Posted on: Wednesday, May 30, 2001
Airlines begin season of pet-transport bans
By Jessica Webster
Advertiser Staff Writer
Most large U.S. airlines are implementing transport restrictions for pets this summer to protect animals from scorching runway temperatures. Pet owners should note that United Airlines and Continental Airlines ban pets as check-in baggage year-round, while Delta Airlines and American Airlines will not accept live animals in baggage through Sept. 15.
Hawaiian Airlines embargoes pet travel to Las Vegas through Oct. 15. Japan Airlines, Northwest Airlines and American Trans Air will continue to transport pets with check-in luggage throughout the summer, while monitoring temperatures. Veterinarian Demian Dressler with East Honolulu Pet Hospital said overheating or dehydration and heat stroke are the worst-case scenarios for animals stuck in cages on hot runways, but heat-related animal deaths are unlikely.
Dressler suggested packing a fresh-water bowl and a frozen-water bowl with pets, and said long-haired animals such as Alaskan Husky dogs or Persian cats would benefit from a full body haircut. Also, a physical exam will ferret out most potential problems.
Most airlines allow small dogs, cats, rabbits and birds in the passenger cabin if the animal's carrier meets size specifications to fit under the passenger's seat, but travelers should tell the reservation agent about their animal up front because cabins are limited to one or a few animals per flight.
Chris Nardella, a spokes-person for United Airlines, said United used to follow a seasonal or temperature-specific restriction, but the year-round ban works better for passengers, pets and the airlines. "When people are checking in for their flight, it's not like we can say, 'Sorry, it's 85 degrees, your pet can't fly with you.'"
Nardella said embargoes and year-round bans will allow passengers to make alternative travel plans for their pets before temperature is even a consideration. For example, Continental will store a small bird box (at 15 pounds) in cooled cargo storage for $119.00, and an extra large box (at 120 pounds) would be $299. Bringing an animal in the cabin can cost anywhere from $50 to $100.
