I have at least until March 2007, maybe 2008 if I renew another year
(right now I'm tempted, but when it comes time for me to actually make
the decision, I may not be!).  So you have plenty of time if you decide
to make the trip over!  (I need plenty of notice, though, because my
apartment is always a mess, and needs a lot of cleaning).

She defnitely could have escaped from it.  That's why I had my mother
drive, and I stayed in the back seat with her.  She stuck her head out
a few times, and once or twice she almost squeezed out.  But all I had
to do was put a little pressure on her chest (like pushing her in, but
not really pushing) and she went back in.  I'm lucky, though, as I have
a very obedient cat!  I know that sounds like a contradiction in terms,
but it's true!  :-)

I was looking into the Sherpa carriers.  I think, however, that the
high sides of the cooler were important to her feeling of comfort.
Sherpa carriers also have mesh sides, and I think she liked not being
able to see out.  I think she gets a little freaked out when she can
see but not really see.  If a Sherpa doesn't work out, and I can't find
any other soft-sided carrier, I think I'll just alter the cooler to
make it better for traveling--put some airholes in the top so I can
keep the zippers tight.  It will just be used for taking her to the vet
or to her vacation home, so she should be OK in it.