airplanes

Well, it's nothing new in theory — and a main reason my pooch always rides in the cabin with me — but the proof is in the stats. According to data released Friday by the Department of Transportation, 122 dog deaths have been reported since the DOT required airlines to make that information public (beginning in May 2005). Of those numbers, the highest single number of the 108 purebred deaths belongs to English Bulldogs at 25 followed by Pugs at 11.

While many airlines refuse to transport any brachycephalic breeds (aka smooshies) below the plane during temperature extremes, it's the pups' short snouts that attribute to extra difficulty breathing and extra wheezing.

Dan Bandy, chairman of the Bulldog Club of America's health committee, explains this particular risk in being transported in the cargo holds of airliners:

The way all dogs cool themselves is basically through respiration, either just panting or the action of breathing in or out, is a method of heat exchange for them. A dog that has a long snout or a long muzzle has more surface area within its nasal cavity for that heat exchange to take place. So breeds like labradors or collies or those types of dogs with the long muzzles have a more efficient cooling system.

Adding in the Frenchies (six), American Staffordshire Terriers (four), Boxers (two), Pekingese (two), and other short snouts, that means that the smooshies make up nearly half of the total number — scary stuff!

Nope, I didn't tack on some extra zeros — one woman paid $32 grand to fly her beloved Boxer (not shown here) in the cabin with her, business class no less. We know that air fees can add up, but an Israeli woman identified as Rivkah paid for the whole compartment to carry "Orchuk," his vet, and herself from Paris to Tel Aviv on Airline El Al. While she wouldn't discuss the price, Rivkah said:

He is my child, not a dog. And he deserves the best.

Do you think this news is plain nuts or, if you had the cash and the pull, would you make it happen, too?

For most of us — the most that wouldn't have hundreds of dollars to spare, won't take multiple trips a season or don't own a private jet — the price of air travel with pets can prohibit inclusion of furry friends in all but the most important of situations (like relocation). If you're wondering how much it will cost to include a pet on your next trip, I've gathered up the prices for the major airlines. How much will you pay as you go? Find out the one-way rates in the chart below.

See the rest of the chart when you read more

Mamas — it's time to help your lil ones earn their wings! To help keep children calm in the cabin, lilsugar has new downloadable airplane games that parents can print out before they head to the airport. From a cool coloring page to a foldable paper plane and a tray table memory game, mom and dad can relax while they ride a mile high since their tots can entertain themselves on the trip. These age appropriate activities will keep kiddos occupied so they won't kick the seat in front of them. Stay tuned for more planes, trains and automobile activity downloads for your junior jetsetters launching later this month.