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:
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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.
Hi! I really appreciate all of the info on your site! We are flying from SFO to BOS next Sunday and are bringing our min pin. This is our first time flying with him, but would hate the idea of leaving him! Anyway, we have the medium sized sherpa, but it is mostly for the cats. What did you put your dog in for your Virgin flight? That is who we are flying and I just want to make sure that he has as much room as he can get.
Also, have you ever had an issue with weight? Our dog is 19 lbs, and with carrier will be slightly over the 20 lb max, but we are taking the risk.
Thanks so much!!
Cathy
Hi, Cathy! I realize only now that your flight was…yesterday, darnit. I do hope it went well. If I had responded in time, I would have told you that your medium Sherpa bag will work beautifully, and that VA has never weighed Chloe. She actually travels in a large SturdiBag carrier, which is considerably larger (but also more flexible) than the medium Sherpa. It has always worked for her, but it is larger than most official maximums, so if you are risk averse and your dog fits in a medium Sherpa, I’d stick with that. I’m so sorry to have answered this too late to be of help.
A fantastic site! I can’t thank you enough for all the great info. This is the first time I’ll be flying to LA from NY with my precious 20 mo. old Maltese, Maximus. True to his name, he is a big boy for a Maltese, weighing in at 9.5lbs,11″H, 15″L. Like the previous poster, I intended to use the Sherpa M delux, but having read your blog, I’m inclined to purchase the L Sturdi-bag, especially for the added height among other features. I am just a bit anxious about the 8.5 under seat height and how he will take to a long flight. He really hasn’t spent much time in a carrier, although I’ve been following your instructions for preparing Maximus. I did notice that you mentioned Virgin does not say anything specific about putting the carrier on the lap and to give it a try. Again, thanks for all the wonderful advice.
Hi, Kim! Thanks so much! We’ve used Chloe’s large SturdiBag on our Virgin America flights very comfortably — the post about VA’s under-seat spaces (http://www.dogjaunt.com/2010/03/which-seat-works-best-with-an-in-cabin-dog-virgin-america-a320/ ) was written when we were using her Sleepypod Air carrier. On more recent trips, we’ve used the SturdiBag, and it’s worked well. Let us know how the trip goes!
Thanks for the info! Would a large Sherpa also work you think or is the med safer?
Hi, Alex! Sherpa has shortened its large bag to a more manageable 19″, which I think would work if you put the carrier front-to-back under the seat. The top of a Sherpa bag isn’t terribly flexible, though, so I think you might run into trouble there. If your dog fits in a medium Sherpa, that’s always going to be a less anxious choice — or, as I always suggest, consider a large SturdiProducts carrier (which is the one Chloe uses, and will use on her VA flight tomorrow).