Flying with dog in cabin on AIRTRAN?

I am flying with my chihuahua on march 11. The website says the carrier must be max 8.5"x17x12. 8.5" high.. this seems a bit small and i cannot find a caarrier that small! has anyone taken a dog on airtrans? Are soft sided carriers approved? I tried calling but the wait time was 15mins..Flying with dog in cabin on AIRTRAN?
Animals



We accept small, domesticated cats, dogs and birds that will fit in an approved carrier under the seat.



* The pet kennel is limited to maximum dimensions of 8.5" high x 17" long x 12" wide.

* The carrier must be leak proof and ventilated on at least two sides.

* There is no weight restriction on pets.

* The pet must remain in the carrier and under the seat for the duration of the flight.



Airfare for a pet is $65.00 one-way. Only three (3) pets are allowed per flight. As limited space is available, advanced reservations must be made. Of course, service animals (e.g., Seeing Eye dogs) are always welcome onboard regardless of the number of pets already booked on the flight.



For additional information about traveling with a pet or to book pet travel, please contact the AirTran Airways reservations desk at 1-800-AIR-TRAN (1-800-247-8726) or 678-254-7999 for international calls.



In many airports, AirTran Airways sells pet kennels for a nominal fee at the ticket counter. AirTran Airways does not transport pets as checked baggage.



just a suggsestion go to your local pet store they are bound to have some carriers for your dog
Typically the carrier should be soft-sided and have adequate ventilation for your dog. You may see weight restrictions as well as dimension limits but your Chihauhua shouldn't be that's heavy. Weight restrictions are usually not enforced, Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around in the bag, anything smaller than this will not be comfortable for your dog and isn鈥檛 your dog鈥檚 comfort your main concern?Flying with dog in cabin on AIRTRAN?
no i don`t think soft side carriers are approved . i know that the bottom has to be hard and if the sides were soft the dog might get squished because they have to go in the cargo section.