Airlines Allowing Pets in Main Cabin of Plane
Should Dogs and Cats Fly with Passengers or in Cargo?
Jun 4, 2009
Many pet lovers are happy that Southwest, in May 2009, joined the ranks of airlines allowing pets, with certain restrictions, to travel in the main cabin with passengers. Other airlines such as American, Continental, and United also allow pets to fly in the cabin with ticketed passengers and claim that few problems have risen. Pet Airways is an airline devoted exclusively to transporting pets in comfort. However, the new pet policy has created some controversy among customers, causing Frontier, who once allowed pets to travel in the cabin, to change their policy last year.
Controversy of Pets Traveling in Plane Cabin
Comments on USAToday.com range from complaints about pet smells to barking to allergies. One commenter claimed to have spent 2 hours in the hospital emergency room due to riding three seats away from a cat. Some argue that animals are simply not equal to humans and do not belong in the main cabin. Yet most seemed satisfied with the new pet policy.
One asthmatic posted, “Most people who take their animals are responsible and they are clean, not smelly; not every industry can cater to everyone's allergies. I have asthma, but I consider it my problem, not the world's.”
Another allergic person said, “If I react, I take my allergy medicine. End of story.”
Rules for Pets Riding in Airline Cabins
Each airline has its own rules for pets riding in the main cabin with passengers. Southwest policy allows only small domestic, vaccinated cats and dogs fully contained in carriers specifically designed for pets, which counts as the passenger’s carry on bag. The number of pet carriers per flight is limited so all pets may not be accommodated. Among other rules, pets must be at least 8 weeks old, harmless, inoffensive, and odorless and occupy only designated seats. Southwest notes that certain requirements may not apply to trained assistance animals and emotional support animals. Allergic passengers may change seating to avoid riding near a pet.
Preparing for Flight with Your Pet
Air travel can be stressful for pets. Some pet owners are concerned about temperature and pressure changes as well as lost pet statistics for animals traveling in cargo. They feel much more comfortable having their pet ride next to them in the comfort of the main cabin. However planning ahead and carefully following rules will make the flight more pleasant for everyone.
Airlines.org recommends first checking with the airline or its website for details on its pet policy as well as consulting your veterinarian to make sure the pet is up to the flight. Certain breeds, health conditions and ages may not be suitable for air travel. Pets who accompany passengers in the main cabin should be comfortable in their carrier as they must remain in it for long periods of time.
Source:
Southwest.com Pet Policy
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