Flying across the USA with my cat (in cabin) | United Airlines

My cat and I moved out of our Orange County, CA apartment and flew with United Airlines to Pensacola, FL.
🕰TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 intro
00:18 📦We moved out of our apartment!
02:54 ✈️pre-flight preparations
13:38 We're checked in! TSA SUCKED!
15:42 🛫SNA to IAH
17:24 🛬IAH to PNS
Purchasing a pet ticket is very easy. Book your ticket online and then call the airline to add your pet to your reservation. Pet tickets on United cost $125 (one way). Make sure you book your pet ticket in advance because there is a limited amount of spaces available for pets. I would recommend that when you pick your seat that you choose a window seat so other passengers aren’t stepping over your pet and so your pet’s carrier doesn’t potentially get caught on the wheels of the flight attendant snack cart.
ℹ️United Airlines In-Cabin Pet Policy:
www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/...
On the day of our trip I gave my cat his last pre-flight meal 5 hours before takeoff (12PM). I also gave him anxiety medication, which was prescribed to him by his veterinarian.
Check-in was very simple. Go to the “Additional Services'' counter, where you’ll check any bags in and check your pet in. You’ll get issued a “Pet in-cabin” tag. I had health documents for Ted on hand, but I was never asked to present them.
Our TSA screening did not go as smoothly as check-in. My TSA pre-check number was not attached to my ticket. We had to go through standard screening. I had to take my shoes and jacket off, take all of my electronics out of my backpack (laptops, iPad, camera), and then take Ted out of his carrier-he wore a harness and his harness was clipped to a leash which was attached to me. While our bags were being scanned I held Ted. After walking through the metal detector a TSA agent wiped my hands for residue (while I was still holding Ted). My backpack had cat litter in it so they had to open my bag and chemically test the litter. I wish I had requested a private screening once we were moved to the non pre-check line, but I forgot. OOP.
Once in the terminal, I attempted to take Ted to the Pet Relief Area to stretch his legs and go potty, but SNA’s is outside and it was hot that day. Instead, I took him to a Single Family Restroom. I brought a portable litter box but he was too stressed to go potty.
Boarding was also simple. I put him in front of my feet and covered him with a sweater. I think the darkness definitely helped to keep him calm. If your window faces the sun pull the sun shade down so the sun isn’t beating on your pet’s carrier.
We had a 2 hour layover in Houston. We arrived in Terminal C. I attempted to take him to the Pet Relief Area but it didn’t have a door and it smelled like dog pee so, once again, we used a Single Family Restroom.
On the second flight he slept most of the time. I think he was just exhausted from the stress.
If you have any questions that I haven't answered in the description or I didn’t answer in this vlog feel free to leave a comment and I’ll try my best to answer it--do keep in mind that rules and regulations are subject to change so always be sure to do your own research.
🧳Items I use when traveling with my cat:
Comsmart Cat Carrier
amzn.to/3LEQ0HY
SurferCatMav Reflective Escape Proof Cat Harness (Etsy)
tinyurl.com/yhf496n5
EassyHoo Travel Litter Box
amzn.to/3vBwNl3
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ℹ️Videos I found helpful:
Jackson Galaxy's Tips for Flying with Cats • Jackson Galaxy's Tips ...
Jackson Galaxy-Moving with Cats made Easy! • Moving Long or Short D...
#pettravel #travelingwithacat #travelvlog
📱socials linktr.ee/abbie_b

[@jennywheat6340]

Your video was a tremendous help! We are flying cross country , with a connecting flight in Denver I think. My son and family will be moving to the area and they asked us to bring their cat home with us on the flights since they will be driving cross country. A family restroom is exactly perfect for the kitty! Once again, your video was exactly what I was looking for!

[@Da_Catmentator]

Your cat is SO CUTE! Also, this really helped!

[@annthrockmorton1517]

This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for!! TYSM!! ❤

[@Xister_Loves_Fen]

That's some useful tips tysm lv you

[@monikakamila]

Ted is gorgeous

[@clowderlibrary]

He is most definitely a very handsome boy 🐱

[@annaabdallah]

hi im gonna be travelling soon with our cats . this video is very useful. i got kinda scared of what happened to you with your migraine . I think vets should issue a calming treats for us too hahaha ;) but no kiddin I wonder what can I do to prepare myself in this kind of experience for the first time. Great video.

[@cheryllyall7217]

When I first left NZ, I struggled to contain all my stuff before boarding United Air lines. When they realized that I did not have a return ticket and was immigrating to the US, they told me that I should have warned them before hand. They waived weight restrictions and I could have taken more of my belongings. There is a difference between vacation and moving away. Any way, I don't know what allowances are given now, since that was nearly 30 years ago, but you could always ask. Each airline have different policies so you would have to write well in advance.

[@daniellebentley7819]

Im doing the same thing in a month except going to ME from CA...when you say you checked him in and got the tag, was that at the counter by the gate or where you check your bags before TSA? Thank you!!1

[@Chess01-ki9fp]

I might have to fly with my cat from Western Europe to Hawaii the big island. Hawaiian Airlines allow carriers not bigger than 16" by 10" by 9.5". This is a small carrier and she weighs 5 kg - medium size. Does anyone know what carrier should I buy? Can I buy Sherpa Original Deluxe medium size?

[@purpleclover726]

How did you handle bathroom stops with Ted. Did you set up a travel litterbox in each of the family restrooms you stopped in? May be in a similar position soon and trying to understand how that part works for cat's travel. Thanks!

[@clowderlibrary]

I always take him to a family restrooms but he gets so stressed flying that he never wants to go. I’ve also taken him on trains and ferries and I’ve found throughout our travels it’s easier to just make sure he does his business beforehand. Good luck on your journey! If you have any other questions feel free to ask :)

[@marissaaaa132]

Hey I had a question! Do you know if my kitten can fly, he's 3 months and i've been told he's not old enough to get his rabies vaccine. I've been told by 2 different people at United that 1) he needs his rabies vaccine & 2) he doesn't need his vaccine because we're flying on domestic flight from NY to CA. I just want to know what information you know about the flying process and what not.

[@clowderlibrary]

As far as I know, requirements for flying with a pet depend on the airline. No one ever checked my cat’s paperwork when I flew domestically but I don’t know if that’s just by chance. I personally, would wait to fly your kitten until it can get vaccinated-just because of other animals traveling

[@lorenachiliguay7886]

Hi there!! I am very concerned about the measurements of the kennel and the cat. Are they going to check the size of my cat? as it measures almost 13'' from the floor to the back. May I have a reference for your cat's measurements? TY!!!

[@clowderlibrary]

I put the link to the exact carrier I used in the description box! -no one checked my cat’s weight or size (he’s around 12.5lbs) and I’ve now flown with him on 4 different flights. I think as long as your cat can fit in a carrier that can be stowed under your seat you should be ok

[@intellectualesemv]

Researching how to move my two cats overseas from CA. Seems stressful. Ugh, not looking forward to it. Anything you'd do differently?

[@clowderlibrary]

I wouldn’t bother with a portable litter box. My cat was too stressed to use it. Other than that no because you’re at the mercy of the airline.

[@bobharvey7508]

Hello! Have they ever asked to see if your cat can stand up and turn around?

[@clowderlibrary]

Nope. Most of the staff didn’t even look at my cat.

[@Xister_Loves_Fen]

I'm your 82 liker srry i talk on english very badly

[@Xister_Loves_Fen]

deserve a like and a sub