Bruno JPM Claude
Works well for air travel
We have a 16lbs Jack Russel Terrier and fly extensively between the US and Europe and within Europe with our JRT in cabin. We have also used this bag on European train rides. In most cases, cases pet travel for free in Europe as long as they fit in a bag. Most expandable pet carriers have 4 expansion panels, one on each side. While this looks great on paper, the reality is that only one panel can be open during a flight due to space restrictions. The 3 other panels stay closed and take up space inside the bag (and add weight). This bag is one of the few that only has one expansion panel which is all that is really needed. We hesitated quite a bit between the medium size bag (our dog did fit but it was a bit tight) and the large version which quite frankly is palacious for a 16 lbs dog. The dimensions of the large bag are 12X12X19. On its website UNITED states: "The recommended maximum dimensions for soft-sided kennels are 18 inches long x 11 inches wide x 11 inches high (46 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm). Soft-sided pet carriers can exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible and able to fit underneath a seat without blocking the aisle". Most airlines have this approximate language in their policy. Others have stated in their review that in order to fit the large bag under the seat, you will need to remove the 2 rods that provide rigidity to the top side of the bag. If you do that, this bag will fit under a normal airline seat. US airlines go by bag dimensions as opposed to weight. European airlines are more generous in terms of dimensions (as long as the bag fits under the seat) but will theoretically limit cabin access to dogs of 8kg (18lbs) or less including the weight of the bag. From a practical point of view and after many flights, I never had a situation where the ticket agent either measured my bag nor put it on a scale... The only issue when the two top rods are removed is that the top of the bag tends to sag. It is not a real issue as the dog will l