Pet Airways: Friendlier Skies for Cats & Dogs?

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| Print | By Jo Singer | April 21, 2009 2:43 PM

During the many years I have been owned by cats, I have had several occasions to need to ship them by air, or carried onboard with me to fly in the cabin.

The last time I flew with a kitty, was on September 14, 2001. We made reservations several weeks in advance, and abided by the airline regulations for the size of the carrier. Unfortunately, the seat to which I was assigned was next to a woman who was allergic to cats. Trust me... it was not a pleasant experience to be switched from seat to seat.

I always worried when I had to ship a cat for breeding, or was receiving a kitty from a far off location where personal handling was not possible. I was anxious about the quality of care my cats would receive, even though I insured every cat for the maximum amount. Since I had heard blood curdling gloom and doom stories about lost cats and cats escaping from carriers, missing at the airports, I did not rest until my cats were once again safely in my arms. Shipping a cat in the cargo bay of an airplane can be a very anxiety provoking experience.

So you can imagine how interested I was the other day to read about Pet Airways, a new carrier that flies pets and only pets. Their advertising reads, "With Pet Airways your pet will be safe and comfortable, flying in the main cabin, not in cargo. From check-in at our Pet Lounge, and throughout the flight, our Pet Attendants will be caring and catering to all your pet's needs. You can even monitor how your pet is doing." I consider this to be the "Cat's meow" and a "doggie delight" if one can afford this height of luxurious pet travel.

Pet Airways is a Delray Beach based company, launching its service on July 14, 2009 and plans to start their operation with dogs and cats only. Their service opens with flights between regional airports in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. The company claims that it is the first all pet airline. The company is using commuter planes operated by Suburban Airlines. According to founder and executive vice president, Alysa Binder, "the average fare will be about $250 each way, noting that will vary on pet sizes and needs."

Considering fares that two of the major carriers serving the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach airports charge; Delta Airlines fees are $150 each way for carry-on pets, and $275 each way to carry pets in the cargo hold and United Airlines round trip cabin fees are $350.00. So Pet Airway's fees are not that far out of line considering the specialized services they provide.

I am interested to learn how successful this company will be after they have spread their wings, so to speak. However it appears there is an overwhelming interest in this new company's alternative travel service. When I attempted to visit their website, I received this message, "We've been bitten by such a high demand of traffic and reservations that our system is currently over capacity. If you would like to make a reservation, send an email to reservations@petairways.com. We apologize for the inconvenience and our site should be back up shortly."

If you were planning to transport your pet, would you consider flying your furry friend with a pet-only provider? Leave a comment to share your thoughts.

RELATED TOPICS: Blogs (224) , Travel (3)

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Vicki April 21, 2009 4:01 PM

I think they would do better if their destinations were not so limited. But for the people that do fit in the pattern of flight, it sounds pretty good. If I had need to fly one of my animals, I would certainly look into this service.

Amy April 21, 2009 4:23 PM

I actually think if given time this will expand across country. If you are traveling from one place to another and it is a trip which will cover a long period of time say like a permanent move it is a good idea. People who love their pets and can afford this will use it. I actually don't think the price is too expensive for a one way trip to a new forever home. It would make the move easier, faster, and less stressful for both owner and pet.

lj April 21, 2009 5:49 PM

Absolutely! I think this is a great idea and am sure it'll expand in a hurry to more destinations. I had shipped a dog to a show many years ago, and the airline lost her for 3 days. It was the most frustrating thing in the world for me and the worry I'd felt was off the charts. Our airlines (for people) treat the animals they carry like luggage, and it's not at all comfortable for pets the way it's been. It's high time they've got an airline that'll cater and be attentive to the dogs and cats that fly! I wish Pet Airways Good Luck and Clear Skies with their new mode of pet travel! Thanks for All the Pets, lj

jmuhj April 21, 2009 6:19 PM

While many of us are just plain unable to afford such services, I for one applaud the idea and concept and wish PetAirways much success. Having had to fly cats internationally to sanctuary and having dealt with idiot airline personnel who only changed their tune after the receiver, a pilot for their airline, gave them a friendly warning, I would welcome the chance to bypass all individuals/corporations who are less than compassionate and less than caring.

Emily April 23, 2009 1:30 PM

I think this is a fantastic idea. Hats off to Pet Airways!!! The only thing that could add to this great idea would be to let the owners fly with their pets. If I absolutely HAD to fly my pets I would use this airway hands down.

Dominique May 12, 2009 3:34 PM

Great idea and surprised it has not been done before.I would certainly look into them when I next travel with my pets.

Amy F. June 25, 2009 8:44 AM

I hope that they expand internationally soon. As a military family, we had to move back to the states last year with our two pets. We all know the temperature restrictions for out pets. Having them in a cabin would be the best thing for them on an overseas flight. Trust me, this company would get a lot of business just from those families stationed overseas!

BarneyMcGooUT October 8, 2009 9:09 AM

We flew 2 large dogs on this. Our experience: poor. A DC to LA flight required a noon drop-off on one day, and 8PM pick-up the following day. Big tradeoff vs. a 5 hour flight. Dogs were delivered to us disoriented, severely dehydrated. Both drank 3-4 large bowls of water immediately post-flight. Despite communication that these 2 dogs were together, they were separated on the trip. This concept makes owners feel good; Pets still view it as torture. Dogs do not understand class of service

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