In returning to California, the first thing I had to do was pick up my cat and get her to San Jose to stay with me. I booked a Southwest flight for myself and also a one way pet fare ($95). Southwest is pretty chill about pets in the cabin. As of now the rule is that you must book ahead, and check in with the pet the day of travel. I didn’t even need to show them my vaccination page.
First Phase: The Car Ride in the Carrier
I decide to go to the airport extra early because I wasn’t sure of the shenanigans she was going to get into. I had put the carrier out by her favorite chill spot the day before. Jade didn’t seem to care about this one way or another. I pick up the cat and boom, drop her into the bag and quickly zip it up as she tries to shove her head out of the opening.
Once we got in the car, she started to let me know she was annoyed. Meow. Meow. Meow. So I let her out and had her sit in my lap.
Second Phase: The Airport and Security with my Feline Friend
Once we got to the airport, she was pretty good. Just a meow every now and again to let me know she was not feeling the airport. The check-in took about 2 minutes. Southwest Airlines took my money and put a tag on the carrier. Boom. End Checkin Process. So easy.
The security check was pretty fun. There was no line in security and I had TSA precheck so I didn’t need to take off my shoes. I grabbed the bag and took Jade out of the carrier and walked through. Then I had to stand there holding Jade as she looked puzzled. Her little body dangling down. Some lady said, ” wow, my cat would never be so chill,” I felt like we bonded of crazy cat lady life. Little did anyone know the trouble ahead of me.
