Flying with pets can be a challenging and stressful task, but with a few major changes on the part of several airlines and the nation’s Department of Transportation, traveling pets are catered to now more than ever.
Airlines Offer Pet Services
Several airlines, in an effort to court air travelers in a turbulent economy, are offering increased services to pets and their owners – at a price and with restrictions. Amidst conjecture, however, the prices and restrictions are designed to limit the number of pets flying since they are a liability to airlines.
Location, Location, Location – While some domestic animals are small enough to travel as carry-on luggage in carriers, larger pets are required to travel as checked baggage on owner’s flights in heated, pressurized baggage and even cargo compartments.
By Your Side – Southwest Airlines began selling tickets on June 17, 2009 to allow pets to accompany customers in cabins for a $75 fee. The pet must be in a carrier that will fit under the seat and counts as one piece of luggage. United, Continental, Delta, Air Tran and others each offer programs and prices for flying pets.
No People Allowed – Pet Airways, a new option, began flying pets in July 2009 between New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. They advertise that they are a “pets-only” airline where pets fly in the main cabin. They provide services such as free pet carriers, trained pet flight attendants, regular “potty breaks” and pet lounges at airports.
Airports have worked towards becoming more pet friendly as a result of a Department of Transportation ruling in May 2008 that gave airports one year to comply with requirements for accessible pet relief areas. The ruling was designed to make air travel easier for passengers flying with service animals, but it benefits pet owners traveling with pets as well.
Prior to the ruling, most airports provided only curbside pet relief areas that were located outside secure areas. This meant owners and pets had to leave secure areas to find relief areas and then re-enter through security. Now airports have added new pet relief areas inside secure areas, reducing the time and effort needed to provide stressed pets with more frequent relief breaks they need while traveling.
Despite improvements from airlines and airports, many pet experts offer cautions about flying with pets.
A “Ruff” Ride – Pets can suffer from stress, be injured or die as a result of turbulence and rough handling, as well as extreme weather conditions on tarmacs.
Breathing Difficulties – Short-nosed dog breeds such as terriers, boxers, bulldogs, spaniels, pugs, Lhasa Apos, Shar-Peis and Shin Tzus may suffer from severe respiratory problems during flights, and some airlines refuse to fly them.
Physical Fitness – Vets, when consulted by pet owners, consider health conditions such as age, physical health, and pregnancy as factors in determining a pet’s fitness to fly. The ASPCA advises against having pets fly due to the physical and emotional stress it causes.
Refusing Transportation – Airlines, in an effort to keep pets safe and limit their liability, retain the right to refuse to transport pets due to extreme temperatures at the origin, transfer or destination. They may also refuse due to illness, poor kenneling and aggressive and/or violent behavior.
Recommendations for Flying with Pets
What Flight to Book – While pet experts caution about pets flying, if they must fly, pet experts recommend booking direct, non-stop flights on weekdays and avoiding weekend and holiday flights to minimize flying time, layovers, plane changes, and waiting time.
When to Book It – Airlines request that owners arrange for pets 24 to 48 hours in advance when making their own arrangements and confirm those 24 to 48 hours in advance. Owners can check carrier sizes and requirements in advance online or by directly calling airlines.
How to Label Your Carrier – The carriers should be labeled to show your name, address and cell phone number, destination name, address and number, arrows indicating top of carrier, a live animal designation, a recent pet id photo, and a food and water schedule for the pet. Attach to the carrier exterior empty food and water bowls, and a bag of food so airline personnel can offer food to the pet if necessary for longer or delayed flights. The door should close securely but be unlocked so personnel can feed the pet.
All pets can present problems when traveling. Where do you stay with a pet? What will you do with your pet once you're there? And of course, how do you make the trip in the car more enjoyable? There are remedies for all these problems. But it’s important to plan well in advance if you are going to take your pet anywhere. Make your
hotel, motel or campground reservations in advance so you don’t find yourself in a distant town without a place to stay that is pet friendly. Take other preparatory steps as well, depending on the type of animal you are taking on your trip. Start small. Try experimenting with a few short one or two-night trips especially if your pet is not accustomed to traveling. See how well you fare, before taking your pet on a longer family vacation.
You can learn more about traveling with your type of pet on the appropriate section of this web site.
