Here we have a topic about flying and PETS!
So I'm within the limits of this site.

I would say on the issue of earning miles,
you don't have to tell the airline the
other members are of the "non-human" variety.
I list my cats by their first names and
my last name (Eddie's longer... he's registerd as Sir Edwin Landseer-Blanchard!)
There's no rule that says only humans can
earn miles (or hotel points... the car rental
thing would present problems though.)

I have two cat carriers that are soft and
airline approved. They are also expensive but if I ever have to travel with the cats
I will do my best to have them as my carry
on's and stick them under the seat in front of me. My vet can give them a mild transquilzer to handle the flight. (If they
go into baggage I would probably go into
hysterics.)

I thank everyone for not attacking this topic. And MEOWS to all you CAT and Pet people out there! CATMAN