My husband and I are considering relocating to the east coast (from Seattle USA) - about a five hour flight. Any tips for me and my two precious bengals?

Thanks.

I've never done it, but from what I've read, it's best to make arrangements with the airline so that your cats can stay in the cabin with you (as opposed to with the cargo). That takes some planning, and may constrain your choice of airline.

Here's some info on that:
http://www.bringfido.com/travel/

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The little monsters 3

If your bengals are vocal ... the other passengers are not going to be happy!!!! It's possible you may be able to give them a sedative (only available from your vet). I know your want your babies close to you.

I flew with mine Chicago>Miami earlier this year and she did just fine, in the cabin. I got the medium-sized Sherpa soft carrier, and it fit perfectly under the seat in front of me. Just make sure you're not in the first row where there isn't any under seat storage. For United, there was a $150 fee each way to have her in the cabin, though no one actually ever checked to see if I had paid for it.

She was quiet for the most part. A little grumpy after we'd been delayed for almost 2 hours, and then a little bit toward the end, but nothing too bad and I've heard far worse on planes from young humans. I did not sedate her, though if you see a vet about it I'm sure they could probably recommend something. I've heard a small dose of Benadryl can help. She didn't seem at all bothered by the noise or the strangeness of it. If anything, she was grumpy out of boredom and desire to explore the plane and make friends with all the people. Her favorite part of the trip was watching everyone walking around in the airport.

Worst case scenario, your cats hate it, make a bunch of noise, everyone on the plane thinks you're an asshole, and then you'll get to your destination and never see them again. Best case scenario (more likely, I think), they are totally fine with it. Good luck. :)

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The little monsters 3

I just know that Raiden would not shut up if I took him on a plane. He gets in the carrier and he starts crying and will not stop! In the car, he cries nonstop. He is not a great traveler. Maybe some Bengals are, but if I have to travel across the country, I'm going to have to do it in a car and turn the music up really, really loud. As for sedatives, my vet will only give them for pets they have as clients and they are very careful with the dosage. I've never had to use any and probably would avoid it at all costs. I would hate to be on a plane and have to listen to a very vocal cat. It's as bad as a baby crying nonstop. I don't think it's fair to the other passengers. Forget the fact you may never see them again ... they may hunt you down in the terminal and give you a piece of their mind, if not worse!

If your baby is pretty quiet, then you all may do fine. Good luck.

Really great feedback everyone! Thank you so much.

We got our little boy flown down to us on a 4hour flight that was delayed 2hrs due to storm! He was I'm cargo in a carrier with his bed, travel didn't affect him too much afterwards just hungry and happy to be out! Talk to your airline though as they should accommodate animals :)

Great feedback. Thank you!