Does anyone have experience w/ traveling with animals?

Amanda • Mom to an angel baby. TTC #2 baby.
I moved to the US few months ago and had to leave my kitty behind. She's with my grandparents who are taking good care of her. I was just waiting for us to get our own place so I could have her sent to me. My mom is coming for a visit on August so I figured she could bring her to me. She's got all her shots and my grandparents are working on the document attesting she's healthy and free of any diseases. I'm just afraid of the plane, I don't want her to go with all the luggage, I want her to be with my mom the whole time so she's not stressed. I've heard stories of animals that died from traveling in a plane at the luggage compartment. I'm scared and I miss her so much I can't wait to hold her in my arms. ❤️