Winging it to Chicago to fetch a friend

My coach ticket out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport was free, thanks to frequent flier miles, but Bernie's wasn't. Most airlines charge for accompanying pets. I flew United, which quoted $80 when I booked. Between booking and actual ticketing that fee rose to $85. United doesn't take payment until you check in with the pet and the accompanying necessities. These include a current health certificate from a veterinarian and a travel case that fits beneath the seat.

Since Bernie, a Leonberger, is destined to be a very big dog (his dad weighed 170 pounds), and he was expected to be between 15 and 20 pounds when I flew, I opted for the largest case available. I was fortunate in that Bunde had one she was willing to lend me for the flight. Even better, she acclimated him to the carrier during the week before travel and lined it with faux lambskin to make it cozier.

On a Monday morning in mid-July, I flew to Chicago with only about a three-hour window between arrival and departure. In a carry-on, I had packed kibble, a small bowl, a rope bone, a few treats, a collar and leash, clean-up supplies, and personal items, in case anything went wrong and I had to spend the night.

Luck was with me; we arrived early. Just outside the secure zone, Bernie and Bunde were waiting by the ticketing counter, as we had arranged. Top priority was checking Bernie in for the return flight and getting him ticketed. He charmed the agent, who barely glanced at the health certificate, and he weighed in at 15 pounds. The agent charged my credit card $85 and affixed a ticket to the carrier that would allow Bernie to be transported through security.