Posted by RumiSong on June 20, 2004, at 18:27:46
In reply to Anyone flown with a cat?, posted by Ilene on June 19, 2004, at 20:24:38
I've flown with my cat for almost ten years now. I've found that it's a lot less stressful to tranq her a half hour before the flight than it is to spend the whole flight worrying if she's gonna create a spectacle of herself.
Have you checked out the airline's policies on flying with pets yet? They all have rules and procedures you'll need to follow, especially with all the security issues now. God forbid they accuse you of smuggling a cat bomb onboard.
Most airlines will require a health certificate from the vet stating that your pets are healthy enough to fly and all caught up on their vaccinations. If you're taking them in the cabin with you, you'll need a soft carrier like a Sherpa bag. Also, the airline will charge you "excess baggage" fees each way, which you pay before you head for your gate -- I think American Airlines is up to $80 each way.
Once you get to the gate, things get a little tricky (especially if you have a Houdini kitty like mine). You will need to put your carry-ons through the metal detector, take the cats out of the carrier, put the carrier through the metal detector, carry the cats with you through the detector, then put the cats back into the carrier and scoop up your stuff.
Once you get to the gate, it's pretty much smooth sailing. Show your receipt for the kitty baggage along with your ticket, get on the plane, put the kitties at your feet and relax!
Yeah it can be a hassle, but it's so nice to have your babies with you on vacation. It's the only time I get to watch my California kitty catch snowflakes in her paws... aww...
poster:RumiSong
thread:358189
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040619/msgs/358390.html