Advice for flying home with a kitten
I'm picking up my 3mo old Norwegian Forest Cat kitten from a breeder next weekend and will be taking a 2.5hr flight home after. This will be my first time traveling by airplane with a pet and I welcome any advice from those who have been through it. I've already purchased the in-cabin pet ticket with United and the breeder is getting the required vet documentation, so should be good to go there.
My current plan is to bring a soft sided carrier with key rings connecting the zippers so that the kitten cannot escape. In the carrier will be pee pads and a towel in case the kitten has an accident. I'll also bring unscented wet wipes and gloves for cleaning up an accident, though my hope is that I won't have to open the carrier at all in transit. I will also have a small bowl (or maybe bottle cap?) for water and some churus. If the breeder gives me a blanket or something that smells like the kitten's mom, then I'll put that in the carrier too. I'll bring a lightweight fabric to drape over the carrier if needed.
I know I will have to take the kitten out of the carrier when I go through security. My current plan is to ask for a private screening, since the kitten is not yet harness trained. Is there anything else I can do to make this process easier?
I'd appreciate any other insight to help me prepare for the trip. Thank you!