Travelling with your Cavalier

Air travel

Air Canada

I travelled ONCE with my dogs on Air Canada. When I made my reservations, I made sure everything was safe for the dogs. Going from Ottawa to Yellowknife was a pleasant journey, and at each of the stops (Toronto, Calgary) and plane changes (Toronto, Edmonton) the baggage crew always called up and wanted to know if they could walk the dogs or play with them.

The way back was another experience. When we were checking in, the airline asked if we had sedated the dogs, and we answered no. They told us we should have, and then presented me with a form I had to sign. I asked why I had to sign a form now when we had travelled to there without having to sign anything; the girl had no answer, just pointed to a spot where she wanted me to sign. I said I wanted to read it before I signed it, and she didn't really want me to, but I insisted and BOY AM I GLAD! It was a waiver clearing them of any responsibility should the dogs die.

I was livid! I asked why there was such a danger, and was told because the cargo hold wasn't fully pressurized or heated. I asked why not.... having paid $50/per dog per direction. It seems Air Canada had changed the airplane type we were to travel on; when I insisted on a flight with a proper hold for animals, they wanted me to pay and extra $350. I showed them my ticket, where I had insisted they put the type of plane we were to fly in.... and it showed a different one. They finally allowed the changed at no cost, but it took a lot of LOUD fighting.

I am not the only one who has had such an experience. Visit this site if you want to read about another couple who lost their dog due to Air Canada.

Other air information

When booking your flight, ask and make them put it in writing that the hold your animal will be in is HEATED/COOLED(temperature regulated) and have them put the plane model and guarantee on the ticket.... you may have to jump up and down and insist, but do it.... it can save your dog's life and maybe some money grabbing later. There is usually a fee, and that fee should ensure your dog's safety; it's up to you to make sure the airline isn't cutting corners.

Before you get on the first plane, and any subsequent one, make sure you check to see that the model number matches, and if not, get it in writing that the cargo hold is pressurized and temperature controlled. If they have changed the plane, they may try to make you pay to change flights, but if you have the plane model number, and that's the contract you signed with them when you bought the ticket, they should pay if they change anything that will affect your dog's safety. Fight them.

Airbus planes, generally, do not have pressurized heated cargo holds (in the winter, always make sure you say HEATED and they put it in writing..... INSIST!!!!

Airbus planes also crash more than any other plane, so that's another good reason.

Many Boeings have pressurized and heated holds, but ALWAYS check.

If you change planes between your departure and final destination, always check that the plane you are about to go onto has the pressurized and heated cargo hold. Also, when you get off the plane for a change or finally, look to make sure the crate with lots of labels with the dog's name and stuff also gets off; if it doesn't, make the crew in the arrival area check with the cargo crew....INSIST!!!

Before you get on the next plane, make sure you see the crate go onto your plane, if not, don't get on and don't let them leave until you have found the crate.

Dog Friendly dot com has a list of airlines, hotels and more that are dog friendly.