Worried about using the Lg SturdiBag on Southwest Airline. Any experiences to share?
54036
I had the large size with my 13 lb dog (tall and thin) on Southwest. It was flexible and bent at the top to fit under the seat. My dog had to lay down and didn't have room to fully sit up but he did fit. The measurements on the southwest site seemed off and it seemed like there was much more room than they said. Don't worry about what southwest says about needing to demonstrate standing up and turning around in the crate. The workers at the ticket counters both ways didn't even look in the crate. Their policy online is certainly more strict than it is in practice.
54037
I used my lg sturdibag with my westie and we were fine. He weights about 18lbs and he fit perfectly in the bag as well as under the seat. I would recommend getting the bag in black, as a bright colored bag makes the bag look bigger, black is more discreet. Also make surer your pup is groomed and looks good. This way he will appear smaller in the bag. Good luck!
54038
Yes, we've only flown on Southwest with our Large SturdiBag and have had no problems at all. The one thing you might find depending on the plane you're on is that you may have to tip the bag to the side to get it to fit between the seats. To get it to slide under the seat, you have to push down on the top, but it pops back up once you get it back as far as possible.
54039
My 17 lb. pup traveled with ease in the Lg.-size Sturdi-bag carrier on Southwest Airlines. You'll need to sit in a middle seat in order to have enough under-seat room. You may wish to remove the light-weight "board" in bottom of carrier, but it slides back in easily & carrier does not need to be opened to do so, as there is a zippered compartment for it.
54040
My sister has traveled twice with her 16 pound doxie on Southwest and it has worked well. You have to have middle seat-the space under seat is wider in middle seat. We originally ordered one with wheels but it wouldn't have provided enough head room for him- this does, but you also have to buy a luggage carrier to carry the carrier, since there are no wheels. It works fine with luggage carrier. He likes to stand up if he can and the top is flexible, so you pull it out a little and open the window so the dog can stick his head out. Keeps him calm :-)
54041
This bag is awesome on Southwest. We have the large. It will fit under any of the seats. The flight attendants told me the aisle seat was the smallest but it fit right under. Love this carrier. My puppy is 9.5 lbs and has lots of room.
1572346
Probably depends on the airline, but it is highly likely to be assessed an 'odd shaped baggage fee.' Also, as sturdy a unit as it is, there's still question as to whether it would survive the luggage handling. Bottom line is 'check with the carrier.'
1007709
Don't bother with the airporter. get a good sturdy duffle bag. My airporter was "destroyed" by the baggage handlers on just the first leg of a trip.
1617934
I have had mixed experiences with this. Most of the time, I have been allowed to carry it own without an issue. I have once been told I had to check it - admittedly, it was stuffed completely full and it was an international flight. I have not had a problem with it fitting in the overhead space, but it will not fit under the seat in front of you. Agree with RF Zeiss, I think it is a great carryon. It's a terrific bag. Safe Travels- Rob
1880764
I flew Southwest and AirTran last week, carried it on, no problems. Fit in the overhead with plenty of extra room to spare.
1657918
It might depend on the type of plane you are flying on. I usually fly SWA and have never had a problem fitting this bag under the seat. It works well because there are flexible bars that go over the top of the bag keeping the bag from smooshing our loved ones. I definitely recommend this bag when traveling with my cat!
1879998
Worked for me on US Airways and Delta very small planes where everyone with carry ons had to have them stowed under the plane. No one even asked us a question about the carriers and because they flex it was easy to put them under the seats. I've seen Southwests dimensions even on smaller planes and it shouldn't be a problem. Since flying with out 2 pugs earlier this year the experiences have been quite routine.
1696276
Hmm, I'm not sure. I checked the website but didn't see if can be carried on. But I know that for SouthWest, a checked carseat is free and does not count against your two free checked bags per person, so we just check it.
551822
Yes. I went through multiple airports and flight changes and train departures in a 24 hour period without even once worrying about the safety of my laptop. When I got to where I was going, everything was in perfect condition. Adjust your straps accordingly and pack everything properly. Otherwise a very well made bag.
283853
I've carried mine in my carry-on for years and through international borders without a second glance. HOWEVER, I just had it refused this month in a flight from Canada, because of the serrated edge. I'll still keep on taking it and the odds are with me but it's not guaranteed.
1411577
I've always had the bag in my lane with me (only been to a few different ranges though). I've never run in to a problem at a range with bag security - maybe ask the range about the bag and get their thoughts?
1996402
I didn't have any problems but I did most of my travel in South America. Also it depends on how full you have the backpack portion.
1018159
I wore one through security once (wasn't thinking). The scanner beeped so I was asked to step to the side. I explained what I had on and lowered my waistband enough to show it to them. I also had a packaged one in my bag so they checked that out, too, and waved me on. It was a small airport so I'm not sure I would have made it through as easily at LAX or DFW. Usually, I put it on after going through TSA.
819301
Mark can you please tell me if this worked on the flight or if you used a different carrier? I'm moving cross country from GA to CA and need a carrier. Also flying on Southwest. I really appreciate your help!
953541
In my experience, yes. I have flown both domestic and international airlines (Southwest and United) with this bag as a carry-on (and packed pretty much full). It can get a little unwieldy and might be difficult to cram into the overhead compartments, but it does fit and I never had any trouble with the airlines or security about the size.
106722
The literature says it qualifies as carry on, mine fit in the carry on box on southwest, however I checked mine. Just checked out of curiosity. : )
201858
Yes, there is absolutely no problem going through security with this bag. Have taken many flights and not once was it questioned.