Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Posted by Animals at 5:56 PM Saturday, July 18, 2009

Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Flying with Your Pet

Posted: 17 Jul 2009 08:52 AM PDT

Dr.-Larry-with-Miles First of all let me say that I hate to fly. It's not that I'm afraid of flying it's that flying has become torture for me and most business travelers. I start to get grumpy the closer I get to the airport. I really hate the security line. I'm actually buying shoes these days that are EZ on EZ off to make the security line less onerous.

Once you get through the cattle shoot you get to wait in the crowded waiting area before you get on the crowded plane to wait to take off. I'm getting grumpy and nervous just thinking about it.
 
I'd really rather drive, even on long trips. Unfortunately that's not possible most of the time and we have to fly on some occasions. And sometimes we have to fly with our pets.
 
Most airlines see this as another way to extract cash from helpless travelers. They'll nail you for excess baggage, fees for bringing a small pet into the cabin and some won't even let you do that. Some airlines are getting a little more pet friendly in terms of pricing but it's still a hassle.
 
I found a web site called BringFido.com that has a good tips section on air travel. I would highly recommend that you check this out before planning an airline flight with your dog or cat.
 
The biggest development in air travel for pets is the recent launch of an airline devoted to pets. Petairways is a pet only airline that has some really unique features. First of all your pet travels in a climate controlled cabin, not a baggage compartment. The flight attendants are real veterinary technicians that love pets and have experience handling them. Poor-pug
 
Your pet gets his own pet carrier as part of the deal. They don't discriminate against brachycephalic breeds like pugs or persians(some airlines won't allow these breeds to fly due to possible respiratory issues). They don't charge by the pound either.
 
The drawback is the small list of destinations. They claim that they will expand the list of cities served quickly, but now you are limited to a few big cities. But if you live in or around these cities it sounds like a good deal. You don't have to worry if your dog or cat is freaking out in the baggage compartment or if they are too hot or too cold. 
 
They have a couple of good tips articles on pet air travel too even one devoted to cats. Even if you can't get a ticket you might want to read these informative tidbits. Book early, too. According to Petairways they are fully booked for the first month.
 
If anyone has a personal story dealing with Petairways please let us know. It sounds like such a good idea. It's also comforting to know that your dog or cat won't have to be frisked or wanded before they get on board. Air travel the way it used to be.    

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