dcpatti

This is more or less a rehash of the original article but does reiterate that, at least according to the US spokesperson, the pax let the dog out of the carrier: http://www.aolnews.com/nation/articl...burgh/19748008

Sparrow_Hawk

IMO here is what the US policy should be on pets.

US Airways does not permit pets in the cabin or in the baggage compartment. The exception being service animals such as seeing eye dogs.

Or failing the above this one.

US Airways will transport pets in approved carriers in cabin and in the baggage compartment as follows.

$995.00 each way continental United States
$1,495.00 each way Carribean, Canada, Mexico, South America
$1,995.00 each way to Europe including Tel Aviv.

If the the precious little Cocker (spaniel) wants to go with Mommy & Daddy, then Mommy & Daddy can pony up that kind of dough that discourages stupidity.

It's bad enough we have DYKWIA actors failing to follow F/A instructions and now we have to be assaulted by someones darling like freaking pound and a half yip yap that should be named Shark Bait.

To bad the F/a couldn't have just opened the door and threw the little POS out the door and saved everyone a whole lot of time.

cwe84

I agree with the whole thing!

Doc Savage

If there is no proof of rabies shots, they may have to kill the dog and do histological exams on its brain.

What a way to make the dog comfortable.

I wish we could convince people that their dogs are NOT children, should NOT be brought to restaurants and cafes, and should NOT be taken on airplane trips.

I really like dogs, and they should not be put in unnatural, stressful situations because the owners have neuroses or attachment disorders.

Sparrow_Hawk

I do too! The problem really is that dogs have humans who I think often possess less intelligance then they're given credit for.

Think about it!! The pet is merely the reflection of the human

bossku69

I was on a flight a few months ago where 2 pax through a fit because some lady brought her small poodle on the plane and even took it out before other pax were seated.

I over heard one complaining how he had allergies and another woman said she needs to keep it in the carrier.

Only way IMO is to ask other pax around if they have allergies, I know I would be pissed if I had to spend 5 hours next to something that was causing me to be uncomfortable.

dcpatti

The animal has got to stay in its carrier. if it's in its carrier and the carrier is stowed on the floor, then it shouldn't bother anyone's allergies any more than someone who has left their dog/cat at home will bother their neighbor due to the pet hair and dander on their clothing.

What it comes down to is many people are inconsiderate and don't think the rules apply to them.

I do agree with raising the fees on cabin pets to weed out those who think a pet is a fashion accessory. A dog is not a purse. I wouldn't make it as cost prohibitive as $1k or more, because there are legitimate times when a pet has to travel, such as owners being relocated. Someone should at least have the option of a 5-hour flight instead of a 4-day drive. But they must follow the rules and keep the pet in the approved pet carrier.

Sparrow_Hawk

Yeah like that ever happens! Oh he's so cute can I see him? Oh what kind of dog is he? Oh here let me show you beautiful his coat is. Blah blah, blah blah Ginger

Many people? how about every pet owner in the free world that flys? I'll never forget that rotting, stinking 12 year old basset hound coming out of LAX on the red eye. Nice enough dog, well mannered but the poor old b*st*rd smelled like he was already dead. Poor old thing smelled so bad you could smeall him ourside the gate area. He was in like row 21 and I could smell him in 3C. We had two open seats and everyone is trying to be reseated away from the dog and the woman who owned the dog is of course oblivious.


As an FYI there are companies that will ship your precious pet for a relatively cheap fee. No need to carry Kitty Puss or Tinker Belle in the cabin

757lover

The abuse of these lax policies won't stop until people are held accountable. The latest articles about this incident have said that no one will be facing any charges. Well sorry, harsh as it may seem, I think charges should be pressed for causing a diversion that didn't have to happen. Medical emergencies? Fine, usually not preventable. Disruptive passenger or animal? That individual should be paying some hefty fines. It is extremely expensive for an airline to divert, not to mention an inconvenience to all other passengers on the flight.
I hope the people that were bitten press charges against the owner and, at the very minimum, recoup any medical costs. Until things like that start happening, people are going to continue doing whatever they want because they KNOW THEY CAN!
Vent over...

mrredskin

and what about those pets that are above the carry-on size restriction? what option do they have? 4-day drive. make them all do it, regardless of size.

jrpaguia

Concur. Although the vast majority of in-cabin pets do not cause any problems, the humans that allow incidents like this to occur with their pets really ought to face some consequences.

I go along with the sentiment that it is ok to have pets in the cabin and would really hate to see the "a few rotten apples..." effect.

Many years ago, my 120-lb Rottweiler made the trip from MDW-SFO in the belly of an ATA 757. He made it through just fine but at the time, I would've been willing to buy him a seat next to me in the cabin....and despite his size, he really was very sweet and well behaved (just don't piss him off).

cwe84

Everyone has options

www.petairways.com

Fed Ex and UPS also take large animals including elephants...

dcpatti

Only an irresponsible person would open the pet carrier for a stranger. Most pet owners are smarter and more responsible than that. I *know* that if my dog bites anyone, I'm liable and sue-able. It's not like having a pet immediately makes you vulnerable to peer pressure; you as the owner are the one who controls the situation and you have to take that seriously. However, just because you see irresponsible people doing that doesn't mean NOBODY is grown-up enough to fly with a pet. Most times when I see a pet on a plane, the pet is in their carrier and stays there for the duration. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a pet come out of the carrier during a flight.

+1 on all counts.

DCAorBust

I do this routinely, occassionally with a "something" that is booked on my same PNR.

A non-barking crated dog/cat is far less annoying than a smelly or talkative neighbor or screaming infant, and I've certainly tolerated plenty of the latter.

No excuses for letting the pet out of the carrier. I get so irritated when I see people doing this. If Fluffy can't stay in the crate for the flight s/he shouldn't travel. I get even more annoyed when occassionally the FA participates in the cooing of Fluffy while Fluffy sits on mom's lap during boarding (though I've seen instances where this is more of a "testing the waters/surivival" technique on the FA's part).

US should sue the PAX in question for the cost of landing the plane in PIT.

BoeingBoy

The owner buys a ticket on another carrier that does take animals in the cargo bins.

Jim