How I Managed a 36 Hour Cross Country Trip - With a Puppy
Last weekend I flew to from Seattle to Atlanta, slept, then picked up a puppy and flew back to Seattle. It was a 36 hour trip across three time zones and VERY different weather, and I came back with a puppy I’d just met. It was an adventure, and one that I planned out obsessively, but it was still stressful. Even so, I think it would have been infinitely more stressful if I hadn’t been such a meticulous planner. Here’s how I did it:
Flights
I got direct flights both there and back. I was originally going to be flying into another city that would require a layover, and I think that would have pushed me over the edge into madness. If at all possible, fly direct. I also upgraded to first class (my dad had a LOT of miles, which he generously let me use). This is not necessary, but it was a lifesaver for me. I have inflammatory arthritis, and flying 5+ hours is not good on the ol’ joints. I wanted a comfy seat and legroom, to make sure my body was in good shape to take care of a puppy once I landed at home. I’m also immunocompromised, and I was flying right after the mask mandate on planes ended. Knowing I was in front of most folks, in a smaller area with only one person next to me, really helped my anxiety. I wore a mask for boarding, takeoff, landing, and deplaning, plus any time I wasn’t eating or drinking. I did a LOT of research on how to fly safely, and I felt comfortable during both flights. I also downloaded the Alaska Airlines app, which gave me lightning fast updates on my gate, boarding time, and let me pre-book my in-flight meals.
Hotel
I flew into Atlanta and spent one night there, in a hotel by the airport. ATL has a skytrain that takes you directly from the airport to a few Marriott Hotels (the train was literally NEXT to my hotel). I didn’t have to worry about getting a ride, or even paying for the train (it’s free!). I chose the hotel with free WiFi and breakfast, but checked that there was a pet friendly hotel in that little area, just in case something happened and Puppy and I had to stay another night. (Can you tell that I like to plan for every possible thing?). I also downloaded the Marriott Bonvoy App, which got me a cheaper rate, and allowed me to obsessively check my reservation easily.
Packing
I flew to Atlanta with my dog carrier and other puppy goodies inside my carry on suitcase, then re-packed for my trip back with the pup stuff out and ready to go. Since a dog counts as a carry on item, and I also had a big tote filled with my stuff AND puppy stuff, I checked my suitcase on the way back. Again, first class comes in handy: You get two checked bags for free.
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What I Packed For Puppy
I got this Sherpa carrier because it was the most recommended one. I also got this package of replacement liners in case of any accidents mid-flight (I also included a large ziploc bag to put the soiled liners in). I didn’t end up using the replacement liners at all, so I returned them, but I was happy to have that backup! I should mention, I got extra Sherpa liners because the foster told me this pup rips up disposable pee pads. I do wish I had brought some anyway, and was planning to, but I forgot.
I also packed poop bags, a few chew toys, some of his food, and two collapsible bowls (one for food, one for water). I brought a harness and a leash, and his foster provided one too, so he was extra covered. I also brought one of these collars (that I LOVE) with a tag that just has my phone number on it (Puppy still doesn’t have a name), some wipes, and treats.
During the Flight Home
I put the carrier under the seat in front of me, but opened the top so Pup could stick his head out. He’s in a gangly stage, and was too tall to stand up in the carrier when it was closed, but he could if the top was unzipped. He poked his head out for most of the flight, and got lots of pets from me and my seatmate, plus some treats. I fed him twice during the flight, and offered water maybe four times. He didn’t bark or whine at all, but I was prepared with treats and toys to distract him if he did. I’d say he slept for 40% of the flight, and stuck his head out and just observed for 60%.
We Did It!
Overall, it was a successful trip. BUT I think it was successful because of my dedicated planning. I knew exactly where the pet relief stations were at ATL (they’re gross and I don’t recommend them!), I had a plan for what to do if he had an accident mid-flight. I got the second to last flight out of ATL, and knew where the closest pet friendly hotel was, just in case my flight got cancelled and I had to get another one or stay overnight. I had apps for the flight and hotel so I could double (and triple) check that everything was going to plan. I called ahead to tell them I was bringing a dog (you have to do this after you book your ticket, and you can only call - no online or in-app option), and let my seatmate know right away that there was a dog at her feet, just in case that would be an issue. It was hectic and a whirlwind but I knew what I was getting into and I prepared for it - preparation is key!
