Air Travel

[hoody]

We are about to fly interstate for the Christmas holidays. We would LOVE to take our border collie x cattle dog with us as she would have a great time running around the farm we are going to.

I just wanted to know what people thought about taking a 12 month old dog on a plane trip (about a two hour flight) for a 2.5 week vacation (as opposed to putting her in a boarding kennel for that time).

[Debbi64]

Hi Hoody!

Years ago, we flew our 20 lb. poodle to Florida numerous times on Eastern Airlines with no problems. Today? Well, you've heard/read the horror stories!

If you want to chance it, make the flight non-stop and in appropriate weather conditions! Not overtly HOT nor freezing!

Purchase a kennel from the AirLines (it's less expensive than Pet Stores) and insure that is large enough for your pet to stand, turn around (we put a queen-size pillow in Button's kennel)!

Yet, if your time permits - DRIVE! Holiday Inns are "pet friendly"!

Good Luck in your decision!
Debbi

[Heinz57]

Hi, Hoody :-)

What Debbie was saying is correct, but you really need to check with the individual airline for the entire story.

As an example: Continental and United will accept pets ONLY as cargo (not as checked baggage). They guarantee same day delivery, but can't guarantee your pet will be on the same flight as you are. Of course Cargo charges and not excess baggage charges apply.

Northwest and American, on the other hand continue to accept pets as baggage (and not cargo) and are subject to excess baggage charges. Your pet cannot be included in your free baggage allowance. Charges for pets as baggage varies, and it is important to check that out BEFORE you get to the airport. You can even pay for that in advance through a travel agent or at one of the airlines city ticket offices.

The U.S.D.A regulates what's healthy for pets, yet it's the airline that finally dictates when they will or will not transport a pet. The general concencus I've seen is...too hot above 85F....too cold 45F and below. The length of acceptable exposure seems to vary airline by airline. Continental says maximum exposure no longer than 4 hours. AA says maximum exposure to those temps, no longer than 45 minutes.

In light of the recent bad press most airlines have been receiving on pet transportation, many of them have set up new services like 'pet greeters', 'pet tracking hotlines' with dedicated personnell whose soul purpose in life is the safety and comfort of your pet. I know, it's a little thick, but you get the point.

Dave

[hoody]

Hi!

Thanks for all the information. I have spoken to the airline and have been told it will cost me about $30 to take my dog as excess baggage on my flight.

We actually have to take two flights, with a stopover of about 2 hours. I am hoping I will be able to get to my dog and maybe take her for a quick walk or something between flights.

Seems I have left it too late to book her into a kennel anyway. All the good boarding kennels are booked out for Christmas already!

I just hope she doesn't get too stressed on the flight. She seems to be able to handle most new situations really well.

Thanks again for the help. I just hope the horror stories I hear are a thing of the past!!

[gnome]

oh my, your dog will become an excess baggage. Hope she get seated near a window on the plane so she can look out, see the clouds and imagine that she is flying. http://petshub.com/ubb/smile.gif

it's so nice of you to bring her along. I think both you and her will have a great time chasing each other in the farm.

[This message has been edited by gnome (edited 11-13-2000).]

[Debbi64]

Hi Heinz57 (Dave) and Hoody!

Wow! Dave are you full of up-to-date information! After reading what you wrote, I sure would consider long and hard about taking my "treasureS" on any flight!

As you can tell by our airline EASTERN, we flew back in the days when the passenger was respected, as with "cargo" and luggage. Today, isn't it a different story?

Though a farm would be great for our pets - I would still call my Vet and ask about their boarding facilities and ask if they could recommend a PERFECT pet sitter, etc.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!
Debbi

[Heinz57]

Thanks Debbi.

I've worked in the travel industry for 26 years now. 5 years for Sitmar Cruises, 14 years for Pan Am, and the last 7 for Amadeus which is a computerized global travel distribution system used by travel agents worldwide. The information I provided came directly from the individual airlines internal pages for their reservation agents and travel agents. Even I learned something new about the whole thing.