How many of you remember spring break trips that were epic? What about spring break trips with your family? I am sooooooo ready for spring break. This will be my first experience traveling (flying is more like it) with Sam and Memphis, and I am very excited!
Sam, Memphis, and I will be traveling to Portland, Oregon next week. I will be attending the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC)–the world’s largest professional organization for researching and teaching composition…and I am a presenter!
Flights are booked, rental car is reserved…but I know what some of you are thinking (maybe you are thinking or wondering, I’m not sure…but), “how do they travel with a dog?” or “Where does Memphis go?”
Well, Memphis will be flying with us. While we can’t reserve a seat for him, he will be right with Sam.
How does TSA work?
The TSA has assistance for Veterans and Wounded Warriors. Prior to our flight, 72 hours to be exact, Sam will call TSA Cares to discuss the screening policies and procedures with our airline. When Sam traveled to Palo Alto, he and Memphis had a TSA agent that escorted them to a separate check area (no walking through the metal detector, they had an area where the agent used a wand). If you have questions about traveling, need to know what to pack, or how to avoid the lines and go through the TSA Pre check, visit their website here: https://www.tsa.gov/
Does Memphis need identification?
Memphis has an ID card which is with him (on his vest) and with Sam at all times (Sam keeps a copy). An individual who is traveling with a service dog is to be granted access to air travel with their partner/handler/veteran riding in the cabin free of charge. We cannot be charged to have Memphis ride with us. He will have his vest on, of course, and be clearly identified as an official, real service dog. At no time should Sam ever be separated from Memphis during the screening process.
What if Memphis has to go potty?
Most airports have an area for service animals to go potty. Sam is going to make sure that Memphis gets plenty of time to run/exercise, and then have enough time to potty before we have to be in our secure area or before we board the plane. His meals and water will be slightly limited due to traveling, but we are very aware of where the potty areas are located in various airports.
Will Memphis be crowded in the airplane?
Perhaps–we are hoping that we may have an entire row to ourselves, or we can move seats to accommodate having Memphis with us. Sam did get bumped up to better seats while traveling to California and we are hopeful that the flights will be smooth and easy.
How will Memphis react to flying?
He was a great first time flyer with Sam…I think we need to ask the fight attendant on this trip for some wings for him…but…he mostly rests, will see how Sam is doing, alert on him if necessary, and more than likely…he will nap.
I am very excited for our trip/vacation. My plan is to keep you all updated via the blog on our travels…so at times you may feel as if you are reading a travel/foodie blog. I’ve even got a surprise for you all next week!! Don’t forget to keep us in your prayers, thoughts, or send us good vibes as we travel…while Sam has done this before, there’s always some anxiety or nerves that come up once we get to the airport.
Now…how many days is it until Portland? 🙂
Here’s a snapshot of these two…this was from their adventure to Palo Alto. Memphis was such a good boy helping out Sam when there was some travel anxiety. I can’t wait to take a trip with these guys!