Pet Travel Expert

If you're planning on flying your pets, it's important to know that when it comes to airlines, not all are created equal.  Many start-up pet airline companies have sprung up over the years, but none have managed to get off the ground, so to speak.  If you're going to travel on a commercial airline, here are some tips on selecting the most pet friendly airlines:

Temperature Restrictions

Some airlines have summer and winter temperature restrictions for pets traveling -- if it is too hot or too cold, they are unable to fly pets.  While most people think this has to do with the cargo hold being unsafe, it actually has more to do with the wait on the tarmac.  The cargo holds on most large-bodied airplanes are pressurized and climate-controlled just like the passenger cabin above.  The airlines that have temperature restrictions have no way to keep pets out of the elements while they wait to get on their flight.  Pet friendly airlines, on the other hand, promise to keep pets in climate-controlled conditions from the time they're checked in -- typically in an "animal lounge" or in their climate-controlled cargo offices. This means that your pet, while he waits for his flight, is never sitting out on the tarmac in the sun or in the cold.

Dedicated Live Animal Handlers

If you're working with a pet friendly airline or pet transportation service, they will see to it that your pet is always being cared for by a staff that is set up to handle pets at the airports.  For example, KLM Airlines has live animal handlers whose only job is to check on the well-being and safety of pets when they are loaded and unloaded from the flights.  Pets are even couriered to and from the airplane in specialized climate-controlled vans.

Comfort Stops for Traveling Pets

Most pet friendly airlines have an on-site pet hotel at their major hubs.  When your pets arrive for their connecting flight, the animal attendents are able to walk dogs in safe enclosures, give them food and water, and even clean out their airline approved pet carriers for the next leg of the trip!  These pet hotels are set up like traditional boarding facilities, so if there are any delays, you know your pet will be well cared for during his stay.

Check out our Pet Friendly Airlines video channel to see what some airlines that we work with have to offer!