Orlando, Fl to San Francisco, CA and back with my 16 lb Shih Tzu. I did go out of my way to make sure that I would not have a layover, which admittedly helped. But, overall, he was a great sport about it.
Some tips:
* Line the bottom with an absorbent pad (in case of mistakes) and make sure that you throw in an unclean shirt of your with your smell for security.
* Keep everything you will need for the little guy with you either in his bag or your carry on… leash, treats, proof of vaccines, poop bags, etc.
* Make sure she/he is wearing a collar with ID tag- just in case!! There are a lot of people in a busy airport and you have to take him out to walk through the metal detector.
* Take him out and offer him water right before you go into the airport. (Even if it is in the parking lot.)
* Buy a small container/bowl for water during the flight. (I bought this great ladle thing (at PetSmart) that holds a bottle of water and has a small bowl at the end. Perfect for air travel and even car rides!)

And make sure you get to the airport early! You have to wait in the line and check in at the counter to pay for the dog. Also- most airlines limit the number of dogs per plane, and that is based on order of check in- not order of reservation/purchase.

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