Prepare for Take-off: Purchase Carrier

Mickey has a hard-sided travel carrier that he came home in. All his car rides have taken place in this carrier. For our road trip, we used only the bottom to allow for more air circulation and to make it easier to check on how he was doing.

For cabin travel on an airplane you need a soft-sided crate. This way it can fit into various under seat configurations. Last weekend, Mickey and I went to PetSmart to choose a soft sided carrier together.

There were some that he was not at all comfortable with so I am glad I brought him along. We ended up with the Bergan Comfort Carrier.

It is 13 inches high. If you have been keeping track, the max height allowed by American Airlines is 9 inches. However, there aren't any carriers available that are less than 10 inches tall. The reason why I went with the Bergan is the shape allows the height to be more flexible. Instead of a rigid rectangular solid, the carrier can flex (while still maintaining integrity of its shape so it doesn't collapse on Mickey inside).

We can flex the carrier inside the 9 inch height maximum, so I think we should be okay to board.

Since purchasing the carrier, it sits open on the floor in the living room. I place treats inside at random times and I notice Mickey checks it out to see if there is anything inside. We have also done some short bag time practice. I put him in the bag and keep him there for five minutes or so before unzipping it and allowing him to leave if he wants. He doesn't fight his time in the bag and will lay down and wait patiently to be released.