Cabin or hold?

[Parques]

Hi. Advice, experiences etc welcome. We are planning on an extended trip to southern Italy (8 weeks approximately) and our mini dachshund will be coming too. It is my understanding that some airlines (Lufthansa is one I believe) allow small dogs suitably contained to fly in the cabin from certain UK airports. Has anyone flown from the UK with their dog in this manner? Alternatively, has anyone transported their pet in the hold? Really looking for advice for the most stress free method for Otto. I realise coming back poses its own problems with restrictions entering the UK. Thank you. 🐶

If you are going for 8 weeks why not drive much easier with your pet than flying.

That's disgusting. Why on earth would they let a dog on a flight?

I'd try to avoid flying if possible - your dog is likely to be highly stressed by the noise, vibration, pressure in his ears etc. But if you have no choice but to fly, he'll probably be happier in the cabin with you for reassurance. Sadly, it's not unknown for pets to die in the hold.

Speak to your vet about the pros and cons of calming medication for the flight. If your vet does recommend it, try it out at home beforehand to make sure your DDog doesn't react badly to it.

We are considering the logistics of this too. Thank you 👍🏼

Hi @Parques - you might want to join the facebook group UK miniature dachshunds https://www.facebook.com/share/g/hih9Yabucp8PqWmZ/?mibextid=K35XfP and post your question there - I know there have been past discussions about taking daxies abroad but not sure if anyone has actually flown.

Cabin going out is possible, if you want to fly direct back to the UK the dog will have to go in the hold.

Onto the logistics - cabin for a dog can be very stressful. They will need to be in an approved sized holdall and for the majority of the airlines, stowed under the seat and zipped in for the entire journey.

On return, if you wish to fly then your best solution would be to fly from Italy to the Netherlands then come back as a foot passenger on one of the ferries to the closest place you live in the UK. The ferries now have dog friendly cabins, where the dog can be with you for the journey on either the day or overnight sailings.

I would not put a dog in the hold under any circumstances.

Driving or travelling by foot into the Netherlands then training to Italy could be an option. Then hire a car if you need it. I have travelled a lot on European trains with dogs far bigger than a Dachshund with no problems at all, including the overnight Nightjets where dogs can go in an en-suite cabin with you.

We used to have standard dachshunds, I can't begin to imagine putting them in the hold.

Ferry and train might be better for him. But check the regulations - we were using French TGVs a couple of weeks ago and it seemed it was small pets in bags, or dogs muzzled (and obviously leashed). I can't imagine a dachshund being quiet in a bag for a long journey!

Having travelled with dogs on trains, I always have a soft home made muzzles with me but having never been asked for it on the dog or seen others wearing them. My dogs are too big for any card of holdall so were just on a lead on the floor. In some European countries when you purchase your dog ticket, you actually get another seat - the dog does not go on the seat but does get to sleep on the floor out of the way of other passengers. It works really well and nobody ever tried to sit in the seat once they see the dog.

Some European airlines allow small animals on EU domestic routes, your challenge is getting across the Channel. I've been on Air France and KLM flights that have had small dogs on them.

You can travel out of the UK with a dog in the cabin but not into the UK direct from Europe.

Why disgusting?

Another recommendation for ferry/driving/tunnel.

The tunnel is a breeze. We also take our dog in the cabin on the ferry to the Netherlands and they are totally calm throughout.

I think both are around the same drive time to Italy

Thank you. I do indeed belong to this group but hadn’t thought of posting there. Great advice - thanks! Are you a daxie owner/lover? They’re amazing (and infuriatingly stubborn) aren’t they? 🤣

Surely it’s hugely stressful for everyone if a dog is yapping on a flight? What happens if it needs to poo or pee?

A friend of mine flew her mini dachshund here from the US when she moved back here (in the hold), it was a huge performance but the only other option was leaving her behind. The dog was ok, but I wouldn’t do it for a few weeks.

Definitely don't do the hold.i would do ferry not flight.

Yes @Parques i am the lucky owner of a six year old amazingly stubborn mini girl! We’ve considered flying to the Isles of Scilly with ours - they allow one dog in a crate for the 15 minute flight, but don’t think we’d look to go further by air!

I know exactly what you mean! It could be an extremely noisy experience! Really want to try if feasible as I don’t know what will be the least bad method - drive (for days….. he hates the car), plus Euro tunnel/ferry or 3 hours in the air and Otto will be able to be Otto again! Will keep you posted! 😊

I can’t imagine using the hold either - our breeder said the same. I was just wondering if anyone had tried it. Otto would be traumatised!

It’s only 8 weeks, can you get a dog sitter?

I had a look at Eurostar, I think they allow dogs on their trains in mainland Europe but not through the tunnel hence suggesting ferry. It's a shame as the train seems the most dog-friendly option overall.

Do not use the hold, I can give you stories but just do not use the hold.

Use the cabin if the airline allows it - many do. For such a short trip consider booking business class as there will be more room under the seats by your feet.

Dependant on the airline some are more accommodating once you are on board as to the bag being on your lap, and unzipped so the dog can see out etc.

To those saying it is disgusting for dogs on aircraft etc, it is allowed therefore that is all there is to it. The OP is not doing anything wrong.

Saying all that OP if your dog does not like the car then it is going to find an aircraft even worse. It will be far noiser and stressful.

Either use the trains or ferries with a car.

I suggest you make an effort to get the dog used to car travel. How does the dog currently travel in a car and where in the car?

The barking is what concerns me as he’s a vocal little sausage anyway! They are ‘contained’ in a suitable carrier, so wees and poos would not mess the aircraft. 🙂

You should be more concerned about how the noise etc will affect your dog. What would you do if the dog is so stressed flying back from Italy in the cabin is not possible?

There really is a sensible solution to this - get your dog used to a car and either take your own car across to Italy, or go as a foot passenger on a ferry then hire a car once there.

Yes, this is the way we will no doubt adopt. He is used to the car, but never fully relaxed and prone to sickness. Not feeding him before the journey is our usual strategy. Animals cannot fly back into the UK via the cabin, so we would have to travel back by car anyway. Thank you 🙏🏼