International Air Travel Crates

VABeach08

Hi-- looking for recommendations (and/or brands to avoid) for a carrier for my 40 lb dog.  Most airlines have weight restrictions and require the water/food dishes to be solidly affixed to the crate, but I haven't really found any restrictions on brand.

As a side note, we don't crate Lucy at home (nor did we use crate training).  Do plan to purchase the crate a few months before the flight, so that L can get used to it.

Thanks! 

MallardDucky

I have done this twice.  It did not matter the brand just that it used screws and not clips. We used Pet Mate.      Also have you gotten your tickets yet, if not I would suggest using Delta, its like $200-$250 to have as accesss baggage.  The cheapest by far, most others will charge you cargo prices and that is upwards to $1000-$3000.  Also do not forget about the international health cert. you will need that 10 days before travel (no more than 10days) and if you do not have a state vet FDA cert. vet local it could take up to a week to get so check with your vet.

 

Any other questions?

darkling_glory

I would NOT use Delta!!!

http://gawker.com/5885866/over-half-the-pets-that-died-on-airplanes-last-year-flew-delta

VABeach08

Thanks, guys.  

Yeah, I'm trying to get smart on carriers as well.  United had good reviews from friends; however, they've change their policy and no longer service our country of departure.  

Boo, I hate this (really hate putting my dog through the stress of flying). One of our flight options has a half-way stop where we'd be allowed access to Lucy and be able to walk her for a bit.  Really hope that works... cross your paws for us! 

MallardDucky

darkling_glory:

I would NOT use Delta!!!

http://gawker.com/5885866/over-half-the-pets-that-died-on-airplanes-last-year-flew-delta

Actually since the airlines were required to start reporting American airlines and continental have had the most deaths since last May. http://www.aviationpros.com/news/10404146/continental-american-airlines-log-most-pet-deaths And if you think about it, Delta flys twice as many pets then the second leading carrier. They are going to show more deaths, injuries, and losses more than an other carrier.

TheLinkBride

As for crate brand, my friend who has sent her dog oversees and travels pretty regularly by air for shows uses Vari kennels for airline crates.  I definitely think it's a great idea to get her used to it ahead of time.  I personally don't think it's a great idea to sedate a dog for the flight, but giving Rescue Remedy (that you've tested out before hand) might not be a bad idea to help calm.  Good luck!

LittleMoxie

VABeach08:

Thanks, guys.  

Yeah, I'm trying to get smart on carriers as well.  United had good reviews from friends; however, they've change their policy and no longer service our country of departure.  

Boo, I hate this (really hate putting my dog through the stress of flying). One of our flight options has a half-way stop where we'd be allowed access to Lucy and be able to walk her for a bit.  Really hope that works... cross your paws for us! 

We did Lufthansa from Turkmenistan to NJ and they were really good.  We actually bought the crate from them as well.  I think it ended up costing 800 bucks between the pet fee + the excess baggage charges, which I thought was a pretty good deal for a 22 hour flight with 2 stops.