Has Anyone Traveled with Thier Pet on a Major Airline in the Cargo/baggage Area?

You might want to sedate them?

July is HOT here in Texas, to say the least. You may want to check and make sure they won't be sitting in unairconditioned space before they are unloaded.

My dog flew from Newark to Houston but ended up in Dallas and we had to drive up there to get her in the middle of the night (it was nighttime when we were notified where she was), or else she would have been boarded at some unknown kennel w/unknown people b/c she wouldn't have been able to fly out until the next day. I would make sure your cats are on the exact same plane as you!

We got our 25lb dog in the cabin with us. We flew American. They don't weigh the animals. As long as the fit in the carrier, you can bring them on. But like the others, check the heat restrictions. I know with my pug, we cannot put him in the cargo area if either destination is over 75 degrees outside. I know someone suggested sedation, but I would talk to your vet. I don't remember why, but when I looked into it for my dog there is a reason they advise against sedation.

Bah, just wrote my reply then it dissapeared!, try again.
I have 2 cats, and I travelled them from London to Houston, a 10 hour flight. This was on top of a 4 hour ride to the airport, an overnight stay in a kennel, and a couple of hours paperwork the other side. They were both old cats, they were at least 10 when they did this. THEY WERE FINE!! honestly I didn't notice any stress with them at all, when I picked them up they were just lying in their boxes, of course I couldn't let them out to wee in the airport, so make sure you take a litter box with you, so you can let them out somewhere safe and enclosed (even if its the back of your car) to have a wee - and if not, I used a large tupperware style box, and put litter in it, and put it in the box so they could wee.
They did go in the cargo bay, I forgot to mention that, but it was december, so it was cold, rather than being too hot, so like the others said, check whether that will be ok, maybe you can clip a fan to their cage or something, because they don't let you put ANY food or water in with them. I reduced mine's water for a couple of hours before the trip to make sure they wouldn't have a full bladder, and if they are outdoor cats, make sure you catch them a day before LOL
They do freak out - be prepared, for the first few minutes they are in their crate, but they settle down pretty quick.

You need to check to see if there are any heat restrictions. Airlines won't fly pets during certain times of the year due to the heat in either the place you take off from or your destination. This is because if you are delayed and sitting on the tarmac most planes will shut off the a/c (or heat if cold weather) while sitting there to conserve fuel which in turn makes the cargo area very hot and could cause death. I would not drug them unless absolutely necessary as it could cause drowsiness and slow their heartrates. Depending on where you are in CA and where you are going in TX you might not be able to fly them in July.
I have traveled internationaly with my dog several times and she did fine. It's stressful for everyone including the pets. Make sure they all have their own crates and access to water. I also printed the iterineary (sp?) and taped it to the top of the crate along with contact information just in case.

Delta allows pets up to 20 lbs in cabin. Are your cats larger than that? We take our 20 lb dog in cabin with us all the time. Also there is a company that flies animals called Pet Airways. It has pretty limited destinations but maybe it would work for you. The pets are still crated but they all fly in cabin supervised so you don't have to worry about the heat. Also, I don't think cats do well with anxiety meds - maybe just Benedryl. Good luck - I hope it goes well.

Make sure the temps will be ok. We flew our dogs from Juneau to Colorado. We had 2 stops where we could get them and walk them quickly. It was a long day for them and I was worried all day. Once we got there both dogs seemed a little stressed but there were SO happy to get out of their crates. They both were very thirsty (this was in the winter so maybe from stress) and they both were panting. The did fine though. Your cats will do fine too.

We moved to Germany and back a few years ago. Our dog did GREAT! I was a complete wreck the entire flight worrying about her. Check with the airline's weather policy. I know they're pretty strict on hot and cold temperatures. We flew from Miami to Frankfurt in January and had to get a special waiver from our vet because it was so cold in Frankfurt. I think they're even more strict with warmer temps. Also, your vet could probably prescribe some anxiety meds for the cats, if you think they need them. Our dog did not. Also, all of your pets will need their own carrier.