Internet Obsessed With Woman’s Flight Carry On: ‘The Eyes Peeking Out’

Wish you could bring an adorable, fluffy pup as your carry-on luggage on a flight? Well, one passenger did just that with her cute canine companion and the footage of it has melted the hearts of users on Instagram.
The viral video was shared by user @bygalk, amassing 13.4 million views since it was posted on August 1. The clip shows Kopiko, a long-haired chihuahua, tucked into a carrier bag on a plane.
A note overlaid on the video says “Nobody on this flight knows that I have the best carry-on…” The clip shows a woman in a plane seat, unzipping a small bag near her feet. The camera peers into the bag, revealing a snug and comfortable Kopiko laying inside. The pup is later seen peeking just his curious little eyes out of the bag through the zipper opening.
According to the caption shared with the post, “Kopi had his own ticket, this was a pet-friendly airplane…” The post made clear that the dog’s presence was aligned with airline regulations, ensuring its comfort, safety and paperwork were all in check.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide some guidelines for bringing pets on planes.
While U.S. carriers must recognize dogs as service animals and allow their transport on flights, the rules for pets are subject to the individual airline’s policy. The FAA suggests contacting the respective airline to confirm the pet policy before your travels.
If an airline does allow you to bring your pet into the cabin, the pet container is considered carry-on baggage and you must adhere to certain conditions, as outlined by the FAA, the bag must:
If your airline does not allow pets on board, your pet will need to travel in the cargo hold.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reaffirms that pets in the cargo hold also travel comfortably. “Do not worry, cats and dogs actually travel better this way because it is quieter and they will rest in a darkened environment. Despite all the fears about airline pet cargo travel, millions of animals are carried safely every year,” notes the IATA.
Users on Instagram adored the dog on the flight in the viral clip.
“I’ll pay extra for a seat next to that baby,” said _caryopsis_.
“I say people who bring their pets in the cabin should have to share. Common courtesy, right?,” noted drdolittle_anne.
User reallifesleepingbeauty said “Sweet little baby! They deserve to sit on our laps, children belong in carriers!”
“AWWW! Those little eyes peeking out. Such a cutieee!,” wrote evepapergarden and
sproutingvitality agreed, saying “Oh my gosh! Stop it! Those little eyes.”
“Always so cute to see pets come onboard our flights, especially little tiny ones! Hope you had a nice flight,” said savannahcapps.
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via email and Instagram. This video has not been independently verified.
Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via [email protected] and your story could be featured on Newsweek.