Flying with Fluffy?

Posted on June 10, 2013 by My Cat-My Friend!

As summer begins, so do plans of travel. If you want to take your cat with you this year, you need to plan well in advance.

For many airlines, It is possible to have your pet in the cabin with you, but you MUST make sure that you and your cat arrive at the airport fully compliant with all of the airlines pet travel policies.

Book your flight WELL in advance, because even if your chosen airline will allow pets to travel, there is often a limit on how many can travel on the same flight. Communication is key. Read the rules and re-read them. Speak to the airline before booking and make sure that you understand what is expected of you. Run through the rules with an agent again while booking the flight if possible, and again when speaking with an agent to confirm.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

American Airlines requires you to present a health certificate for your pet if you are planning to send him as checked baggage (not traveling in the cabin with you.) They will also not allow pets to be checked more than four hours before  your flight.

You must check in at the ticket counter-NO Curbside or Self-Check- In. Give yourself even more time than you normally would.

  • · You will be asked to complete a checklist with an agent. Here are a few of the questions as examples:

  • Are separate food/watering dishes securely attached and accessible without opening the kennel?

  • When was the last time the pet was fed and offered water?

  • Have you complied with all government requirements for international destinations?

  • Have you provided an original, valid health certificate for checked pets?

  • Can the pet sit, stand and rest comfortably without touching any of the sides of the kennel?

There are also age requirements, as well as breed restrictions. For more information on American Airlines requirements for Pet Travel, you may want to visit this link.

http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/travelingWithPets.jsp#CheckedPetBreedRestrictions

To compare to US Airways you can view their policies here:

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/specialneeds/pets.html

Now if you are thinking more of an economy fight, you will be happy to know that Jet Blue allows travel for pets in the cabin (in fact that is your only option) and has a cool little PDF download for travel tips. Your pet and carrier will count as one personal carry on item and reservations MUST be made over the phone. 1-800-JETBLUE (538-2583).

Please keep  your kitty safe and Happy Travels!

Do you have a an interesting Cat Travel story to share?

Flying with Fluffy?

About My Cat-My Friend!

Hello! Nice to blog with you :) I am a Pennsylvania country girl who now lives in metro central Florida. I've been an Entertainer, Retail Agent, HR Manager, and Business Owner. Through it all there continues to be rewarding volunteer work and childcare. My desire to keep my precious pets as healthy as possible for as long as possible has led me to research life saving devices, pet water fountains. These were intended to attract felines to the water, and entice them to drink more, leading to better kidney and overall health. Needless to say, I have tried almost all of the veterinary approved pet fountains on the market today, and have something to say about each one. This blog is a place for cat lovers to learn, laugh, and celebrate the unique experience of Cat Ownership, where you are both depended upon and rebuffed, but at the end of the day, always loved unconditionally. I'm so glad your here!
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