Meet jet-setting travel influencer PUG: ‘Kuma’ has traveled more than most people, having taken 250 flights to date (and it’s hassle-free, as it fits in a carry-on and fits under the seat)

The term “international jetsetter” may not immediately conjure up images of dogs, but it’s exactly how you describe Kuma: a small dog who has been on about 250 flights.

This New York-based pug is better traveled than most people—and has become something of a travel influencer, attracting nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram and 77,000 on TikTok.

His antics are documented online by proud owner Sid Henderson, who spoke to MailOnline Travel about his furry flight companion.

The 38-year-old regularly travels for his job in warehouse automation and takes Kuma with him.

“I started traveling with Kuma when he was a puppy, probably five months old,” says Sid.

The jet-setting pug started traveling when he was a puppy and has made about 250 flights since then

The two fly primarily with Delta Air Lines from New York airports including LaGuardia, Newark and JFK.

Sid says Kuma has ventured “basically everywhere” in the US, Montreal in Canada, and even as far as Seoul, South Korea.

He has also flown to several places in Europe, where he cruised the streets of Paris and Porto and enjoyed the beaches of Lisbon.

How does Sid do it? It’s surprisingly simple.

He says: ‘I’m very discreet with him on the plane. I don’t really care that he’s there, he’s just sleeping.’

The seven-year-old pug fits into a small bag and stays under Sid’s legs for the entire flight.

Kuma has visited several cities in Europe, including Paris, Porto and Lisbon (pictured)

Kuma is pictured here at the Seagull Method Café in Lisbon, which Sid says is his ‘favorite brunch spot’. He revealed that his pug has a friendly temperament when flying: ‘I’ve never noticed any difference in him. He’s just as happy

Sid continues, “At the end of the flight I take him with me, and usually people say, ‘I didn’t know there was a pug on the plane.’

While some dogs may not take to the air as easily as Kuma, Sid says, “I never noticed any difference in him. He’s just as happy.’

Sid attributes this to the fact that Kuma grew up in a city. He explains, “When you grow up in the city, there’s so much craziness that it kind of softens you up.”

Despite Kuma’s calm temperament, Sid says he doesn’t often take him on flights for more than six or seven hours. That way, ‘if something delays us for a few hours, he’ll still be fine.’

One thing to keep in mind when traveling with pets, Sid says, is to get to the airport early.

He says, “You want to make sure you have enough time to do all your things and have a little extra time in case something stops you.

“I let him run around and get his energy out first.”

Sid says airport security searches Kuma for suspicious items before he goes to a “pet shelter” for a bathroom break and to stretch his legs.

The seven-year-old pug fits into a small carry-on and fits under Sid’s legs in airplane cabins

Kuma usually flies with Delta Air Lines and is checked by airport security before boarding

Kuma is pictured here at the Kimpton St Honoré Paris

While these aren’t always easy to come by at international airports, Sid says outdoor smoking areas work just as well.

One of his favorite parts of owning a traveling pug, Sid says, is “seeing a wave of smiles” when Kuma passes by.

From those traveling and waiting to fly, to cabin crew, pilots and airport security, Sid says that ‘everyone’s natural response is a smile’.

But while the response to Kuma’s travels has been overwhelmingly positive, Sid says, “Kuma doesn’t care that he’s in Paris or Korea or wherever.

“He really likes smelling new places.”

To see more of Kuma, visit him on Instagram www.instagram.com/pugkuma.