We (family of four) are in terrible trouble. We will be moving to Austria September 30th, 2009. I called a few airlines before purchasing tickets to inquire about traveling with our 2 cats on board. I spoke to USAirways and the customer service lady informed me the cat can travel in a carrier that fits below the seat in front of the seat. I told her we will be traveling from pbi to Zurich, Switzerland. I then went to Travelocity to purchase 4 one way tickets with USAirways pbi to zhr via Philadelphia.

Today I called the airline to find out the measurements for the pet carrier and I wanted to purchase the tickets for our cats and they informed me they do not accept any pets on international flights. I explained that I reconfirmed before purchasing the tickets and the telephone representative said nothing can be done and he is not responsible for somebody else's information. I then asked if they could refund my money for the tickets and since they are nonrefundable, the rep said he can not do that. I requested to be connected to a supervisor and the lady I spoke with next told me the same things. She blamed me for not booking with them and said if I had booked the tickets over the phone this would not have happened. She said the only thing she can do is cancel the flight and she would waive the $250 rebooking fee for travel within one year. Since we are moving to europe it would be really complicated to use this option since the future flight would have to initiate in the US and end in Europe. I checked into "shipping" our cats on AA, Continental and Delta unaccompanied however the cost we were quoted is $1200-$1400. That is more than we paid for our tickets of four ($1278).

Does anybody have advice. I can not believe they would not give us a refund out of courtesy. This is an emergency since we are within the 2week timeline and the prices go up every day. Any ideas?