In a few days I will be taking a one way flight to claim a new hometown. I'm taking my cat onboard with me in a little carrier that will fit under the seat. My cat is not particularly fond of being in a carrier, he likes to have his freedom to roam aimlessly and unrestricted. He doesn't travel well in the car, and thus only goes to and from the vet's office as I get impatient with his continuous meow's that I'm certain can be translated into something along the lines of "get me out of this box!"

Has anyone flown with a cat before, what words of wisdom do you have to make the two hour check in, three and a half hour flight, and hour to the apartment seem to speed by for the poor critter that just wants OUT?