I just got off a flight today and was amazed there was a cat in the cabin two seats ahead of me. I have a severe allergy to cats and was miserable the entire flight - coughing, sneezing and wheezing. Don't they have to disclose this information - how can I stop this from happening again.

Not that long ago, there was a pet pig on a flight in F cabin. The pig story was quite comprehensively covered on this board. You might get some ideas by reading these threads.

hbtraveler-
I sympathize!! I am also allergic and if I was in your situation I would ask to be put on another flight, if not possible, then I would insist that the cat/owner be seated as far away from me as possible (preferably the back).
I proposed a question on the thread below, but never got an answer. Could a passenger request that the pet/owner be removed from the plane? Is this within a paying passenger's rights?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum50/HTML/013050.html

I realize that there are many pet lovers out there that probably aren't happy with my comments, but please understand that this is not a matter of disliking animals, it is purely a health issue. If I was exposed to a cat on a long flight, I could get VERY sick.




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"I just wanna wish you good luck, we're all counting on you"
-Dr. Rumack

I have a grown son who almost died in 1993 after being in a house with a cat that he didn't know was there. After I saw people traveling with animals on board, I wrote to the airlines. I told them about people with severe allergies and asthma and how dangerous it was to have animals in the cabin without the passengers being told. I got no response whatsoever. What I don't understand is this: they stopped serving peanuts because of the allergy problem, and peanuts can be avoided on a flight by just not eating them. But they don't do anything about an animal that gives a person no choice of avoiding it? Apparently you didn't know there was a cat on board and that is THE problem. Perhaps it's time for people who do have allergies to form a coalition and get some solid force behind us and bombard the airlines with our concerns.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hbtraveler:
I just got off a flight today and was amazed there was a cat in the cabin two seats ahead of me. I have a severe allergy to cats and was miserable the entire flight - coughing, sneezing and wheezing. Don't they have to disclose this information - how can I stop this from happening again.</font>

Welcome to Flyertalk hbtraveler http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Sorry to hear about your miserable flight http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif

I think we may be approaching the day when on the information screen at the gate area will have a little dog of cat icon to alert individuals w/allergies.

A rhetorical question, do airlines know who is travelling w/pets in the cabin area? Is it required by a passenger traveling with a pet to mention this to the airline?

Just my opinion, if there is a person w/a pet allergy and a person flying w/a pet on the same flight, the passenger w/the pet should take a later flight.

bump.......

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Just my opinion, if there is a person w/a pet allergy and a person flying w/a pet on the same flight, the passenger w/the pet should take a later flight.</font>

... or the pet go in the hold, although the pet might beg to differ.

Are cats the only common household animal which trigger allergies in some people?

Asking every passenger at check-in whether they are allergic to certain animals seems tedious. I suppose the low probability of having both a cat-allergic passenger and a cat on the same plane, coupled with the strong attachment travelling pet owners have for their pets in the Western world, have dissuaded the airlines to address the issue.

In parts of the world where pets occupy a lower station, I could see it becoming a struggle between the pet owner's and the sufferer's social status and fare paid... http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/rolleyes.gif

people have allergies to dogs and cats. when I asked the agent when I got off the plane - she said they allow dogs, cats and birds as long as the are caged and fit under the seat.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sweet Willie:

A rhetorical question, do airlines know who is travelling w/pets in the cabin area? Is it required by a passenger traveling with a pet to mention this to the airline?</font>

Yes you are not allowed to carry on the pet, or check it, unless it has been declared and a fee paid for the transportation of the animal. My dog has flown a few times (always in the hold), and if they are not reserved at least 48 hrs ahead - they will be denied boarding. The fact a pet is on board also shows up on the PAX manifest.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
[B] ... A rhetorical question, do airlines know who is travelling w/pets in the cabin area? ... B]</font>

As long as traveling with pets continues to be a revenue stream for the airlines, I don't think that they will give up this practice. Recently, my partner picked up 2 baby pugs in Seattle for the flight home to SFO. We were charged $75.00, which seemed absurd, since the pet carrying case was no larger than a backback and fit under the seat. In any event, they were seated in F and had no problems.

I do see both sides of this argument, in asking pet carrying passengers to be reseated when someone with an alergy is seated close by, however, since the person carrying the pet was charged an additional fee to bring the pets on board (with no miles earned at that), I think the person could argue that the person with the alergy should be reseated, since they had to pony up a fee, in addition to the airline ticket, for simply bringing a pet on board.

but in the case of the person with the allergy - simply reseating doesn't necessarily work - two rows a way I felt it - they should disclose the information and then those like me with allergies should be allowed to change to a different flight without penalty.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
A rhetorical question, do airlines know who is travelling w/pets in the cabin area? Is it required by a passenger traveling with a pet to mention this to the airline?
</font>
Not necessarily...at least prior to last year. Some cat carriers very closely resemble a normal carry-on, and some owners feel that airlines' in-cabin pet fees are unjustified, given that the bag alone would be a legitimate carryon.

