Preparation key to safe air travel for pets

Pets traveling as baggage or cargo need a hard-sided carrier for their protection. Planning air travel with a pet? Before your pet flies:

• Talk to the airline. You’ll need a reservation, need to know where and when your pet has to be presented, and what papers you’ll need to bring. Airlines charge extra even for those pets who fly in a carry-on bag, so ask about fees in advance so you won’t be surprised.

• Be sure your pet is in good health. Air travel isn’t recommended for elderly or ill animals, and is likewise ill-advised for the pug-nosed breeds of dogs and cats. Contrary to popular belief, it’s generally safer for your pet not to be tranquilized before flying. Talk to your veterinarian.

For pets who’ll be traveling in the cargo hold, use a hard-sided carrier designed for air travel, and make sure it’s in good condition and all bolts are tight. You’ll need food and water bowls, and bagged food duct-taped to the top of the carrier. Pets small enough to ride in the passenger cabin will be more comfortable in a softsided carrier.

• Consider travel conditions. Don’t ship your pet when the weather is extreme or when air traffic is heaviest. Some airlines offer terminal-to-plane transport in climatecontrolled vans. Ask what provisions will be made to protect your pet and when the airlines will not allow your pet to fly because of weather conditions.

• Choose a direct flight. If that’s not possible, try for a route with a single connection and a short layover. Direct flights eliminate layovers, and short layovers reduce the time on the ground. 