In last Wednesday’s blog post, I mentioned that while the in-cabin pet carrier that Southwest Airlines sells is a workable option, it’s improved by a modification a reader sent me. In its “resting” state, the bag is 8.5″ tall. Unzipped, a gusset allows the bag to be 10.5″ tall — but the gusset has no support, so it tends to collapse back down on your pup’s head.

Enter reader Andee and her clever modification, explained in this annotated photo:

If this is just too darned small to see, send me an e-mail and I’ll mail you the full-sized image.

Andee explained that “The side arches bend in a couple of inches for when the top is zipped at 8.5″ to go under the seat, and are pulled back to the sides by the elastic when it is expanded to 10.5″. Owners may also want to cover the arches with a heavy duty rubber netting or a fabric if their dog is a gnawer or would find it fun to put his head between the arches and the sides (I’ve owned that dog, LOL!). Anyways, it worked for us and if someone is planning on using their SW bag more than once, the effort may be worth it — it was to me to not have the top sitting on Rose’s head during our trip.”

Rose is Andee’s beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Here they are together on a day trip to Sarasota, FL:

Please note that Rose is every bit as big as Chloe, and maybe a little bigger, and Andee says she fit comfortably in the Southwest in-cabin carrier

And here are two more pictures of Rose, because there are simply never enough Cavalier pictures in the world:

Thanks so much for your report, Andee! I think your directions will make that Southwest bag a better choice for many travelers who, like me, thought it would cramp their pup’s style.