German Shepherd back from Ireland to USA

[tenaciouslee]

Hi all, I was hoping to get some current info and advice on our situation. We traveled from Seattle, USA to Ireland in 2017 with our ~70lb German Shepherd using a height-extended 700-series crate, flying United with no problems. She has happily been an Irish doggo for the last year and half, but we're investigating options to get back home to Seattle.

We recently heard that 700-series crates are no longer accepted by some airlines, and there are even restrictions about airports that can handle the crates. Can anyone verify these comments? Are these restrictions published somewhere?

Has anyone else been through a similar move recently? I'm grateful for any feedback and advice!

Cheers!

[admin]

Re: German Shepherd back from Ireland to USA

tenaciouslee - take a look at all airlines that fly from DUB to the US as the aircraft they use will be larger than those aircraft that layover in the EU. Delta and United are both out due to crate restrictions. You can try Air Canada to Vancouver as they fly decent-sized aircraft on this route, but likely you will need to drive to Seattle from Vancouver. Canada is very pet-friendly so clearing customs there will not be an issue from Ireland. Know that this may not be the best route and you should explore for other options. Just look for Boeing aircraft and always contact your airline to see whether their cargo door can handle the crate extension.
Susan

[tenaciouslee]

Re: German Shepherd back from Ireland to USA

Thanks Susan! Good to know about Delta/United. I'll check out Air Canada. Any recommendations about preferred layover airports and airlines in general with good track records of handling dogs for transatlantic journeys?

[admin]

Re: German Shepherd back from Ireland to USA

We like Lufthansa; however, they do not fly your route. AC is also a good airline as is KLM and Air France. With AF, though, best to fly direct with them as they require you to clear customs in all layover countries.
Susan