I discovered a much easier way to get cats into the carrier - it is still not foolproof but much easier. Instead of putting the carrier down flat and shoving the cat in face first, set it up on its end with the door open, so that it's now on the top. Now just drop your cat in feet first. And while you are in a motel, be sure and crate your cats up well in advance, even the night before if you have to. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to get a terrified cat out from under a bolted down bed as the clock races towards check-out time.