Frustrated in CA over CO Pet Policy
#16
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boulder, CO
Programs: UA, AA, WN; HH, MR, IHG
Posts: 7,054
I was always told by the airline (United in particular) that they required a health certificate, not just a letter of current vaccinations. If a letter would have been sufficient... well, I'm crying inside.
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: DL FO, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 12,003
Really? Well, shoot. I've been getting Health Certificates every year for the last 6 years. That's a lot of wasted money...
I was always told by the airline (United in particular) that they required a health certificate, not just a letter of current vaccinations. If a letter would have been sufficient... well, I'm crying inside.
I was always told by the airline (United in particular) that they required a health certificate, not just a letter of current vaccinations. If a letter would have been sufficient... well, I'm crying inside.
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 16
Hmm
So I did a little more last-minute hunting and found a Delta non-stop SAN/JFK for $179 this weekend. Called them up and two reps confirmed that 2 kittens under 6 months and 20 lbs total could travel IN-cabin together in ONE kennel...
Only one catch...They have to be of the SAME gender. Sheesh...
Although one rep did say she personally thought I'd be OK (with mine being a sister and brother duo)...Then again, I'm sure the vet certificate would show their genders.
<sigh>
Do they scan the certificate word-for-word? (LOL) I mean they're only 12 weeks old.
Again, it does surprise me that the three major carriers, Delta, AA, and UA all allow under 6 months and 20 lbs in-cabin, while 4 out of 5 CO reps maintain they can only go in-cargo with those same specifications.
Only one catch...They have to be of the SAME gender. Sheesh...
Although one rep did say she personally thought I'd be OK (with mine being a sister and brother duo)...Then again, I'm sure the vet certificate would show their genders.
<sigh>
Do they scan the certificate word-for-word? (LOL) I mean they're only 12 weeks old.
Again, it does surprise me that the three major carriers, Delta, AA, and UA all allow under 6 months and 20 lbs in-cabin, while 4 out of 5 CO reps maintain they can only go in-cargo with those same specifications.
Last edited by ramona525; Aug 14, 2008 at 3:55 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 16
I would definitely have them note it on both the locator and send an email. actually as of now 3 reps have confirmed it over the phone and I made sure they understood we were talking about CABIN rules.
Like UA, they did mention it' not noted online but it is listed in their rules as an "exception."
Now if only I could get past the gender hurdle. Instinct tells me I should be OK, but it is a risk.
Oh and they would be charging me $150.
#21
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boulder, CO
Programs: UA, AA, WN; HH, MR, IHG
Posts: 7,054
Der... WHAT? I guess this is what happens when you have a hub in SLC, huh? (No offense to Utahnians.) Seriously, I don't see why it would be a problem at all; if they're under 6 months, their gender is essentially irrelevant. I doubt the GA would try to enforce that requirement, if they are even aware of it (and assuming it's not just made up).
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 16
The really stupid thing is that 75% of the time, they never ask to see the damn certificate anyway. I have to have it "just in case," and rarely end up ever needing it. I suppose I'll try the letter next time... if I can convince my vet, and if they'll do it for free.
Der... WHAT? I guess this is what happens when you have a hub in SLC, huh? (No offense to Utahnians.) Seriously, I don't see why it would be a problem at all; if they're under 6 months, their gender is essentially irrelevant. I doubt the GA would try to enforce that requirement, if they are even aware of it (and assuming it's not just made up).
Der... WHAT? I guess this is what happens when you have a hub in SLC, huh? (No offense to Utahnians.) Seriously, I don't see why it would be a problem at all; if they're under 6 months, their gender is essentially irrelevant. I doubt the GA would try to enforce that requirement, if they are even aware of it (and assuming it's not just made up).
#23
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boulder, CO
Programs: UA, AA, WN; HH, MR, IHG
Posts: 7,054
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_exp...s_states.shtml
The internet is wonderful, huh?
It looks like California does not, but New York does (very emphatically) require a Health Certificate. The information on the website makes it seem like a regular letter will not suffice, but rather that only a "legitimate" Health Certificate will qualify.
