NYC,
My dog has flown with me on US Air/ Charlotte to Belize on at least 20 occasions, the last time being April 2005. I always found them very accomodating, and didn't even mind when I would take her out of her carry bag (she would just sit in my lap) during my Charlotte lay-overs.
I'm not sure why they would have a toy poodle ride cargo, but I assure you that my baby NEVER rode cargo!