Best crates to use to fly dogs

What brand of crate did you use and did you need to reinforce the sides for flying?  I can't decide which ones to get.  I am considering these at the moment.
http://www.jbpet.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=505_594&products_id=2453

I need to get them soon so I can replace my dogs house crates with these.  Both dogs often nap in their crates and I want their travel crates to become familiar to them. 

Suggestions?

I also found these.  Anyone have experience with this brand?

http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=1021419

Just a bump to keep this in view of people. 

These are the exact ones I bought for the boys to fly over in, and they worked perfectly.

http://petmate.com/Catalog.plx?ID=1515&SizeID=5

IIRC, they were $90 each at either Petco or Petsmart.

All I can say is make sure it is at least one size larger than necessary.  I got to the airport with my dog's crate, and they suggested I trade it for one of their larger ones, as the fines for flying internationally with a crate deemed too small are quite hefty.  There was no charge for the trade up.  My dog had a petmate crate, now it is an off-brand one, but worked just fine.

take measurements of your Dog from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail and from floor to top or head to tip of ears whichever is highest.  This will assist you in the purchase of the correct sized kennel if you choose to purchase the kennel yourselves.  When standing in the kennel your pet/s must be able to comfortably Stand, Sit, and Turn Around.  Your pet's head Must Not be able to touch the top of the kennel (there should be 2-3 inches of head space from the top of kennel) and Must Not be longer than the kennel from head to tail in normal posture.

I am sure you knew this, but just in case!  Good luck!

Great!  Thanks for the tips everyone!

These are the exact ones I bought for the boys to fly over in, and they worked perfectly.

http://petmate.com/Catalog.plx?ID=1515&SizeID=5

IIRC, they were $90 each at either Petco or Petsmart.

I think that is same crate if not something similar we used to bring both my cats over in March 2005. but of course each of my cats had there own crate even though they could have shared one without any problems & had room to spare. Goodluck with your travels.

Just an add-on to lissy's post... My small cat was in a 'medium sized' dog crate, and was almost rejected, as her EAR TIPS could touch the crate when she stood up.  Sure, it says that in the requirements, but I only paid attention to actual head-space.  Nevermind how rarely my cat stands up anywhere..

Most of the dogs on our flight were in wooden crates, probably due to commercial crates not being tall enough.

Just an add-on to lissy's post... My small cat was in a 'medium sized' dog crate, and was almost rejected, as her EAR TIPS could touch the crate when she stood up.  Sure, it says that in the requirements, but I only paid attention to actual head-space.  Nevermind how rarely my cat stands up anywhere..

Most of the dogs on our flight were in wooden crates, probably due to commercial crates not being tall enough.

Good to know.  My dogs are tiny (13 pounds and 9 pounds) so, the medium sized crate has plenty of room, I think.  That was the size that Virgin told me to get even when I told them the size and measurements of each of my dogs.

One more reason that we chose to find new homes for our dogs. At 75 & 70 lbs, and with the taller one reaching my waist, the crates alone would have been extortionate....

I'm going to miss the hell out of the buggers, but they're in happy homes.

Dar I went to Wal-mart and got mine.   I got a large sized crate for my Not-so-mini-mini schnauzer.  I had to drill two holes in the back because it didn't have ventilation on all four sides, but that was easy enough with a drill.  I spent $30 on mine and it was just fine.

When I got over here and we didn't need the crate anymore we took it to the local RSPCA and they were ecstatic to have it.

I wouldn't spend a bundle on a crate just make sure that they can sit, stand, laydown, and tunr around comfortably and you will be just fine.

Good luck, this was the most stressful time of my move and I had to move without my dog for about 6 months but my Mom thankfully took him in until he could fly.