smallard

We are relocating from California (San Francisco) to London and need to transport 1 (small) dog and 1 cat.

To my knowledge, only three airlines have direct flights from Bay Area to London - United, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Anybody have any comments on their experiences?

One question - according to the US State Dept website:

There are three ways you can ship your pet via the airlines:

1. Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin or in the cargo). In either case, your pet will be considered excess/accompanied baggage and charged accordingly. Some airlines no longer offer this option.
2. You can book your pet on a separate flight. In this case, you will be charged the cargo rate, which is considerably more than excess baggage. Some airlines no longer offer this option.
3. You can have your pet shipped through a licensed commercial shipper. You will be charged the cargo rate plus the shipper's fee. Several airlines require this method unless your pet is small enough to fit in the cabin.

Anybody know which airlines permit pets to be shipped as excess baggage?

Thanks.