Air Travel
With a Yorkie, you have the decided advantage of being able to bring your dog into the cabin with you. But don't expect to just walk on unannounced. Most airlines severely limit the number of animals they allow in the cabin — one or two per flight is common. You should have your reservations made well before your trip or else you'll risk having the cabin spaces for pets already booked.
You will have to pay for the privilege of having your dog with you, despite the fact that he will not take more space than anyone else's carry-on luggage. In fact, some airlines have increased this fee substantially in recent years. So be prepared to pay.
Some people may suggest using tranquilizers to keep your Yorkie quiet while on the plane. However, this is a bad idea. Medications can work differently at high altitudes, and you would be risking an adverse effect.
Booking Your Flight
Before you book a flight, consider what will best suit your dog. A direct flight is convenient for you, but if it's going to be long and you think your Yorkie may get restless, or even need to relieve himself, you might want to book an itinerary with a substantial layover in the middle so that you can take your dog outside at the mid-trip airport. Airports are not the most dog-friendly locations, so you may even want to shop around a little for an airport that might have some accessible green space within walking distance.
If you don't mind, an overnight red-eye flight can also be a good option. Your Yorkie will be more inclined to go to sleep for the duration of the flight. These also tend to be less crowded, so you have the chance of having a row of seats to yourself. You wouldn't have to give up your foot space to your dog, and you could even lie down to be closer to your Yorkie. Again, be sure you have a confirmed reservation for yourself and for your dog.
In the Airport and in the Air
Before you get to the airport, make sure your Yorkie has relieved herself completely. There won't be much chance at the airport, and people won't take kindly to seeing your dog do her business where they have to walk or set down luggage.
Plan extra time for passing through security checkpoints. If you are asked to take your Yorkie out of her travel bag, take your time and be safe. Be sure you have a leash attached and have a firm hold on your Yorkie. Airports are big, noisy places, and if your dog gets loose, you might never see her again.
Once you arrive at your gate, try to stay out of the way. If the gate attendants don't mind, you may be able to have your Yorkie on your lap rather than in her carry bag. Be aware that some people may want to interact with your Yorkie, while others might be horrified at the prospect of sharing the cabin with a dog.
From the time you board the plane to the time you disembark, airline rules mandate that your Yorkie must be in her carry bag. The bag must be stowed under the seat for takeoff and landing, but in between, if you want to hold the entire bag on your lap, that's up to you.
Photograph by Jean Fogle
Always keep your Yorkshire terrier restrained when traveling.
Shipping by Air
If for some reason you ever have to ship your Yorkie as air cargo, in the hold of the plane, everything changes. First, your Yorkie will have to travel in a rigid plastic crate. Label it with “Live Animal” in large letters, and add arrows indicating which side is up. Place newspaper or a towel in the crate in case your dog has to relieve herself during the trip.
Book a nonstop flight if at all possible. You can oversee or at least check that your dog is loaded onto the plane, and if there are no stops before the final destination, you or someone else can be there to meet the plane. Only an unscheduled stop for some emergency could disrupt this plan. In the summer, book an overnight flight so it will be cooler for your Yorkie. In the winter, book an afternoon flight so it will be warmer.
Before the flight, take the cage cup from the crate, fill it with water, and freeze it. Put it in the crate just before you leave home. That way, the water won't spill while the crate is being loaded on the plane, and will thaw gradually during the trip. Also tape a bag of dog food to the crate top. This keeps the crate from being loaded upside down, discourages the crew from stacking other items on top of the crate, and guarantees food for your dog in the event of a long delay somewhere along the line.
What if your Yorkie starts making noise during the flight?
This is a problem indeed. Try putting the carry bag on your lap, so your Yorkie can see your face. Hold your hand against part of the webbing so your scent is strong. Talk quietly to your dog. Eventually, she should settle down.
Label the crate with the destination of your Yorkie, and the name, address, and phone number of the person who will be collecting the dog at the end of the flight. Have a tag on your Yorkie with your cell-phone number or some other phone number where you can definitely be reached.
At the airport, let everyone possible know you're traveling with your dog, or, if you won't be on the plane, that your dog will be traveling alone. Tell everyone your Yorkie's name and where she's headed. You want as many people as personally involved as possible. Ask if you can watch the crate being loaded. This is less likely now than it once was, but there's still a chance, and it alerts everyone that you're concerned. If you're traveling on the same flight as your dog, you can ask the flight attendants to confirm that your dog has been loaded safely.
