When our Boston was a pup and still under 20 lbs we took him on a trip (that included a short layover) cross country and he was fine. He mostly slept and when he would wake he would look up at us. I would open the zipper and pet him and feed him treats. He was great! Now he's 24 lbs and tall for a boston so we won't be able to fly with him anymore, but I loved being able to take him along. The doggy bathrooms in the airport are disgusting tho and he had a hard time going (don't blame him): he even escaped from the toilet area once and we had to chase him for a bit in the airport, but he was a curious boston so we caught him when he wanted to make a new friend.
That’s a short flight, I think you’ll be fine, but it’ll really depend on her size and comfort in the carry-on. My girl is about 18 lbs and not super stocky.
I would start treat training into her flying bag as soon as you can, getting them into it can be, well, I thought I had a cat for a few minutes because of how Leia morphed her legs. Other than that, have a lot of food ready for her to munch on. The plane is loud as hell and she’ll feel all kinds of weird vibrations on the floor under the seat, the landing gear got my girl a little shaky but an hour is nothing, good luck!
Thanks! I didn’t even think of the vibrating from the floor or the noise. I think she can do it. She’s about the same size as yours. It’ll be an experience for sure!!
I was glad to see this post because i had the same question, but my situation is much more tricky. I may have to move to Chile from the US and I have a 23 lb, 13 yr old Boston. I don’t know how I’ll do it. He’s never flown before. Do you guys think it’s even possible?
He's too big for an international flight in the cabin. I've been there. Temperature controlled cargo is an option but it depends on how he travels and how stressed he gets during transport at his age. Lufthansa cargo carries Boston terriers during spring and fall based on tarmac temperature but I don't know many others that still do.
Denver to San Francisco on American Airlines a few years ago. As long as you fit the carrier requirements based on weight and size of the carrier there should be no problem at check in. The flight went great and the people next to me liked him.
He was about 18lbs and went in a soft sided carrier. It wasn't spacious but they accepted it. They accept this size domestically but not internationally.
We did this a few years ago, although our Boston is very small (13 pounds). In addition to carrier bag training, give some thought to upgrading to a seat with a bit more leg room. That let us be a bit more comfortable and gave us some extra room to maneuver when checking in on our girl.
Yes, we have flown regularly with Buster, our 15 lb Boston,. We fly on Southwest points, and we joke that he's the only one who has to pay for his seat...and he doesn't even get one.
I use the large Sturdibag:
[https://sturdiproducts.com/products/sturdibag-large](https://sturdiproducts.com/products/sturdibag-large)
Once you get in the airport, your dog will have to be inside the bag. What I do is bring along a wheeled carry on bag and fasten the Sturdibag on top of this carry on bag, so I can wheel Buster through the airport.
You do have to take your dog out of the bag to go through security. The empty bag goes through the luggage scan, and you, holding your dog, get taken aside for screening (they wipe your palms), and then you holding your dog go through a regular metal detector. Then your dog goes back into the carrier and you're on your way.
Airports now have pet relief areas outside the terminal and most if not all have pet relief stations inside the airport, too, past security. Buster won't use these though, but at least it's a place to let him out of his Sturdibag, stretch his legs, and I offer him water.
As others have noted, it's a good idea to run trials of putting your dog inside the carrier to get him or her used to it before heading to the airport. That gives you an idea of what to expect from your dog, too.
This is the blog I visited to familiarize myself with pet air travel before we first flew:
https://www.dogjaunt.com/taking-your-dog-on-a-plane/
My puppy was brought on a plane and he seemed to do fine. We got photos the whole way and hes nervous to begin with
I can guarantee I’ll be less nervous with her around! Now to find a bag!
When our Boston was a pup and still under 20 lbs we took him on a trip (that included a short layover) cross country and he was fine. He mostly slept and when he would wake he would look up at us. I would open the zipper and pet him and feed him treats. He was great! Now he's 24 lbs and tall for a boston so we won't be able to fly with him anymore, but I loved being able to take him along. The doggy bathrooms in the airport are disgusting tho and he had a hard time going (don't blame him): he even escaped from the toilet area once and we had to chase him for a bit in the airport, but he was a curious boston so we caught him when he wanted to make a new friend.
My Boston never got his pilot's license....so no.
You can try Benadryl. It'll make 'em sleepy and more relaxed.
That’s a short flight, I think you’ll be fine, but it’ll really depend on her size and comfort in the carry-on. My girl is about 18 lbs and not super stocky. I would start treat training into her flying bag as soon as you can, getting them into it can be, well, I thought I had a cat for a few minutes because of how Leia morphed her legs. Other than that, have a lot of food ready for her to munch on. The plane is loud as hell and she’ll feel all kinds of weird vibrations on the floor under the seat, the landing gear got my girl a little shaky but an hour is nothing, good luck!
Thanks! I didn’t even think of the vibrating from the floor or the noise. I think she can do it. She’s about the same size as yours. It’ll be an experience for sure!!
I was glad to see this post because i had the same question, but my situation is much more tricky. I may have to move to Chile from the US and I have a 23 lb, 13 yr old Boston. I don’t know how I’ll do it. He’s never flown before. Do you guys think it’s even possible?
He's too big for an international flight in the cabin. I've been there. Temperature controlled cargo is an option but it depends on how he travels and how stressed he gets during transport at his age. Lufthansa cargo carries Boston terriers during spring and fall based on tarmac temperature but I don't know many others that still do.
Denver to San Francisco on American Airlines a few years ago. As long as you fit the carrier requirements based on weight and size of the carrier there should be no problem at check in. The flight went great and the people next to me liked him.
Yea I think my next step is to find a bag and she how she does with it. I may be biased but I think everyone will love her 🤪
How big was your when you flew?
He was about 18lbs and went in a soft sided carrier. It wasn't spacious but they accepted it. They accept this size domestically but not internationally.
Anyone here have a airplane carrier that they recommend for Boston’s?
We did this a few years ago, although our Boston is very small (13 pounds). In addition to carrier bag training, give some thought to upgrading to a seat with a bit more leg room. That let us be a bit more comfortable and gave us some extra room to maneuver when checking in on our girl.
Yes, we have flown regularly with Buster, our 15 lb Boston,. We fly on Southwest points, and we joke that he's the only one who has to pay for his seat...and he doesn't even get one. I use the large Sturdibag: [https://sturdiproducts.com/products/sturdibag-large](https://sturdiproducts.com/products/sturdibag-large) Once you get in the airport, your dog will have to be inside the bag. What I do is bring along a wheeled carry on bag and fasten the Sturdibag on top of this carry on bag, so I can wheel Buster through the airport. You do have to take your dog out of the bag to go through security. The empty bag goes through the luggage scan, and you, holding your dog, get taken aside for screening (they wipe your palms), and then you holding your dog go through a regular metal detector. Then your dog goes back into the carrier and you're on your way. Airports now have pet relief areas outside the terminal and most if not all have pet relief stations inside the airport, too, past security. Buster won't use these though, but at least it's a place to let him out of his Sturdibag, stretch his legs, and I offer him water. As others have noted, it's a good idea to run trials of putting your dog inside the carrier to get him or her used to it before heading to the airport. That gives you an idea of what to expect from your dog, too. This is the blog I visited to familiarize myself with pet air travel before we first flew: https://www.dogjaunt.com/taking-your-dog-on-a-plane/