Westies Flying the Friendly Skies
By Nancy G. Stolsmark
Are you planning on coming to the 2010 Roving in sunny Scottsdale Arizona? If so, you plan let me share some tips regarding flying with your westie.
Make your reservations “early” so you can take advantage of time to price shop for the best fares. Look for direct flight if possible and add an extra day for getting your dog acclimatized to the warm dry Southwest Sonoran Desert.
All airlines charge a pet fee per segment or flight ranging from $75.00 to $125.00. Prior to final purchase you will need to call the actual airline you are booking with to ensure the reservation for your westie is “in cabin” since many airlines limit the number of animals per flight. Write down your dog’s reservation confirmation number just in case of problems during check in.
If possible, choose an aisle seats since it gives you more room to get your dog situated under the seat in front of you and affords your westie more airflow to avoid nausea during the flight. Turn the airflow on and direct it toward your westie too. You are considered a passenger needing special assistance due to stowing your dog. Ask if you can board early to get you dog settled.
Allow plenty of time to get through the security TSA lines. Check your security guidelines on the airline website and confirm no changes have occurred regarding the “in cabin” pet rules. Many airlines do not require current health certificate to fly, but if any questions about you pet’s health status arise, a current health certificate would be helpful.
During the actual flight, most dogs settle down to sleep. It is best not to disturb them. For longer flightsyou can offer them an ice cub at some point during the flight since the air in the cabin is quite dry.
Below is a list of airlines that fly into Phoenix (PHX) or Sky Harbor Airport with pets:
American Airlines (1 800 433-7300) 20lb. limit per pet Limit 5 pets per flight Carrier dimensions: 19”L x 13”W x 9” H 3 first class and 2 coach Cost: $100.00 www.AA.com
Allegiant Airline flies into Mesa, Arizona which is located South of Sky Harbor Airport.
Continental Airlines (1 800 523-3273) 20lb. limit per pet Limit 3 pets per flight Carrier dimension: 17” L x 12.5”W x 8”H www.continental.com Cost: $125.00
Delta Airlines (1 800 221-1212) 40lb. (With carrier) Limit 4 pets per flight Carrier dimension: soft 18”L x 12”W x 12”H 2 first class and 4 coach Carrier dimension: hard 17” x 12” W x 8” H www.delta.com Cost: $100.00
Southwest Airlines (1 800 435-9792) Pet must fit in carrier Limit 5 carriers per flight Carrier dimensions: 19”L x 14”W x 8.25”H www.southwest.com Cost: $75.00
United Airlines (1 800 864-8331) 20 lb. limit per pet Limit per size of the plane Carrier dimensions: soft 17 “L x 10 “W x 10 “H www.united.com Cost: $125.00 hard 17” x 12”W x 8”H
US Airways (1 800 428-4322) 20 lb. limit per pet Limit 3 pets per flight Carrier dimensions: soft 17 “L x 16 “W x 10“H www.usairways.com/awa Cost: $100.00 hard 17”L x 16” W xs 8”H
All of the flights this airport provided are direct. The airport is smaller and easier to navigate.
Allegiant Airline (1 800 432-3810) 20 lb. limit per pet
Limit 1 dog per airline row Carrier dimension: 20 “L x 16’W x 9“H
www.allegiantair.com Cost: $100.00
When packing the dogs items, put extra towels for bathing, food, bowels, grooming supplies and first aid supplies in your kennel and check as a piece of luggage. I pre-measure my food into baggies. This keeps me from over feeding my westie and gives me a pick up baggie for the refund on our walks.
If you need a grooming table/arm, x-pen or crate contact VSWHWTC President Sue Nennemann at: sue_nennemann@cox.net. There will be a refundable security deposit ($50).
Additional information regarding the Roving is on our website www.azwestie.com Contact www.scottsdalecottonwoods.com for host hotel reservations. The sponsoring cluster website is www.fiestacluster.com
Be sure to pack your suntan lotion and sandals! Have a safe trip!