JoelT
Well-Known Member
At least the passengers can't complain.
http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2009/03/26/pet-centric-airways-to-take-flight/
http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2009/03/26/pet-centric-airways-to-take-flight/
Pet-Centric Airline to Take Flight?
- <small>March 26, 2009, 3:33 PM ET</small>
AP Photo/El Paso Times, Victor Calzada
A new airline just for pets is set to start flying next month according to the technology blog TechCrunch:
Enter Pet Airways, a new startup launching next month that flies pets and only pets: “With Pet Airways your pet will be safe and comfortable, flying in the main cabin, not in cargo. From check-in at our Pet Lounge, and throughout the flight, our Pet Attendants will be caring and catering to all your pet’s needs. You can even monitor how your pet is doing.” Fees start at $150. Sadly, only your pet can fly, not you (they won’t even put you in the cargo area of the plane).The higher carriers ratchet up fees for flying pets, the more compelling a proposition an airline like this seems. In the fee-frenzied environment, the cost of flying with your pet has become rather steep — for example, Delta now charges $275 to check your pet and $150 to bring it with you in the cabin on a one-way flight. (See other pet fees in this handy fee chart from Kayak.)
Flights will be limited to start, basically from Los Angeles to the East coast with stops in Denver and Chicago.
The company says they’re funded but aren’t giving details yet. Each flight has a pet attendant on board at all times, and the airline will start with a fleet of twenty planes, ranging from twin props to 727s.
I have no idea if this airline is going to be a commercial success, but I’m hopeful. If they start flying from San Francisco to Seattle, Laguna will be a regular customer. And I’d pay a lot more than $150.
One other note: As we’ve reported before, be especially careful about bringing bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers or other other short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds on flights. They are especially susceptible to problems in the air.