Which seat works best with an in-cabin dog? [Virgin America A320]
We just returned from a trip to the Bay Area via Virgin America, so I had two chances to check out Virgin’s A320 under-seat measurements. Unlike JetBlue, which also flies A320 planes, Virgin America divides its A320s into two classes (First and Main). First Class has two seats on each side of the aisle, while the main cabin has three seats on each side of the aisle.
There is a bulkhead between the two classes, and you are not allowed to sit there with a dog. There is also a bulkhead in front of the first First Class row, and the same goes there.
The only First Class row that has under-seat space, in fact, is Row 2. However, although I couldn’t get close enough to get you exact measurements, I can assure you that the only dog that would fit under a First Class seat is a teacup-sized dog in a purse-style carrier lying on its side. If you have an in-cabin dog, the main cabin is the only way to go. [4/22/10 My husband just traveled First Class on a Virgin America A320, and confirms that there is no under-seat space in First Class. All your carry-on items have to go in the overhead compartment.]
Your best choice is an aisle or middle seat. All three seats carry a life vest packet enclosed in a firm plastic container, so the under-seat height is a fixed 8.5 inches. The aisle seat space is 18″ wide (that is, measured left to right), and so is the middle seat space, even though there is a box for electronics on one side. The window seat space is slightly narrower, at 17″ wide.
Although my carrier was 10.5″ tall, it flexed just enough to squeak under the seat. This is another place, however, where I would have liked to have been using our SturdiProducts carrier, which flexes more easily.
This post is part of an ongoing series recording under-seat measurements of the various planes we fly on. Keep in mind that most domestic and international airlines have rules about the maximum size of in-cabin pet carriers they allow on board (see Dog Jaunt’s handy charts under the “Guides” tab above).
Related posts:
- Which seat works best with an in-cabin dog? [JetBlue A320] We returned to Seattle on a JetBlue Airbus 320, so once again I crawled around under my row of seats...
- Which seat works best with an in-cabin dog? [United A320] In case you need a reminder that different airlines configure a plane differently, here’s another A320 to tell you about....
- Which seat works best with an in-cabin dog? [Delta DC-9] Who knew that there were still DC-9s out there? It turns out that Delta has quite a few of these...
- Which seat works best with an in-cabin dog? [Delta A319] Delta’s A319 planes are divided into two classes, First and Economy. We were traveling in Economy, which has three seats...
- Which seat works best with an in-cabin dog? [United 757-200] This is only a partial report because you board a 757 (in this case, a -200 series) from the side,...
I imagine that a lot of people traveling with small dogs really appreciate your airplane under-the-seat reviews. And I wonder what they must think when they see you bending over with a tape measure and taking notes! Do you get a lot of questions? What do you say?
Hi, Rod! I’ve been lucky so far — on a couple of trips I’ve arrived first at my row and had a minute to fling myself on the ground. On our last trip I was caught in the act by a seat-mate, but he accepted my explanation (“I have this dog travel blog, and….”) with phlegm — and even offered me a proper tape measure (I was using a seamstress’ measuring tape)!
Great info for those of us who raise service puppies. Thank you!
Great advice. I would think that this would apply to flying with a cat too, since the size can be similar. I don’t recommend taking cats on trips because they are territorial and prefer staying home. However, if you are relocating, this is good to know.
You’re welcome, Ruby’s Raiser — and I’m loving your site! Reading about how you coped with the disco ball was inspirational.
Thanks, Michele! I agree about traveling with cats — we’ve only taken our cat Otto in-cabin once, to relocate him from Ohio to Seattle. I wish, however, we’d done the same when we relocated several years ago — we had our two cats shipped up to us by a relocation service, and the trip in the cargo area shattered them. If we have to do it again, they’ll come in-cabin with us, or we’ll drive. Never, never the cargo area again.