Flight Day Guide for Flight Angels

This guide walks you through exactly what to expect before, during, and after your flight.

Every Fly Hawaii Cats transport follows the same steps to keep cats, volunteers, and airline partners safe.

Please read this guide fully before your travel day.

The day before your flight

To keep communication clear, a group text is created the day before travel.

  1. Group text title format
    Date | Destination | Cat name or names
    Example: 1/28 | Sacramento | Milo & Leo

  2. Group text includes
    Volunteer flight angel
    Local airport transporter
    Receiving rescue or adopter

  3. Confirm details
    Meeting location at the airline check in kiosk
    Exact meet up time, always at least two hours before departure
    Exchange recent photos so everyone knows who to look for

  4. Instruction videos
    You will be asked to watch the Fly Hawaii Cats instruction videos, including TSA guidance, and confirm understanding.

Day of flight. Pre airport care

Cats must be prepared correctly before leaving for the airport.

  • Feeding
    Adult cats: no food for 10 hours before flight
    Kittens over 3 months: no food for 6 hours before flight
    Water is always allowed

  • Blood sugar support
    Before the final potty break, offer a small spoon of wet food, baby food, or Churu

  • Potty break
    About one hour before leaving for the airport
    Use a clean litter box with fresh litter
    Allow enough time for the cat to fully use the litter box

  • Carrier setup
    Line the carrier with two layers of pee pads

  • Travel kit
    Extra pee pads
    Treats or small amount of food for delays only
    Gloves
    Paper towels

Immediately before leaving for the airport, the cat is placed into the secure mesh bag.

  • Nails should be clipped before placing the cat in the mesh bag

  • Once placed in the mesh bag, the cat should not be removed again until instructed by TSA

  • This step is required for safety during screening

Mesh bag step. Final step before leaving

At the airport

Meet at the agreed airline check in kiosk.

  • Take a quick meet up photo and share it in the group text

  • Share current flight status with the group

TSA screening protocol

TSA screening is one of the highest risk moments during travel. This is why Fly Hawaii Cats uses a consistent system.

  • Request a private screening room

  • Keep the cat inside the mesh bag while waiting

  • The cat is removed from the mesh bag only inside the private room

  • Maintain full control of the cat at all times

Once screening is complete and the cat is secure again, notify the group.

From this point forward, the carrier must remain fully closed at all times. The only exception is briefly placing your arm inside the carrier to pet the cat. The zipper must close up to your arm so the cat cannot escape.

Arrival and handoff

On arrival, follow these final steps carefully.

  • Send one arrival photo with the cat fully inside the carrier

  • Do not open the carrier for photos

  • Confirm safe arrival in the group text

The pickup person must be at the airport at least 30 minutes before the plane lands and must meet at baggage claim. Volunteers often have multiple bags, and delays or missed pickups can put the program at risk.

Important safety standards

For safety and consistency, the following rules always apply.

  • No photos of cats outside carriers or mesh bags during transport

  • No open carriers in public spaces

  • Sedation only if veterinarian recommended

  • Feeding and potty rules must be followed exactly

These standards protect the cat, the volunteer, airline staff, and the future of Fly Hawaii Cats.

Mission complete

Once the cat has been safely handed off and arrival is confirmed, your role is complete.

Thank you for helping a cat reach their next chapter.