It's less likely these days, but I wouldn't say it's not happening.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hbtraveler:
but in the case of the person with the allergy - simply reseating doesn't necessarily work - two rows a way I felt it - they should disclose the information and then those like me with allergies should be allowed to change to a different flight without penalty.</font>

Because of the way the air just circulates in an airplane, it really doesn't matter that much where you are seated in relationship to the cat/dog.
Again, I ask: is it within a passenger's rights to request that the pet/owner be removed from the flight?

I don't think the pet/owner should be removed from the flight if the pet traveling was already confirmed with the airline and the fee was paid. I think the solution might be to offer to reaccomodate the allergic passenger on a later, pet-free flight at no charge.

Maybe the long-term solution is for the airline to designate a particular proportion of flights per day as "pet-free". People would not be allowed to book pets on them (except in the hold) and severely allergic people could take those particular flights without worry.

Hm. I've always wondered how they dealt with this situation. I guess those with severe allergies to dog/cat aren't necessarily expecting to find them on a plane. Some carriers don't take pets in the cabin, as I recall, and that may be one way to be sure. (Check carrier's web site for such info.) When they do allow them, there are several rules including a size limit, carrier must fit under seat and a limit of one or two per plane, depending upon airline and plane type. There's also a fee, and it must be reserved well in advance due to the restrictions, particularly the per-plane limit.

I can sympathize with both sides. I have a cat, and if I needed to fly somewhere with her, I'd want to take her in the cabin. I also have allergies, not to cat dander luckily, but to a couple other things, and certainly I know they can be not just uncomfortable but life-threating in some cases. Due to the nature of the reservation and extra fee paid for the pet, I have a feeling that the path of least resistance would be to reaccommodate the allergic person on another flight. That said, I suspect there isn't sufficient info given out about when there is an animal in the cabin. I think it would be a good idea for the airlines to volunteer this info without being asked, but for right now, it seems those with severe allergy are probably going to have to be proactive and ask well in advance. If you can find an airline that doesn't allow them (Southwest is one, though not an option if you're used to F!) you're safe, but I wonder if the others even have a policy for rebooking an allergic person. You may well have to fight for that even.


[This message has been edited by CrazyOne (edited 10-07-2002).]

if I had a cat allergy I would make sure i asked ast the gate if there were cats on board and if so I would ask to be rescheduled., For flights where there aren't very many each day I'm not sure how to best handle it. But the folks I know w/ bad allergies are very proactive about situations where they may be exposed to allergens.

There is a list the f/a's have available that shows where all the PETC are. There are a certain amount you can have in each cabin. I keep the list handy in case someone is complaining about not feeling well and can narrow it down to a pet allergy. I think they should tell the pax in the surronding rows about the PETC

Most airlines have a limit of one pet per cabin for a fee of $75. No last minute bookings are usually available. Yes, people do sneak pets on. Some of the new travel carriers for small pets are similar to large purses.

As far as who owes what information to whom...the airlines are ducking on this one.

If you are blind you can take your dog - as per the american with disabilities act. No allergy will be able to prevent such a dog from boarding - now or in the future.

i still think they need to disclose the fact there will be a pet on board and then either re-accomodate the pet or the passenger with the allergies. No one should have to suffer. This is an issue about disclosure.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hbtraveler:
i still think they need to disclose the fact there will be a pet on board and then either re-accomodate the pet or the passenger with the allergies. No one should have to suffer. This is an issue about disclosure.</font>I think everyone here is saying that they do disclose, but you just have to ask. Ask the gate attendant or, if necessary, the captain before takeoff.

I travel with my dog all the time in cabin(see my handle), but I'm very sympathetic to your situation. From the pet side, it's important to note that many US airlines no longer transport animals as luggage because there have been too many deaths. To put your pet in the hold now requires expensive cargo fees, and you can't be guaranteed what flight your pet will fly on. And there is still no guarantee of safety.

Nevertheless, I don't think it is fair to make the allergic passenger switch airplanes, unless that is their choice. So I think the allergic passenger should be offered the following choices -
1) First class upgrade, with the pet moved to a section that makes sense (maybe in the back, but maybe not based on the design of the vent system)
OR
2) Pet and companions change flights (at no charge).
OR
3) Allergic passenger and companions change flights (at no charge).

Option 1 is awfully unlikely, at least in today's climate.

