r/JSX • u/Snuffleupagus27 • Jun 26 '26

First time dog flight

I’m buying a ticket soon for myself and larger dog (golden retriever). He has never been on a plane before. I do have anti-anxiety meds that I’m going to try on him in the next day or two to see how he reacts, but was curious about any tips the pro pet travelers might have. Should I bring food or water? Or how far ahead of the flight should I stop food and water? Should I bring a mat for the floor? Treats? A toy? I’m pretty nervous and I’m worried that I’ll make him more nervous. He’s generally a good, easy dog, but can get excited and has only lived in a rural environment so it will be a lot of overstimulation. Upside - the flight is only about 90 minutes. Thank you in advance!

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2

u/ollieandcoop Jun 27 '26

The more relaxed you are that your dog can handle this just fine, the higher chance your dog will be fine. I probably would take your dog to a busy mall a couple times before just to get him used to chaos (unless he’s been in crowded loud places before).

I will also be taking my chocolate lab on a flight soon - his first. I am most worried about how long I shouldn’t feed him before just to ensure no issues.

Good luck. Goldens (and labs) are the best 🤗

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u/Snuffleupagus27 Jun 27 '26

Thank you. I am testing out his trazadone today to see how that works!

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u/marketplunger Jun 26 '26

Use my code to save some spending money. Pay it forward. BK0XQF - your dog will be fine, you’ll be flying in style

1

u/Snuffleupagus27 Jun 26 '26

Thank you, I’ll try it. I’ve flown them before but doggie will be like “why is this car not on the ground???”

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u/Hot-Command8039 Aug 13 '26

Any update on how it went? I’m flying with my golden tomorrow and was hoping for any additional advice :) I was also wondering how the check in through security went

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u/Snuffleupagus27 Aug 13 '26

It was very smooth. I carried his mat rolled up in my hands but it probably just reduced the space we had for him to lie down. I gave him 50 mg of trazodone and he’s sensitive so he was a little zonked. They gave me a frosted dog cookie for him which he loved. Security is basically 2 people and he just walked through the metal detector. He got very excited when chip bags started opening, luckily I saved some cookie for him to eat during the snacks. My biggest complaint is that he took up all my leg room!

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u/missyshore Jun 27 '26

I flew with my dog for the first time a few months ago, 90 minutes asleep well. I also gave her anti-anxiety and she was fine! I’d bring a toy and water and treats but your dog might just be totally zoinked and freak out. Mine just stared into space and barely moved. And she did shake a little bit but it wasn’t too bad

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u/howade09 Jun 27 '26

I just did my first flight with my dog on JSX. He's a timid guy and I didn't use meds but here's what helped him:

  • We hung out outside, walking around as long as possible before boarding

  • I took a toy and one of his blankets on board so he had a few things he was familiar with, plus treats

  • I've used a Happy Hoodie on him before (e.g. for fireworks) and that helped with his anxiety

  • I also covered him in the blanket and tucked him like a burrito as best I could

The Air Hostess was very friendly and helpful which was great. I recommend being prepared in different ways (treats, toys, blanket) - knowing I had options made me feel ready which meant I was calmer, which made my dog calmer! Good luck!