Airplane Dog Carrier

A friend just told me of a sad experience which she had while flying with her dog from the USA to South America. She said that she had purchased a special airplane dog carrier that she thought was approved by the airline she was going to be traveling on. She then got all the needed medical paperwork of the dog's shots etc… When she arrived at the airport with Lushka, her black Labrador, she had her in the airplane dog carrier. Then they went to check in for what they were hoping would be a nice simple flight for the both of them. But this was not to be. As they were checking in the baggage and getting the boarding pass, the airline personnel asked to see the dog carrier. They told her that they had to make sure that it complied with all the requirements of the airline. After going over all the documents, which were in order, they measured the dog carrier and it turned out to be an inch taller than regulation. They told my friend that unfortunately Lushka and the carrier could not accompany her onto the plane but instead would have to go below the plane in the cargo hold. She took the flight and arrived safety at her destination. However things then became worse for her and Lushka. Because the dog arrived in the cargo hold of the plane she was registered as a package. So customs kept Lushka in a warehouse for three days during which time my friend couldn't even see her. All this just because she didn't have an airplane dog carrier that was the right height.