Option 2 might force an unscheduled overnight by the pet and family, but I still think it is fairest -- and if it becomes policy, pet owners should encouraged to book flights early in the day.

Finally, remember that you can always appeal your case to the captain, who has full authority to implement any of the above options. But be careful in your presentation, because they could just go for option 3! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Rut Dog (edited 10-08-2002).]

as far as I know, guide-dogs accompanying blind-persons, get free access on any flight/airline.

If I am flying with my pet I should not have to change my itin if I was upfront with the airline and paid the fee because someone else was allergic. Why should I have to be inconvencienced and cause undue stress to my pets by forcing an overnight, potentially due to a reroute. If I book a flight, I want that flight.

I dont' whine or complain when someone on my flight sits next to me with toxic cologne or perfume, which triggers an allergic reaction, I just put up with it. Sorry travelling with the masses means you put up with what you get. If it is that big of an issue, book a private jet guaranteed to be free of pets.

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If you want to experience good customer service from an airline forget Air Canada and try CanJet (http://www.CanJet.com) or WestJet (http://www.WestJet.com)

the point is not denying someone entry to a plane - it is disclosure - I would have gladly changed my flight - if the airline told me - they need to disclose this upfront before oassengers get on a plane.

Did you ask them if there were pets onboard?

Seems like that would have been a simple question to ask...

If you did, and they "lied" then that is wrong.

However, we cannot expect them to disclose everything possible on a flight that people are allergic to...what about the meals, perfumes, etc.?

William

the flight attendant was not aware the cat was onboard - there was no record of it.

Rut Dog gets my vote as the model traveling pet owner http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/thumbsup.gif


Regarding the seating of allergic people and pets in separate sections of the aircraft:

- ventilation systems are designed for lateral air flow within the cabin, with minimal fore-aft air movement
- cabin air exhaust takes place near the junction of the fuselage and floor; having the pet under a window seat should minimize the spread of allergens
- air is filtered and recycled 12-15 times per hour
- air from the entire cabin is filtered and collected in a common mixing chamber before redistribution; thus, if an allergen is not caught by the filters, it could conceivably go from one end to the other of the plane
- Boeing indicates particles 0.1-0.2 micron in size are the 'most penetrating particles' for its filters. Min. 94% efficiency for 0.3 micron particles, 99.9% for 0.03 micron. Not sure where cats' allergens fit.


In theory sitting far away from the problem pet should help.


More info on cabin air flow here (http://www.boeing.com/commercial/cabinair/ventilation.pdf)

P.S. this diagram indicates that on a 767, air exhaust from the rear half of the cabin is evacuated to the atmosphere, while air from the front half goes into the recirculation pool.
Thus, the ideal place for a pet would be under a window seat at the rear of the aircraft!


[This message has been edited by monahos (edited 10-09-2002).]

It seems to me, that if you do have a severe allergy to a pet, you should notify the airline at time of booking. As others have said, PETC requires a 48 hour reconfirm. If the Airline knows that you have such an allergy that gives the Pet Owner the option of taking a different flight. (I know that peanuts will be removed from a flight if someone with a severe allergy is scheduled to fly, I have even had the FA make the announcement that because of an allergy no peanuts would be available)

As to someone who sneaks a pet on board, If it affects someone drastically, the sneakee should have to pay for any change or upgrade in addition to being charged at least the going rate for PETC.

Seems to me it ought to be on a first come basis. If I've reserved and paid for my pet months in advance, it's not right that I get bumped by a walkup with allergies.

Likewise, someone with allergies should be able to note that when they book onto a flight without pets, and the airline should then not allow pets to subsequently book that flight.

My two cents.

It's not just the air circulation. There will be cat dander around that seat persisting despite several thorough vacuumings. So the next passenger who sits where the cat was, if allergic, could very well react badly and no one would know why.

I too am very bothered by cats, also perfumes, and the smells of new carpeting and some synthetic fabrics. Worst assault for me is when the plane has been newly refurbished. I don't know how I would get advance notice of that!

I travel with a personal air purifier, and emergency medication. The little air purifier does seem to help.

Sylvia

where do you get the personal air purifier - does a certain brand work better?

I am extremely allergic to perfumes and after shave -- unfortunately there is no way for me to know in advance if my seatmate will smell -- some make me so ill that I cannot easily function for several days. I carry an air purifier and a mask.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MapleLeaf:
.... Sorry travelling with the masses means you put up with what you get. If it is that big of an issue, book a private jet guaranteed to be free of pets.

</font>

I'd love to!! May I send you the bill?


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"I just wanna wish you good luck, we're all counting on you"
-Dr. Rumack