We rearranged our schedule to drive 2,000 miles instead of flying with our dog, partially due to the increased pet fees and higher fares. Even with high gas prices, additional hotel nights, we still save a lot of money. It would have cost $1,266 to fly two people and our dog RT from EWR-ORD, plus rental car, hotel, etc.

I expect that the ever increasing pet fees will discourage, even more, leisure travelers from flying.