How to Book a Flight on Pet Airways

If you have a pet that isn't small enough to fit in a carryon bag—you've probably never been thrilled with the idea of air travel—since the only other option is cargo. And of course, your beloved family member shouldn’t be treated like a piece of luggage. Well, now there’s an affordable solution so that your pets can fly on an airplane and not have to go second class: Pet Airways, the airline that allows all pets in the cabin (in a carrier, of course)—the only thing is—they don’t allow you. Here is how to book a flight on Pet Airways.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go to the Pet Airways website (see Resources below). If your pet needs to travel to or from New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver or Los Angeles, you’re in luck. They are planning to expand their itinerary, but those are the only destinations they fly to as of this writing.

2. Key in your pet’s departure and arrival locations and check off round-trip or one-way. Then fill in the number of pets, the departure and return dates and your pet’s name and breed. Then select the animal type (as of this writing they only fly dogs and cats, but will allow more types of pets including birds, reptiles and pigs at a later date) and your pet’s height and weight.

3. Hit search and see what is available. Just like with people airlines there are discount specials between particular cities, which are listed daily.

4. Your flight will come up. For an additional fee you’ll have the chance to upgrade the size of your pet’s carrier if you like. If the minimum size recommended for your pet is Large, for example, you can upgrade to Extra Large or Giant. Then decide if you want to upgrade the insurance coverage ($500 is automatically included in the fare).

5. Fill in any special handling instructions for your pet and click Check Out. Then you can click Log In if you are a MyPaws member (Pet Airways Discount Club) or just click Continue if not.

6. Your pet’s itinerary and total price will come up. Fill in your credit card and personal information, then click Purchase and you’re "pet-setter" will be on his or her way!

Tips & Warnings

• Pet Airways allows all sizes and breeds of dogs, with no exceptions. This airline doesn't discriminate!
• Most of the airports Pet Airways flies out of are municipal airports, for instance, in Los Angeles it’s Hawthorne Airport and in New York it’s Republic Airport (Long Island).
• If there are no more availabilities on a particular flight, you can try keying in the next height up or get on the waiting list.
• Sign up for the newsletter to find out specials and also be alerted when they add new cities. If you fill in what cities you need to fly to and from, they will alert you directly when they add your cities.
• You can join the airline's MyPaws Club for discounts on a variety of things such as pet supplies and pet-friendly hotels. The fee as of this writing is $29.99 for the year.
• Pet Airways does not fly between midnight and dawn. Flights between Denver and Chicago require an overnight rest stop in Omaha.
• Longer flights, between New York and Los Angeles, for instance, also make a stopover in Omaha for potty breaks, food and rest.

Resources

• Pet Airways

[cdclocks]

on 6/20/2009 Cool service, but we can't fly with our pets? bummer. 5*