info for all those that want to travel with pet to STX or STT

I just traveled with my pet via American Airlines to STT last Saturday.
Scarily enough, they required no up to date shot documentation (although I had it with me in case)

She is a 7lb dog and was $80 one way to add to my flight. You just have to have your pet under the seat in front of you in an approved carrier at all times.(Provided they are small enough to be your carrry on and not ini luggage) I snuck her out of her carrier and had her on my lap for most of the duration of my flight from Orlando to Puerto Rico. We experienced heavy turbulence so even the crew was not allowed to walk around until near the end of the flight when we were out of the storm. They noticed pretty quickly once they walked around though. ha.

Honestly, had I not called ahead and told the airline to add her, they probably wouldn't have even noticed! I even checked 3 bags and they forgot to charge me for the 3rd. Go American Airlines!

Keep all the great info coming. I love hearing the daily hints and details.I'm learning with you.
Thanks.

Hey there. Great to find some great info re pets on American Airlines as I couldn't get a straight answer out of them - and I am travelling from Australia! I am flying into LAX and then I transfer to an AA flight to Miami 3.5hrs later, I have to customs clear my 11yo Burmese cat there then get on that flight down to Miami on AA. I am nervous about a) getting him customs cleared in that amount of time and b) how he will travel the poor dear old soul onboard with me after 14+hrs in cargo on Qantas on the way over to LA. We then stay overnight in Miami and then head down to STT the next day. I am sure he will be very happy to be with me 'up top' on AA...is there anything I should know about regulation carry bags for him or anything else travelling on AA??

Any help or advice would be great.

Cheers,
Hiedi (soon to be resident of St John)

Hey Heidi,

Get him some kitty Valiuum. That's my advice 🙂

Hi Hieds,

The link that Captpete posted at the top is great and should tell you what you need to know, but I thought I might give you a little additional feedback as well:

I transported my seventeen year old, completely indoor, cat here earlier this year. I was very nervous about this big move given that my cat travels even short distances poorly, but everything worked out just fine.

I flew American Airlines from Miami. Depending on what time of year you travel and what day and time, you will often encounter less-than-full flights to STT. For example in my experience, the last flight of the day out of Miami, AA flight 795, is often less than 2/3 full. This is an ideal situation for transporting a pet. When I brought my cat, I had a whole row of seats to myself at the back of the plane. This allowed me to set the pet-carrying case onto the seat next to me after take-off. This worked out really well for me and my cat. The flight attendants were also wonderfully accommodating. (One caveat though, regarding AA flight 795, it is notorious for being late -- so expect delays.)

If you are thinking about investing in a new carrier for the move and are able to purchase this product in Australia, I highly recommend the Sherpa carriers. These carriers are approved by many of the major airlines such as, American Airlines, America West, Continental, Delta, Northwest, TWA, United and US Airways. They are also extremely well designed for the comfort and safety of your pet while traveling.

Here is the link to Sherpa: http://www.sherpapet.net

The carrier I purchased was 20"W X 11.75"D X 11.5"H, which I believe is largest size that is allowed in the cabin.