The Traveller's Magazine
You’re likely thinking, is this a joke? An animal-only airline? It’s true. The US based airline caters only to furry four-legged passengers. It offers dog and cat owners an alternative way to transport their animals safely and comfortably. Now this is what we call first-class for pets.
Let’s be honest, is there anything we wouldn’t do for our pets? What about sending them on a private jet instead of in the cargo hold of our own aircraft? Pet Airways gives you that chance. Being the first airline of its kind, that is completely dedicated to animal passengers, Pet Airways has been flying American dogs and cats across the country since July 2009.
Each year 76 million pets fly each year in the USA, that’s one third of the American population! Some pet owners were very reluctant to put their pets in the cargo hold, thus this golden idea was born.
Dogs and cats on Pet Airways are given the same service as any regular passenger flying economy: boarding assistance, meals, access to the toilets, and a little pampering during the flight from a trained stewardess. The owners fly with the airline company of their choice, picking up their pets upon arrival.
Where can your pets fly?
- Atlanta
- Washington
- Chicago
- Denver
- Fort Lauderdale
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- Omaha
- Phoenix
Airfares vary depending on the weight of the animal. A medium sized dog for example can fly for $99 USD each way between New York and Washington while it costs nearly $600 USD to fly between New York City and Los Angeles.
This kind of airline could do quite well in Europe, considering more than 20% of all households in the UK keep dogs as pets. If you hesitate though to go on holidays with your pet, check out How ‘pet-friendly’ is travelling? Very!
You can find more information on Pet Airways on their website: www.petairways.com
Would you be willing to fly your pet first-class on Pet Airways? What do you think of the idea?
