When traveling by air, one of the most common dilemmas pet owners face is what to do with their beloved animals during the trip. Many choose to bring their pets along, but this option comes with specific requirements that must be met. Most airlines have strict rules depending on the breed, size, and weight of the dog, but the general standard is that pets must fit comfortably in an approved carrier and remain under the seat in front of their owner throughout the flight. However, not everyone follows these regulations, and some passengers attempt to board flights believing they can get away with bending the rules.
A recent viral incident at an airport has sparked outrage among animal lovers after a woman’s shocking attempt to force her dog into an undersized carrier was captured on video. The footage, which has been viewed over 330,000 times on TikTok, shows the passenger sitting calmly in the airport waiting area with her dog beside her as she prepares to board her flight. An airport employee approached the woman and informed her that she needed to have an appropriate carrier in which the dog could fit comfortably if they both wanted to board the plane. The woman then pulled out a tiny pink carrier that appeared to be designed for cats rather than a dog of her pet’s size.
Despite the obvious size mismatch that anyone could see, the woman proceeded to stuff her dog into the inadequate carrier. When the employee asked her to close it, the woman forcibly pushed the dog’s head down and zipped it shut with considerable force. The airport worker clearly stated the problem, saying “You can’t fly like this. The dog must be able to make a full circle, which is not possible in that carrier.” Meanwhile, anyone watching could see that the dog was struggling and unable to move comfortably in the cramped space, let alone turn around as airline regulations require.
@deltababe73 If your pet can’t stand and turn in a pet carrier, it’s not traveling‼️Boarding denied 🙅♀️❌‼️ Don’t keep going back and forth and find yourself on the “no fly list” 😩 #foryou #following #foryoupage #tiktok #trending #viral #dúo #airport #travelwithpets #travel #airline ♬ original sound – 🤩💅🏽👑
The video quickly attracted thousands of comments with mixed reactions from viewers. Many people were heartbroken seeing the dog in such an uncomfortable position and criticized the owner’s attempt to violently force the animal into a carrier that was far too small. One commenter expressed their dismay by saying “She literally folded the dog into the carrier…poor dog,” and many others echoed this sentiment. Another viewer sympathized with the animal, writing “There’s no way that dog can make a full turn in that carrier. Poor puppy!!!” Some commenters also pointed out that the woman likely had no intention of actually using the carrier properly and only brought it along as an excuse to get through security.
Understanding airline pet policies is crucial for anyone planning to travel with their furry companions. Most major airlines require that pets traveling in the cabin must be small enough to fit in a carrier that can be stored under the seat in front of the passenger. The carrier dimensions typically cannot exceed 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high, though these measurements vary slightly between airlines. The pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably within the carrier, which is exactly what the airport employee was explaining to the passenger in the viral video.
For larger dogs that cannot fit in cabin carriers, airlines offer cargo hold transportation where pets travel in the pressurized and temperature controlled baggage compartment. This option requires special crates that meet International Air Transport Association standards and provide adequate ventilation, secure closures, and enough room for the animal to move freely. Pet owners must also provide health certificates from veterinarians and ensure their animals are up to date on vaccinations, particularly rabies shots. Some airlines have breed restrictions and will not transport brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs due to their respiratory vulnerabilities at high altitudes.
The fees for traveling with pets vary widely depending on the airline and whether the animal flies in cabin or cargo. Domestic flights within the United States typically charge between 95 dollars and 125 dollars each way for in cabin pets, while cargo fees can range from 200 dollars to 500 dollars or more depending on the animal’s size and the flight distance. Some airlines also limit the number of pets allowed per flight, so advance reservations are essential. Emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals are subject to different regulations following updated Department of Transportation rules that went into effect in 2021, which now require these animals to meet the same trained behavior standards as service animals for passengers with physical disabilities.
What are your thoughts on this passenger’s treatment of her dog at the airport, and do you think airlines should enforce stricter penalties for travelers who attempt to violate pet carrier regulations in the comments?
