LAYOVERS, TRANSFERS AND ARRIVAL If your flight is not a non-stop, leave the aircraft and check on your pet during the layover. If, for any reason, taxiing becomes extended or the aircraft experiences ventilation problems, let a flight attendant know that you are concerned about your pet and request that the captain check the temperature in the cargo hold where your pet is traveling. If the delay is long, it will be extremely important to insist that your pet be removed. Many pets have died due to suffocation. If the layover is long enough, ask if you can claim your pet, take him for a walk, and give him water before you board the plane again.

Plane connections often involve claiming and rechecking your pet at the connecting location, a process that could take about two to three hours. We suggest that you never change planes without claiming and rechecking your pet, even if the airline carrier offers you this option.
Claim your pet as soon as possible after you reach your destination or, if you are not traveling with your pet, make sure that the person receiving him or her has the complete flight schedule and name of the airport where your pet will arrive.

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