Hi,

I'm flying WAS-LAX in Dec and want to take the dog with me...but United say they're no longer accepting dogs for transportation???
(Too big to be allowed in the cabin) Any thoughts ?

Thanks..

[This message has been edited by Eric the half a bee (edited 11-19-2000).]

Convince them it is a 300 pound PIG and you should be fine.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum...ML/001228.html

Your best bet:

1> Call United and have them explain the rules for Pet transport (they have dramatically limited any animal cargo in the cabins.)

2. On the website is a story explaining rules for pet transport.

3. Just to warn you, your dog will probably have to travel as luggage/cargo. YOu'll have to meet with your vet to find the best way to travel.

Unlike my cats, I suspect you have a large dog so that's why UA says he/she can't travel up in the cabin.

Good LUck and hope this direct answer to your question helps.

I transported my dog last year during the summer LAX-BWI through UA. Let me tell you about my experience.

We gave our dog some valium although it appeared to have no effect, prior to transporting him.

All staff were very nice and understanding. My wife spoke to the pilot and he assured her and showed her (as others had asserted) that they are in a special temperature controlled part of the cargo compartment.

They seated her (without her asking) over the cargo door and she could see them boarding the dog. Then someone came aboard and handed her a card saying "I'm (name of dog). I'm travelling with you" or something like that, reassuring.

At BWI it wasn't long before we got the dog that they brought out through a special baggage area.

I was very pleased with the concern and caring that UA showed. And all for a $300 R/T ticket plus I think $50 or so for the dog.

Note that some airlines restrict transport of dogs during summer months. Also I would only do a direct flight unless I had no other choice, and I'd pick a time in the day when flights have a good on time record (if there are any with UA)

Excellent report richard and I hope that helps everyone.

It's nice Catman's favorite airline has gone out of its way to help a traveler with his and his wife's "best Friend."

The icing on teh Krispy kreame donut (stealing a line from Catman) would be if the dog got miles!

Seeing how you're flying out of the DC area, you may run into ground temperature as an obstacle as most airlines will not accept pets for transport as baggage/cargo if the ground temp falls below 'cold'. The same holds true for high heat during the summer months.

Do check with UA (or whoever the airline is) for the specifics.

Thanks, Commander. I asked about the miles thing and they said that only pigs get miles and only when travelling in F.

I've shipped dogs as frieght and with me many times. It is becoming more difficult to take them with you in the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. They'll take into account the temperature from where your leaving, any connection city, and where you are going.

It used to be a pain to ship dogs into Texas in the summer even though it was fine here in Denver.

A word of caution: United has changed their policy since Richard's experience last year. United will no longer accept a pet as "checked baggage" or "accompanied baggage".

The pet has 2 options: 1)travel in the cabin with you if small enough (well, except for the pig incident) or 2)fly "unaccompanied" as part of the cargo/air freight system but only if shipped by a "known shipper". A known shipper is someone with an air freight account with UA. Pet shipping services like ipata.com also qualify. Although the UA web site says that they accept cargo from licensed pet/commercial breeders, UA's cargo dept says that is incorrect. In general, fewer airlines are shipping animals these days possibly because it's such a resource intensive and risk filled effort. UA has also said that stricter FAA security guidelines led to the change in policy. I've travelled with dogs a few times back in the days when UA allowed it and always had good experiences.

I'd buy my dog a ticket in first if UA would let me - I'll bet she'd love those mustard pretzels.

Thanks everyone - PHX1K - I think you're on the mark - tried UA several times and each time they said no...anyone have an experience with any of the other airlines ?

A co-worker recently had to transport a pet from STL-RNO. She ended up going on WN, and the dog on AA. AA was the only airline that would take the pet.

This was done the last week of October. She verified that they would take the pet and then was told to call 72 hours ahead of time to make a reservation for the dog.

Was on an A-320 for a LAX-DFW flight recently in F (seat 1A) when a lady arrived with a dog in a traveling cage. She had been allocated 1C. Her husband was in 2B. So she says "Oh, they know my dog always has to be able to see out of the window, or he gets very upset", so they move her to 2A (that way, she gets to sit with her husband....). She is now right behind me and the dog starts to yelp (obviously doesn't like the window seat after all) and SPIT.

Because I'm allergic to dogs I now politely request a change of seat from the FA. So she puts me in 1D, far enough away from 2A. There is a bit of shuffling around as other F passengers arrive, complicated when a second dog in a cage is brought into the F cabin (to be on the lap of the passenger in seat 3D) and the lady in 2D (behind me) now shows up with an allergy..... And now various other passengers who did not get their preferred seat assignments but who have been moved to accommodate the results of the first dog are reluctant to move again in order to keep everyone happy. It took the FAs almost 10 minutes to work out how to do it, and we missed our take-off slot.

And all because of two dogs who, whatever anyone says, (a) smell, and (b) make noise. I say ban 'em in the cabin, or make them travel at the back of coach. They're just as anti-social as smokers from my standpoint.

[This message has been edited by 1P (edited 11-19-2000).]

Everything you need to know is listed on this UA link. I just confirmed UA does still allow small dogs/cats in the cabin if all the requirements have been met.
http://www.ual.com/site/primary/0,10017,1047,00.html

And if YOU were flying Coach ...........

Funny how we often offer NIMBY solutions to simple problems. "Not In My Back Yard".

------------------
~ Glen ~

Then I'd be at the front of coach in premier seating.....