I flew with my ds's cat a year or so ago. I would never recommend flying a pet in cargo...just hate that idea. Yes, I know that many have had very good experiences doing it but if I can possibly fly with a pet under the seat, that's what I'm going to do.
Now, as for my own experience. I had to get the cat a clean bill of health, withn a week or so of the trip, at the vet's. They gave me a certificate of health. When I booked my flight I told them I would have a cat with me. Evidently there is room for only so many animals on each flight. When I got to the airport, I had to go through a different line for checkin because I had an animal with me. There, I paid the extra amount for the pet...$50 for the cat.
At security, the poor cat had to come out of her carrier. The carrier went though the security machine, while I held the terrified animal as I went through the arch of security, as my family calls it.
The carrier fit very nicely under the seat at my feet. I kept most of the opening closed except for the one the faced me, on the end of the carrier. She was a very happy cat when we finally got to MCO and into my ds's car.
My vet recommended against sedating the cat....a dog may be different. And I didn't feed her that morning...didn't want any accidents.
Hope this helps a bit.
