Flying a dog

Question
Hi. I am getting a yellow lab puppy that will be about two and a half months old in the middle of september. I go to school in Ohio but live in California and would like to fly him home with me over my Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. I have been checking all of the airlines that allow pets to fly and it is extremely expensive! Do you know the cheapest way for me to bring him home and can taking a puppy on a long plane ride be traumatizing? Thanks for the help.

Answer
I don't have a good answer for you.  I have never flown with a dog.  My son flew from Pittsburgh to Florida taking their Fox Hound this year.  He said the next time, they drive.  I will be flying the  twelfth with my Xanthe, but she will be allowed in the cabin because she has a service dog tag.  I am trying to borrow a crate at our destination to avoid a $100 oversize luggage charge for her crate.  

Note, the dog must be able to stand with its head fully erect in the crate to fly.  I am not sure but what they wouldn't do better in a smaller crate, but that is the airline rules.  I hope you can get a direct flight to reduce the flight time.  A long trip in a crate will be upsetting to the dog, but I don't have any good alternatives.  I am sorry my best is rather weak for your question.  

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