Pet Airways is taking reservations for its pets-only flights.
In this tight economy, I applaud people willing to think unconventionally. So, when I heard that Alysa Binder and Dan Wiesel stepped up to create the first pet-only airline called Pet Airways, I gave my paw’s up support.
Yet, I must admit I was a bit skeptical initially about the chances for a new venture in the skies until I learned about how the first day of booking reservations for Pet Airways fared. There were so many people calling that the computer server crashed. A good economic sign of the demand for a pet-dedicated airline.
Pet Airways is scheduled to make its first pet flight July 14. Cost is $149 each way per pet. Size doesn’t matter. You can be a pug or a Great Dane, a Singapura or a Maine Coon. All pets fly in the temperature-controlled, pressurized cabin. No cargo.
Each flight will be staffed by flight attendants trained for airlines and for pets. And, the four legged customers are happily referred to as “pawsengers.”
The first five cities to start offering Pet Airways flights are New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. Plans are to expand nationwide. At each hub will be pet check-in lounges and staffs ready to assist in “potty” breaks and other pet necessities. If you happen to miss your flight, no worries. Arrangements will be made to safely board your pet-in-waiting until you can be reunited.
“Safety, comfort and care of pets is our mission,” states Binder, proud pet parent of Zoe, a 17-year-old Jack Russell terrier. “Our feeling is that this service is needed and it is time.”
Patty Hegwood, animal care director for Best Friends Animal Society based in Kanab, Utah, is on board. Her organization is one of Pet Airway’s partners.
“Travel can be a very noisy and scary experience for pets,” says Hegwood. “This will be a real benefit to pet owners and shelter/rescue organizations that transport animals on a regular basis.”
Dr. Jeff Werber, a veterinarian in Los Angeles who champions a lot of animal causes, adds, “For anyone who has flown their pets and felt the anxiety and angst, I urge them to book their pets on Pet Airways. This is a no-brainer. This type of air travel for pets is long overdue.”
Comments
I have been hoping for years that someone would start a pet airline!!! Please consider Boston or Providence,R.I.for a destination from Denver. Salty, my lab, would love to visit Cape Cod with me. Thank you!
Very nice site!
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