[nagdu] First Flight with New Dog

[Julie Phillipson]

Cody you can let the airline know that you have a dog but you don't have to. 
I always get a seat next to the window but back farther, is more room for 
your feet and the dog gets in where a carry on goes.  I usually take the 
harness right off and put it over head with my carry on or if there is room 
next to the dog I will put it there.  As far as being the first flight well 
leave the harness on him if you can.  a couple of my dogs got very nervous 
when we landed and tried to run.  I was in the bulk head and he could get up 
and do that.  I grabbed his harness just in time.  I always put my hand on 
him when we take off and land so I can reassure him.  My current dog just 
gets himself settled and that's it I don't hear from him again until its 
time to get off.  Some plains have enough room in the bulk head for the dog 
and your feet but most that I have been on are very tight.  One time the 
plain was so small the lady next to me had to put her legs up against the 
wall so the dog had enough room.  On the second leg of that trip it was the 
same kind of plain but I got a seat in the second row it was much better for 
everyone.
Julie Phillipson
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kody Keplinger" <kodytheduff at gmail.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2013 12:54 PM
Subject: [nagdu] First Flight with New Dog


> Hey everyone,
>
> I'm sure this has come up a few times, but on Tuesday I am flying with my
> guide dog for the first time, after only being a team for 3 weeks, and I
> have some questions.
>
> 1. Do you inform the airlines that you're traveling with a dog prior to
> arriving at the airport?
>
> 2. Is there anything I should know about taking a dog through security?
> Advice?
>
> 3. I have a loooooooong flight. LIke 6 hours. Which totals to over 8 hours
> with airport time.  Any advice on locating relief areas at the airport so 
> I
> can give her a chance to go before we go in? I know they exist, but how do
> you find them? I have a feeling airport staff is going to be clueless.
>
> That's mostly it.  If you have any other advice on first flights, let me
> know! I'm a little nervous, to be honest.
>
> Thanks,
> Kody
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