Curious How Other Handlers Fly
This is not a post asking how to fly with a service/assistance dog. I have flown internationally and domestic over 200 times last year, and this year? I'm already well over 20 some flights. I’m curious how others handle traveling with their SD / AD. What do you typically pack...especially for longer trips? Do you have a separate suitcase for your service/assistance dog, or do you pack their items with your own?
As a handler myself, I used to overpack... a lot.. for all the what ifs. Now I’d consider myself more of a light packer, but I’m still curious how others approach it. Personally, I usually travel with two suitcases or a large backpack plus a suitcase. Unless we are traveling a very short flight everything is all in one suitcase. Additionally I only give my SD / AD half of his dinner the night before we fly out, as well as half of breakfast, I do not limit water. I make sure one last time before boarding call we use the potty spot.
Domestic: we typically fly first class or premium economy International : business or premium economy
What I generally pack for flights:
Medical Equipment Suitcase: (does not count as carry-on)
✔️Document folder (flight info, vaccination records, program/organization info of my service dog, DOT paperwork, Health certificate when needed, and medical documentation for necessary medications, etc.)
✔️ Cold medications (with ice packs)
✔️EpiPens & Medications in original bottles (I don’t transfer them)
✔️Blood pressure cuff
✔️Glucose monitor and related supplies (including sharps)
✔️Biohazard container
✔️Compression supplies
✔️Medical cleanup supplies (disinfectant wipes, gloves, gauze, bandages)
✔️Glucose tablets and salt tablets
✔️Pre-measured bags of dog food with supplements/multivitamins included
✔️Stainless steel food and water bowl (with slow feeder attachment)
✔️Service dog harness or vest (depending on what he’s wearing while traveling)
✔️Extra potty bags
✔️High-value/bait treats
Checked Medium Suitcase:
✔️Clothes for the trip
✔️Extra pair of shoes
✔️Blanket
✔️Toiletry bag
✔️Electronics
✔️Hair dryer
✔️Dog toys (not packed in the medical bag since they aren’t medically necessary...just for downtime at hotels or hospital stays)
✋ I do not travel with my service / assistance dog jacket, or booties unless I am going to a direct place where I know they will be needed. I triple check weather conditions anytime I fly out anywhere. ✋
🛑 Our flights are normally 6-8 hours long when we fly Typically whenever I fly I always have my purse / mini purse backpack on me as well. Inside my purse? Like everyone else is my personal information like my wallet. I do carry my telescopic white cane inside my purse however my service / assistance dog is often geared in his guide harness at the airport during travel as it is normally not needed. As well as snacks 🛑