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The holidays are coming - air travel with your pet!
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As my wise friend Nikki likes to remind me: winter is coming. That, of course, means that despite the blistering hot weather and the palm trees waving in the Santa Ana breeze, the holidays are almost upon us. This is my first year of holiday celebrations with my new rescue dog Angel, so I'm sure I'll be tempted to dress her up with reindeer antlers and Santa hats.
Generally, I travel over Thanksgiving - I've got time off work, my friends are available to come out and play, and so I normally try to plan a fun excursion over the turkey lovers holiday. This year, I decided to go to Reno for a climate change and some wonderful buffet meals.
Apparently, traveling with your pet isn't as easy as traveling with an oversized suitcase or too many pairs of shoes. It's hard to find accommodations which allow dogs, and also difficult to figure out the rules of air flight. Southwest Airlines is one of the few carriers to fly to Reno, and their policy is as follows:
"Southwest Airlines does not accept live animals in the aircraft cabin or cargo compartment other than fully trained assistance animals accompanying a person with a disability or being delivered to a person with a disability."
On the contrary, United Airlines allows your pet (dog, cat, even your household bird!) to travel with you either as carry on or as checked baggage (subject to charges, of course). Same rules apply for Delta Airlines.
US Airways will allow 1 small pet (dog, cat, or bird) as a carry on for a $100 fee each way - which is the same as what they charge if you bring antlers on the flight. Antlers? Really? How many people bring antlers on board US Airways that make it important enough to be listed on their website?
Obviously there is a bit of variety from one airline to the next, and the rules vary widely if you fly to Hawaii, or internationally. It is always best to check directly with your air carrier for their specific rules, but I am a bit disappointed that Angel will not have the pleasure of flying with me on Southwest, waiting in the cattle call line, and watching me eat peanuts during the flight.
Remember though if you do travel with your pet, be sure all the vaccinations necessary are up to date, and be sure to bring your documentation with you!
For more info: www.southwest.com , www.delta.com, www.usairways.com, www.united.com.
