Hi There! I recently flew with Jules home on a plane when he was 8 weeks old. As mentioned - the airline will have some very detailed information.
Airlines will ask that your puppy has eaten within 4 hours of flying. My breeder has now flown several puppies home and per her vets suggestions, withhold food and water prior to flying. Prevents the chances of elimination on the plane. I kept a pocket full of kibbles to feed a few now and then while traveling and asked for a cup of ice chips also to give Jules as well.
Make your airline reservations early and inform them of a puppy traveling. Airlines are allowed to carry only so many pets at one time, even in cabin. Then arrive at the airport early as well to ensure your seat reservation.
Do you have a layover at all during your flight. If so I suggest taking some pee pads and when you land, go to the restroom and encourage your puppy to do his business.
I was able to spend a week with my breeder before traveling home so we worked with potty training before coming home. Every time he did bathroom work, we would all get excited and say 'good hurry up' and of course I would take him out of his box many times while there and take him outside just for the purpose of potty time and tell him 'hurry up'
Another thing my breeder did was carry him around in his travel bag often to get him conditioned to traveling.
Just sitting there he did squeal a lot but for the car ride and plane ride he was a complete angel!
The vet should know what is needed for the health clearances. It's really a very simple certificate and I am certain the airline web sites will detail this out as well.
Get an aisle seat! Easier to load you and your puppy in and the crew LOVES to come admire their furry travelers. Jules even got to go to the cockpit at the end of his flight and the pilot came back holding him with his set of wings!
And on a final note - Per the breeders suggestion and my vet - We used Bach's Rescue Remedy for our flight home. It's a herbal product that is used to curb edginess, anxiety and stress. Just a few drops on the tongue 30 minutes before flying and your pup will be ready to go. It does not drug them into a sleepy state, it simply calms them. Also a very good product to use for thunderstorm phobic dogs, during fireworks and for trips to the vet to calm them down. You can find this online, in health food stores and I got mine at the local grocery store in the health food section.
Going through airport security you will have to carry him through the metal detectors so have his collar off him at that time.
I just purchased one of those $15 bags from Walmart for a 22 lb pet.
On the plane he never made a sound, I did however warn the person in front of me I had a puppy under their seat in case he got wiggly and they felt something moving! LOL!
After the plane took off, I would pull he bag out from under the seat and carry the bag in my lap and reach in and pet him while flying until we prepared for landing.
You are going to have a blast bringing your puppy home on the plane!!! Jules was a hit at the airport and on the plane by all!
