Airplane travel w/Bichon in pet carrier in cabin of plane?

[Bichon traveling mom]

I want to travel out of state with my Bichon during the summer, taking Delta airlines. He weighs 20 lbs.

From the measurements (for the carrier and for my dog) and from the info I can find from Delta and from pet carrier companies, he won't quite " fit " in the pet carrier. I'm nervous about ordering a carrier to see if he'll " fit " in reality because of the 25% re-stock fee if I return it. Delta told me that large carriers will NOT fit under the seat in the cabin.

Does anyone have any experience with this?? Is it possible to buy a seat ticket for him and strap his (large) carrier into the airplane seat, much like parents bring on their child safety car seat?

Thanks!

[JMM]

I doubt you could get him a seat but you could try...

Go to a petsmart or other pet store that has the carriers and see if he fits.

I have a larger samsonite carrier and it doesn't fit well under the seat. Of course my dog is 5 lbs so has plenty of room if I squish a little. A big carrier definately will not fit.

[LM]

Email Robin, the head of Small Paws Rescue. She's probably flown a gazillion bichons around the country. Her website is http://www.smallpawsrescue.org