pet airline for dogs and cats

Photo From Pet Airways

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?