Fur starts to fly as Pet Airways takes to the skies

CTV.ca ^ | Updated Thu. Jul. 9 2009 1:47 PM ET | CTV.ca News Staff

[Paleo Conservative]

The fur is really starting to fly, now that the first pet-only airline in the U.S. is taking to the skies.

Pet Airways, which will fly from airports in five American cities starting next week -- with plans to expand into Canada next year -- is focused entirely on pet "pawsengers."

In fact, human passengers aren't even allowed on the planes, said CTV's travel expert Loren Christie.

"It's actually an airline only for pets," Christie told CTV's Canada AM.

"It's not just pet friendly, you actually can't fly on this airline unless you're an animal. The only humans allowed on are the pet attendants."

An estimated one million animals fly each year in America, and Pet Airways' goal is to capitalize on that traffic.

[xsmommy]

hey, you can take the boys on vaca with you!

[Tarkus2040]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but:

Are Afghan Hounds and Salukis frisked prior to boarding the plane?

[Allegra]

Hey, my kitty in Post #19 is Iraqi. I hope that won’t cause him any trouble.

[Paleo Conservative]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but:

Are Afghan Hounds and Salukis frisked prior to boarding the plane?

I think they have a quota so that for every Afghan hound they frisk a 100 Labrador Retrievers, Chows, Beagles, Chihuahuas, etc.

[Allegra]

We need to start a movement to get Sawmill granted some kind of diplomatic status or something.

LOL - "Sawmill." Samir.

Yes, I'm working on his passport. But if a movement will help, I'm all for it. So is Sawmill...I mean, Samir. (Sammy.)

[dutchess]

We adopted a 7 year old Ridgeback through a FreeRepublic appeal several years ago. He was in California and we were in Ohio. The Calif. freeper made the flight arrangements (we paid) All I remember it was a cargo plane with a layover in Wisconsin or someplace. We were told ahead of time, if there was a delay there might be an extra charge to put him up in a "Doggie Hotel" so he had air conditioning and wasn't stuck in some holding cell or warehouse. I don't think it cost more than $400 AND what was really cool...all of the employees at the Dayton Airport applauded when our beloved 60 lb. "drugged" Rusty came lumbering out of his cage to meet us. Sadly he died a year ago of lymphoma BUT we had 5 wonderful years with him.

Anyway, I think there is good safe stuff out there. Just need to do the homework. Goodluck!!!

[grjr21]

The real danger comes from Chinese Blackbirds

[freekitty]

Continental does an excellent job with flying animals.

[armymarinemom]

Awwww. My son’s pup pup would have to make 4 transfers. If she ever comes up it will be by car.

[Tarkus2040]

Hey, my kitty in Post #19 is Iraqi. I hope that won’t cause him any trouble.

Well he definitely has the glazed stare of a Jihadi. ;-D

[Tarkus2040]

The real danger comes from Chinese Blackbirds

LOL! I love how the music abruptly ends just as the Predator RC drone crashes. XD

Damn ChiComs harassing our military aircraft yet again. *sigh*

[Tarkus2040]

I think they have a quota so that for every Afghan hound they frisk a 100 Labrador Retrievers, Chows, Beagles, Chihuahuas, etc.

Oh, but of course! Especially the American breeds.

[siamesecats]

We would really appreciate it if you would add us to your ping list: mkmensinger & siamesecats

Thanks,

[Springman]

Ping.

[fanfan]

Thanks for the ping, Springman.

They would probably only fly to Toronto. :-(

Air Canada is allowing pets on flights with humans again, but only if they are small enough to fit in a cage under the seat in front of you. If not, they are sent in a cargo plane.

I couldn't send Rushbo as cargo.

Nice to see you. :-)

[Ditter]

Two of my favorite dogs that have ever owned me were Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Lucky you saw the FR appeal before I did, or I would have gotten that RR first. LOL!

[Ditter]

We have gotten 4 Jack Russel Terriers from a breeder in Florida and they have all flown on Continental, Orlando to Houston. The first one we went over to pick up so we could check out the breeding kennel and she came home with us in the passenger cabin. The other 3 came alone in the air conditioned baggage compartment. I was very pleased with all.

[BerryDingle]

Someone actually put up the cash for this?

You can put almost small any animal on an airline already.

Bankrupt within a year, max.

Maybe not, depends on how they charge.

[King Moonracer]

Is that your dog? I may have to check my homeowners policy about owning a German Shepherd. What a beautiful animal. I have an older dog now, and did not want to trouble her with a puppy in her waning years. She’s been a good pet, and needs a rest.

[Shadowstrike]

Agreed. One of mine would freak without her "Daddy". They want to make money? Like you said, a pet/human airline. Now that would make money.