my kitty is such a good traveler!

abnihon

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I just got back from a flight from Japan to New York. 20 hours of traveling - 2 planes and my kitty didn't make a sound a didn't have to potty at all. Such a good girl! Everyone thought I was crazy for taking my cat back from Japan, but it was surprisingly easy and I'm so glad I did it. yay! She's now an American.
 

charcoal

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I am so relieved to hear this! We are bringing our four back from Korea to the states, another long long flight. My Charcoal is normally quiet when we travel so I am hoping he will be fine during the flight. The other three are vocal babies and fuss fuss fuss. I hope it will be as easy a trip as yours was.
 
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abnihon

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wow 4 cats. How are they traveling on the plane? I think it's one cat per person for carry-on right? The rest would have to be checked luggage I guess.
 

elizwithcat

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Originally Posted by abnihon

I just got back from a flight from Japan to New York. 20 hours of traveling - 2 planes and my kitty didn't make a sound a didn't have to potty at all. Such a good girl! Everyone thought I was crazy for taking my cat back from Japan, but it was surprisingly easy and I'm so glad I did it. yay! She's now an American.
They tought you were crazy? Some people just make me so mad. What do they think you should have done with your cat, dump her on the street?
I am glad she made it to US fine. Was she in a cabine or cargo?
 

ccsr79

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I'm visiting my parents in Brazil in November for 19 days and I'm taking Lucas with me because I don't have anyone that can take care of him, to board him will be too stressful (don't want him to think mom abandoned him and put him back in the shelter), and because he is really attached to me and loves company a pet sitter who only stays half hour won't cut it, and at the end, all these options will be more expensive than the flight and the documents needed.

Even when going to the vet he's quiet and I already made his reservation on the plane to stay in the cabin with me. Our dog will go to my grandparents, since he loves it over there anyway, and it's only 5 minutes away, but this will help avoid any stress on Lucas.

I'm a bit nervous, but after a lot of thinking this is definitely the best decision for Lucas. What sort of documents do you need when entering the US? I found out about the documents going to Brazil, but not sure if I can use the same to come back with him.
 

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I don't mean to bug you for more details, but once you have the time and get a chance, it'd be great if you could type out a longer version of your story. There are many times people want to know about international travel with their cat(s) and sometimes information can be scarce. Some first-hand anecdotes would be great!
 

charcoal

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We are allowed two carry ons each so they would be them and yes we are bringing all four back. They could also fly in cargo which I am sure would make the other passengers feel better but not me.

What airlines did you use?
 

ccsr79

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I'm booked with Delta to Brazil, it costs $75 each way. American Airlines would not allow pets at all going to Brazil (not sure why) and with Continental Airlines it would cost $100 each way. With Delta you pay the fee on check-in, Continental you pay when you book the pet (at the end I went with Delta as the flight was much shorter, only one connection as opposed to two in Continental). I know that all airlines I read about, they usually only allow one pet per flight in the cabin, or one in coach and one in First Class, never more than that, so I would make sure to check with the airline (and book your pets early), way before your travel date...
 

cyberkitten

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My Siamese is a world traveller - PM me and I can give you many many details since I did mega research for the trips. She is a wonderful traveller too - she has done trains, planes and automobiles now, lol
 

charcoal

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Oh i have checked with them several times. Things have to be planned out for me so I double and sometimes triple check things so I have no worries.
 

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To Charcoal:

I just brought my kitty on the plane (from CA to MA) and our airline (JetBlue) allowed the cat as a "personal item." I'd make sure you can bring 2 cats each because, as I understand, with most airlines the cat has to ride underneath the seat in front of you (at least for takeoff and landing). Doubtful you could fit two carriers underneath so check with the airline beforehand. Also, some airlines have a limit on the number of pets for each flight.

Good Luck!!
 
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abnihon

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I flew ANA for the domestic flight within Japan. For that flight she was checked luggage and it cost about $40. Then in Tokyo she had to get checked out at animal quarantine. I flew United and she was under my seat for that whole flight. It cost aout $200. When I arrived at JFK in NY customs didn't even ask to see her paperwork, so that was easy.

If you're taking 4 cats between 2 people where will they go? Cause it'd be unsafe in the overhead bins. Will 2 cats be under each seat? That will be tight....
 

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For the people who fly with cats, who big are your cats? I'm having some trouble with Northwest since they have a 15lb weight limit on a pet+kennel for in cabin flight and my cat is 14 lbs by herself and I'm almost certain that she'll weigh over the limit with the kennel.
 

ccsr79

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From what I heard, your pet never gets weighed at the airport, so even if it goes over, no one is really checking...
 
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abnihon

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she's 10 pounds. But I don't think they weighed her.
 
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