Flying with big dog?

[lanamommyphd07]

Hi all! Have been doing some research on flying my great big german shepherd this fall--but still some lingering questions that don't seem to have direct answers online so I'm hoping someone here has btdt!
Weight: 110
Length: about 40" nose to butt
height: 27-8" to shoulder, 35 to top of head, 39 to top of ears

maximum kennel size for the airplane is a 30" H x 40" L size (XL, I believe)
The airline (midwest) (the only one that could take him under the plane from what I've seen) says must have 2" room above when standing....now is that above back or above ears? I'm pretty sure he can stand up and turn around in an XL kennel and this will be a one time, about 4 hours max in the kennel trip..

looks like if we have to use the larger kennel size (giant) he would have to be shipped cargo, but I'd like to avoid that, but am also fearful that the airline would say, "sorry, he can't go, kennel too small" and then someone said simply to have a vet say the kennel is okay and put that on the health cert--

Any ideas? I'm so totally new to flying a dog

[lifeguard]

I flew our german shephard mix to Costa Rica & back recently. It is a giant pia. The rule is supposed to be (to my understanding) that their ears cannot touch the top of the kennel when they are standing. For my pup that means a much larger kennel than just being able to turn around comfortably. I had to go with the giant size kennel.

I researched all the major airlines & their policies are all pretty much the same. I was able to bring her on air transat without any problems but they are a small airline that, I think, only does international flights. But perhaps a small domestic airline might be similar?

As for shipping cargo, in some ways I think it might be easier. If you are able to arrange to have someone at both ends then it might be less stressful a day (believe me flying with the dog is not a fun day).

I also found out that regardless of kennel size a lot of airlines have a weight limit for under the plane. Our pup is 90lbs (plus the weight of the kennel) & that put her over the weight limit.

You may have luck going through a broker who does pet travel. I wasn't able to find someone in Canada who didn't charge an arm & a leg but you may have someone locally who specifically does this sort of thing for a reasonably price.

[Ola_]

We only had to have the dog be able to stand up comfortably, which I took to mean that she was fully standing, not crouched down. I have to say the airport folks didn't really spend much time looking at her.

I sympathize though, we'll likely never fly with our greyhound because even though he's only 75 lbs, he's so tall that he needs the giant size crate to stand up straight. I'm not comfortable flying him cargo either.

[lanamommyphd07]

so it still seems like a crap shoot--ears or shoulders, weight limits aren't posted, and I can't seem to get a human at the airline.....pooh!

[gumby74]

I hope you are able to find the answers you need. Keep us updated, I am also looking at having to fly with both of my dogs and would love all the info. I can get about it. Sorry I don't have any useful advice for you.

[lanamommyphd07]

So finally midwest says "just able to stand up,turn around, lie down" in the kennel and there is no weight limit...
I think we're gravy, but have to do a quick check on the XL kennel..wish us luck.
ETA: He fits! He fits! We bought the ticket!