I'm flying with Clover next Monday from Los Angeles, CA to Dayton, Ohio - and you can be certain it is going to freezing if not right around. We are flying American Airlines - and here is what they have to say:
Pets Traveling As Checked Baggage
See Temperature Restrictions below.
See below for applicable Fees.
Aircraft cargo compartments are pressurized and are normally maintained at a temperature range of 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Must be a minimum eight (8) weeks old for dogs and cats.
Animals must be in separate kennels unless they are of the same species and comparable size, weigh less than 20lbs each and are between eight (8) weeks and six (6) months old.
The maximum size for checked kennels is 40" long x 27" wide x 30" high. However, the maximum size kennel (series 500) is not accepted on Boeing MD-80 (S80) aircraft. The maximum weight of a checked pet and kennel (combined) cannot exceed 100lbs. Series 700 kennels are not allowed on any of our aircraft. For weight over 100 lbs., see AACargo.com for other shipping options.
Collapsible Kennels (those which can fold down flat) can not be accepted due to the risk of collapse during transport.
Kennels for sale at American's ticket counters are being phased out as of late October 2004. Availability of kennels cannot be requested or guaranteed in advance.
Federal Regulations require written certification from the customer that dogs/cats have been offered food and water within 4 hours (with the specific time noted) before delivery to the carrier. This certification must be securely attached to the outside of the kennel so that it may be easily noticed and read and have the customer's signature with the date and time it was signed.
Feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period must also be provided. Instructions of "No food or water" are not acceptable unless directed by the attending veterinarian.
Kennels must be constructed of wood, metal, plastic, similar material, leak-proof, escape proof and door must fasten securely and need ventilation on 2-sides in addition to door.
Animals must have room to stand/turn around, sit and lie down in a natural position.
Pets not accepted at departure time remain the responsibility of their owner.
The customer is required to secure rigid plastic kennels with releasable cable ties (see example at right) attached to all four corners. American Airlines will provide the ties to the customer at no cost.
Temperature Restrictions
Temperature Restrictions have been established to ensure animals are not exposed to extreme heat or cold in the animal holding areas, terminal facilities, when moving the animals between terminal and aircraft or on an aircraft awaiting departure.
Heat Restriction: Pets can not be accepted when the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary (75 degrees for snub-nosed dogs and cats).
Cold Restriction: Pets can not be accepted when the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary unless the pet has a veterinarian's statement of low temperature acclimation (see below). When temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pets may not be checked even with a statement of low temperature acclimation.
The low temperature acclimation certificate/statement/form must include:
the name and address of the passenger
the name of the animal
name and signature of licensed veterinarian
the veterinarian's accreditation date and number
the temperature which the animal is acclimated
Clover goes to the vet on Friday to get a full check up, along with all her "paperwork" to fly. This is suppose to be dated no more than 10 days before your flight - I've called American Airlines and they have stated she doesn't need one for the return trip, the first one can be used (we are going for a month). We are also going to give her Quiet Moments. It's totally natural and has no side effects. It doesn't make your dog groggy, just calms them and soothes them for the flight. Our flight is at 6am, so she will get a few treats and a little food as soon as we wake up at 2. Freeze the water in the kennel containers. Put white shreeded paper in the bottom of the kennel. Write your name,phone #, dogs name, destination phone # in permante maker and use duck tape to tape it to the top of the kennel. Also make sure you have feeding instructions on the kennel, maybe a little note to the handlers that your dog is very friendly, (I read somewhere that they actual read the notes), tape food to the top of the kennel, and make sure you have "Live Animal" on 3 sides of the kennel.
If you need any other info, PM me.
If you have any other questions, you can PM me.