2009.07.01
The pet-friendly skies
Starting this month, pets can fly the friendly skies on their very own airline dedicated exclusively to furry passengers.
Pet Airways launches on July 14 and offers service from five cities, including the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area.
The airline is the brainchild of Dan Wiesel and Alysa Binder, who found that transporting their Jack Russell terrier Zoe by air meant she had to ride in cargo, an option that is not appealing to many pet parents.
Pets are checked in anywhere from two to 72 hours before their overnight flight. All pets are secured in a carrier in the main compartment of the plane and an attendant monitors the comfort of each "pawsenger." Pet parents can pick up their pets at the destination airport the next day.
Fares are not outrageous, but they aren't cheap, either. Introductory rates are as low as $149 each way, but If I wanted to fly Dexter, my biggest pooch, from Baltimore to Denver (we do have family there) it would cost $299 each way.
To fly Thai, a much smaller but much more demanding traveler, from Baltimore to Denver it would cost $199 each way. Of course, if I was really determined to take Thai out to see his cousins and the Rocky Mountains, he could just fly with me as carry-on. He's not so chubby he wouldn't fit under the seat.
(To my husband, who reads this blog: No, I am not planning to take the cat to Denver. Breathe.)
This seems like a pretty good idea if you need to transport your pet cross-country. What do you think? Could you see your pet racking up frequent flyer miles?
I dont think I would like flying on a different plane from my pet. Most likely I would just leave mine at home.
Comment by Erin — July 1, 2009 @ 3:33 pm
Interesting concept! Like Erin, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable leaving my dog to travel the "friendly skies" without me but I'd prefer that over having her stuck in cargo. I would drive her somewhere before I'd let her go in cargo. I do not trust the airlines to handle her properly and I think it would upset her to be treated like luggage. For those willing to pay the fee it is a good alternative to regular airlines or driving for 3 days.
Comment by Kim — July 2, 2009 @ 9:16 am
Finally...cargo air travel for dogs has always been so hard,I'd do this in a heartbeat--thanks for posting, I've shared with others.
Comment by lowrey — July 13, 2009 @ 4:49 pm