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 16
See the following link:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_exp...s_states.shtml
The internet is wonderful, huh?
It looks like California does not, but New York does (very emphatically) require a Health Certificate. The information on the website makes it seem like a regular letter will not suffice, but rather that only a "legitimate" Health Certificate will qualify.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_exp...s_states.shtml
The internet is wonderful, huh?
It looks like California does not, but New York does (very emphatically) require a Health Certificate. The information on the website makes it seem like a regular letter will not suffice, but rather that only a "legitimate" Health Certificate will qualify.
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: DL FO, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 12,003
See the following link:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_exp...s_states.shtml
The internet is wonderful, huh?
It looks like California does not, but New York does (very emphatically) require a Health Certificate. The information on the website makes it seem like a regular letter will not suffice, but rather that only a "legitimate" Health Certificate will qualify.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_exp...s_states.shtml
The internet is wonderful, huh?
It looks like California does not, but New York does (very emphatically) require a Health Certificate. The information on the website makes it seem like a regular letter will not suffice, but rather that only a "legitimate" Health Certificate will qualify.
#26
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boulder, CO
Programs: UA, AA, WN; HH, MR, IHG
Posts: 7,054
The airlines are, yes. However, it's not the airlines who require the certificate, but rather the states. The airlines may ask for it so that they don't incur the liability of transporting an "unauthorized" pet, but the USDA is the one who actually institutes the requirement of the certificate. The website I linked to is the USDA, and the New York statute linked there very emphatically claims that a certificate is required. However, if there is no USDA inspector asking for your papers when you arrive in NY, there's no real enforcement, so you can get away with whatever the airline requires.
So yes, because there is never (or very, very rarely) a USDA inspector who will ask to see your papers, you can get away with whatever the airlines will accept. That doesn't mean the state doesn't require the certificate, however; it just means it's not enforced well (or at all).
So yes, because there is never (or very, very rarely) a USDA inspector who will ask to see your papers, you can get away with whatever the airlines will accept. That doesn't mean the state doesn't require the certificate, however; it just means it's not enforced well (or at all).
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 16
One more update for those following this thread: US Airways also allows two pets under 6 months or under 20 lbs each in-cabin though it is not stated on their website.
So far those following these same guidelines are: Delta, US Airways, United, and American. Correct me if I'm wrong, but AA is the only one that lists this in their website, the rest confirm it over the phone. I think I have a great argument for the CO folks if I really wanted to push it.
So far those following these same guidelines are: Delta, US Airways, United, and American. Correct me if I'm wrong, but AA is the only one that lists this in their website, the rest confirm it over the phone. I think I have a great argument for the CO folks if I really wanted to push it.
#28
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 805
... Called them up and two reps confirmed that 2 kittens under 6 months and 20 lbs total could travel IN-cabin together in ONE kennel...
Only one catch...They have to be of the SAME gender. Sheesh...
Although one rep did say she personally thought I'd be OK (with mine being a sister and brother duo)...Then again, I'm sure the vet certificate would show their genders.
<sigh>
Only one catch...They have to be of the SAME gender. Sheesh...
Although one rep did say she personally thought I'd be OK (with mine being a sister and brother duo)...Then again, I'm sure the vet certificate would show their genders.
<sigh>
Wha???? Same gender? What are they afraid of? A little kitty porn during a layover? I've heard of some stupid things but this might take the cake. Who the heck cares if a month from now, you get some new kittens (not that it's even possible in your case)? What if one or both are spayed or neutered? Does that matter? Does it matter that two males or two females are more likely to fight than opposite-gender pairs?
Quite simply the most ridiculous thing I have heard in a while.
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 16
I ended up not taking the kittens with me due to the rushed nature of the situation...However, I am now going back to CA and reconsidering taking them. The ironic part is that I might HAVE to fly DL this time if I use miles. I reaaaally hope they aren't going to be sticklers on the same gender requirement. If I recall, even the phone reps were getting a chuckle out of reading that one out loud.