Travel with pet experiences

[lucybelle 453]

I've read up on the requirements for bringing my dog into the USA and it seems pretty simple. She's big so I'll have to take her as checked luggage (not cargo). I'm planning on flying AA.

My question is- does going through customs take longer with a dog? Or about the same amount of time? I'm taking my dog up to the USA in May (I'm a USC, this will not be with my husband) and I have a choice of 1.5 or 3 hour layover in MIA. I'd like to do the 1.5 hour to make the trip as short as possible for the dog. But I'm worried about being held up because of the dog. Missing the flight would be bad since it's a night flight and there wouldn't be another one until the next day!!

Thanks!

[lucybelle 453]

Bump.

Anyone?

[Blue Bianchi 77]

I don't have the info you need, as I travelled with a kitty as carry on from Manila to Minneapolis (layover in Narita). But I hope everything goes smoothly for you and your pet.

[ayan05 0]

Some people give their animals sedatives, but I would advice against this as the cat will not be monitored during the flight. Pets are always checked by an animal welfare officer before and between flights,

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

My only experience traveling with a pet is where a lady was supposed to have her little pooch in a cage under the seat but wouldn't quit taking it out and having it on the lap. The flight attendants told her three times to put the dog back in the cage and leave it there. The fourth time they came because she had the dog out yet again, they simply informed her that they had arranged for her to be picked up by police at the destination and charged with disobeying the flight crew. So, if you have your pooch in the cabin, leave it in the cage and do pay attention to what the flight crew advises you.