Flying vs Driving with a New Pup

Would you be open to flying or driving with a new pup? When I brought Mango home, I faced this exact dilemma. Originally, my trip was for late February. I was going to fly to Fargo, North Dakota, rent a car, and take a four-state road trip through South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas before heading home. The plan sounded like an adventure. As someone who wants to visit all 50 states before 30, I was eager to check off a few more.

But then, plans started falling apart. I found myself debating whether I could handle the long solo drive with a brand-new puppy. The thought of endless hours on the road, unpredictable weather, and navigating hotels felt overwhelming. I decided to pivot and started looking into flying instead.

The Airline Challenge

Flying with American Airlines had its own set of challenges. Their pet policy required that my puppy weigh less than 20 lbs including the soft kennel he would travel in. At the time, Mango was growing fast. He had gained a full pound in just five days. I worried that by the time of the trip, he’d be over the limit. I called multiple airline representatives, trying to confirm every last detail. The stress of figuring it all out made me so anxious!

Finally, on February 9th, I decided to go for it. I booked a last-minute ticket using my hoarded airline miles. The goal of the trip was for February 10th and back on February 11th. My mom immediately said, “I’ll go with you!” So, I used my miles to book her a ticket too.

The Journey Home with Mango

Flying out of Fargo was a new experience—it’s a super tiny airport, meaning there were no direct flights home. We had a layover in Chicago on the way up and in Dallas on the way back. The biggest moment of truth came at check-in. The staff had to weigh Mango, his soft-sided kennel, and a few essentials (a pee pad and his favorite toy). He came in at 20.5 lbs… slightly over the limit, but with everything packed inside, we made it work!

To my relief, Mango was a dream traveler. He calmly greeted everyone—babies, grandparents, flight attendants—and charmed his way through the airport. Passengers kept commenting on how well-behaved he was, and I felt so proud. These moments get you looking forward to all the training you’ll be doing too.

What I Learned with a New Pup

Soft vs. Hard Kennel Debate. Airlines have strict dimensions for pet carriers. For American Airlines, it was 18″L x 11″W x 11″H. A soft-sided kennel was my best option because it offers flexibility, especially if you placed it under the seat. Hard kennels are not allowed in the cabin. As of 2020, cargo travel for pets is no longer an option unless you’re military under direct orders.
Packing Essentials. I packed just enough food for the day, a refillable water bottle, a collapsible travel bowl, and pee pads. Since Mango’s breeder had trained him on newspapers, I figured pee pads would make the transition easier. That didn’t quite go as planned. To help him feel more at home, I had also sent some toys to his family ahead of time. Knowing that familiar scents can be comforting for puppies in a new environment.
Pet Transport Costs. I explored several options before settling on flying. Pet transport services ranged from $1,200 to $2,750, and even hiring a flight nanny was $850, way out of budget! Amtrak was an option for $618, but with three stops, it wasn’t the smoothest choice. Flying ended up being the most practical and affordable solution.
Training Treats. Just like me, my pup is loves food! Treats were a lifesaver for positive reinforcement, keeping him calm, and making new human friends along the way.

Looking back, choosing to fly was the right decision. It was a whirlwind trip, but bringing Mango home safely was all that mattered. Now, I have the sweetest three-year-old Valentine to embark on even more adventures with!

If you’re thinking about flying with a new pup, don’t stress too much. You’ve got this! Have any questions about the process? Let me know, I’d love to help!

Xo, Mel

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