Dog as Exess Baggage from Seoul to Washington-Dulles in May/June

Question
Sir,

We are currently stationed in Seoul, S. Korea and need to go back to the US from May/June - mid Sept.(Army family). Our pooch (Song-E) is 8 yrs old (22 #'s). I understand from reading all your advice that the best way for her to travel is 'excess baggage'. I contacted Korean Air and was told that direct flight Boeing 747 from Seoul to Washington will take pets at anytime of yr b/c of the temp and pressurized baggage area, but allow them self to embargo at anytime (but said typically 15 May - 15 Sept is when they embargo). So how does this all work? I couldn't get a clear step by step answer (I called Seoul Quarantine office, Korean Air and Delta).
My questions are:
*How far in advance do I need to be at the airport?
*I go to quarantine 1st?
*Then go to check-in?
*Does Song-E leave me at check-in? or do I bring her to the gate (which would mean we would go through security together?)?
*What happens if they embargo her and I'm on the plane? Can I get off the plane? Or?
*Once we land do I pick the dog up off the luggage conveyor belt? then proceed through customs?
*When making her reservation as 'excess baggage' is there any way to prioritize her to the airline?

Song-E loves the car and feels safe/at home in her crate but 17 hours is a long flight...do the dogs just sleep?

Thank you so much for your time and knowledge!!

Best,

Song-E's concerned Mom

ps. We love our Army Vets!


Answer
Dear Melanie
The main reason I recommend excess baggage is that it is MUCH cheaper
than cargo.  Also, pet clears customs withyou.  Pets traveling as
ex bag and as cargo travel in the identical same place of the plane.
It is fully pressurized and temp controlled.  When there are hot
temp restrictions, these only pertain to OUTSIDE temps,  NOT within
the plane.  Usually, only the U.S. carriers such as Delta, United
etc have these restrictions.  Continental does NOT, nor do the
foreign carriers.  I can not see Korean air having any problems.
If you travel with a Delta ticket (co-share) DL could give you a
problem.  You would need to contact Korean air Passenger reservation
people so you can check in at their ticket counter.  At least that
is what we do here.  I ship many State Dept pets and Military, so
we go thru this all the time.  You would book the dog with them as
soon as you have your ticket.  They, and ONLY they, will tell you
when and where to go, and what the total procedure is for security,
timing, etc
KE # 093 is 13 1/2 hrs from Seoul to Dulles.  Using a flight that
makes a stop or connection on the west coast is no guarantee that
Song-E would have any better care, and would only prolong the
journey.  If you have any qualms as to this, then I suggest you
ship Song-E as cargo on Lufthansa via Frankfurt.  The total journey
would be longer, but she would have a nice long rest break at their
animal facility in Frankfurt.  Cargo charges will be more, but you
might feel better.  In any case, should you need any type of service
here then I can help you.
She should NEVER be on a luggage conveyor belt.  If she comes with
you, the airline personnel will hand deliver her to your awaiting
luggage and you all would proceed thru customs at IAD at that time.
Hope this helps.  Keep me informed, and whether I can further assist.
Sincerely, Jerry Mishler