Pet Airways: Where Pets Are the Only Passengers

on July 9, 2009 at 3:06 PM

I can't decide if this is a good idea or not.

Pet Airways is a pets-only airline that flies dogs and cats to major U.S. cities including New York, Chicago, Baltimore, L.A., and Denver.

Pets on Pet Airways are flown in a carrier in the main cabin (with plenty of cool, fresh air), checked on by a pet attendant every 15 minutes, and given frequent potty breaks.

On the one hand, I've heard some sad stories of pet loss and death as a result of flying in the cargo hold area (which is where pets too large to fly in the cabin are placed). On the other, with a starting price of $149 ONE WAY—which is as much or more than a human ticket—who could afford such a thing? I might have to travel with my pet the old-fashioned way—in the car, or not at all.

I'm all for treating my dog as a member of the family, but Pet Airways might be taking it a bit too far. Do you agree?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.