‘Pet Airways’ set to take to the skies
A new airline catering exclusively for pets will begin flights between five American cities this month, while many other airlines are relaxing rules banning animals from travelling in the cabin.
Pet Airways’ in-flight services include potty breaks, pet attendants instead of air stewardesses and an online service allowing owners to track their animal’s progress.
For now the airline, which takes to the skies on 14 July, caters exclusively for cats and dogs but it hopes to expand its passenger base to include reptiles, birds, pigs and other animals soon.
The airline offers flights between New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago and Denver with single tickets from Los Angeles to New York starting from $299.
With growing numbers of Americans seeking to take their pets with them when they travel around the country, Pet Airways is just one airline which is allowing animals to travel cabin class rather than in the cargo hold – an experience which can be stressful and dangerous for pets.
“They are just passengers with four legs instead of two,” Susan Kerwin, who oversees the pet program at Midwest Airlines, told CNN.
One passenger, Tony Hoard, who regularly flies with the airline with his Australian Shepherd dog, Rory, said that Rory always took the window seat.
“He likes to look out the window when the plane takes off and naps the rest of the way,” Hoard said.