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Comments (10)
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Save/ShareIs travel going to the dogs? Southwest Airlines has announced that small pets kept in carriers will be allowed on flights beginning June 17—as long as their owners fork over a fee of $75 each way. (Currently, Southwest only permits service animals.) Many airlines already welcome pets onboard; Bringfido.com has a handy rundown of the various policies and fees. It lists Delta, for instance, as charging a heftier $150 each way.
Introducing fees, even if comparably low, is an about-face for "no hidden fees" Southwest, which earned one of our 2008 Extra Mile Awards for holding firm against the industry trend of tacking on fees. The airline will also begin charging $25 each way for unaccompanied minors (ages 5-11) on June 17 and is revising its baggage policies.
But it's clear skies ahead for globetrotting pets—their ability to fly Southwest is just the latest in a series of developments. Pet Airways (no joke!) launched in late April, with fares from $150 per pooch, and JetBlue has introduced a frequent-flier miles program for pets. Hotels don't want to miss out on the market, either. We just blogged about five chains that love Fido.
Is all this pet-friendly travel unfriendly to humans? Some Southwest customers have already voiced concerns about pet allergies, plus the various noises and smells that can accompany even the cutest cats and dogs…
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I do wonder how this huge change, on several levels, will be spun. A good early indication will be on the Southwest board on FlyerTalk.com, as most of the posters on that forum are Southwest employees, family members and stockholders (shills). Perhaps they've already started threads. There's also their own blogsouthwest.com, which, interestingly has quite a variety of opinions from Southwest employees (not all loyal).
Posted By Donald on June 2, 2009, 2:13 AM
Can we get anymore annoying. Dogs are not people. I don't want to be on a plane with any animals ever. I am highly allergic and find it incredibly annoying that the comfort of a pet trumps the comfort of a human. Pets are not your children, they all shed and they all do animal things.
If a person can't bear to leave their pet at home, they should drive and leave the flying to humans.
Posted By Kimberly on June 3, 2009, 11:53 AM
People are also allergic to perfume, hair spray, deodorants, wool, and other human-related exposures. Pet allergies are primarily due to pet danger which should be well contained if the pet remains in the carrier under the seat. Some people just like to be dramatic and complain. It is far safer for a pet to travel in the cabin. Physical and emotional stress from being in the luggage compartment of planes compromise pet health and well-being. Pets are family to people who do not have human family members around. Senior Citizens often keep their zest for life because of a pet's love and need for them. Seniors may not be able to afford or find a pet sitter. It can be cruel to "board" a housepet who does not have any preparation for this drastic change of environment and loss of a loved one. We cannot explain to pets that boarding is just temporary. Regulations are best left to saving lives not micromanaging environments. I applaud the airlines for allowing pets in the cabin if they will fit comfortably under an airline seat.
Posted By Susan Tripp on June 3, 2009, 4:22 PM
I think this is great. Yes animals shed, but so do people. How many times have you found others people hair on you. Yes they make animal sounds and bodily functions, GEE so do people. If you are allegeric ok, take a pill. Do tell people to stop wearing perfume, because you are allergic, NO. Stop complaining. I don't like to listen to other peoples kids crying and kicking my seat, yet I have to put up with it in a plane.
Posted By Rhea on June 4, 2009, 10:15 AM
Thank you southwest!!! I do drive everywhere because I want to take my dog. I am a 40 year old woman who has no children and, yes, my dog is absolutely my child.
It breaks my heart, and hers, to be away from each other. she is extremely well behaved and, as Susan said, dogs don't know the kennel is only 'temporary'. my dog is a rescue and she shows fear of being left alone again.
My recommendation would be to just disclose that this flight is a flight that will contain animals and if that doesn't work for you - schedule a different flight.
Heaven knows if I had that information about screaming/crying kids ahead of time i sure would choose a different flight!
Posted By Candace on June 4, 2009, 1:01 PM
I agree with Rhea and Susan...pets should be able to board a plane. Many people have horrible smells of body odor, expel gas, and pick there noses and fling the contents. My cats ARE my children!
Posted By Cheryl on June 4, 2009, 1:01 PM
Perfume and especially hairspray make me ill and it takes 24 hrs to overcome the effects of both. Combine that with kids kicking the back of my seat, crying, screaming, etc. and I would welcome my well behaved and non-shedding mini schnauzer riding in the cabin instead of risking his anxiety and/or death. And how many times have we had to smell infant poop and upchuck right next to us? I happily give my pet a tranquilizer before traveling, but have you ever seen a kid with an ear ache sedated or protected against airplane decompression? No. Parents will let them scream for hours. Give me a traveling pet anyday over a traveling kid or infant or a sickeningly sweet perfurmed mom. Good for Southwest.
Posted By Pat VH on June 4, 2009, 1:27 PM
I would like to clarify that many people, myself included, consider pets part of their family even if they do have human family members around.
I say cheers to Southwest for offering this service.
Posted By Adrianna on June 4, 2009, 2:31 PM
I'd rather listen to a pet than a screaming baby. If adults ever tried the things that babies/children get away with (crying, screaming, whining, kicking the seat, etc.), we'd get kicked off the plane in no time!
Posted By Jen on June 30, 2009, 3:34 PM
Hello. And Bye.
Posted By XRumerTest on February 22, 2012, 3:48 PM