PetSugar

The Scoop: JetBlue Doubles Prices for Underseat Pets

PetSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:30:15 -0700

All this talk of what the airlines are charging for the details, got me thinking about my lil detail, North. He loves being included in my life – and lets me know when he doesn't feel that way – but, boy, can the price of plane tickets get us down! When looking into a summer trip with my pooch this week, I realized a very shocking (and troubling) fact: JetBlue has doubled the price of a cabin pet from $50 to $100. I spoke with a representative from the airline's corporate communications department who shared some information on this change. Learn what I found out when you read more.

On May 1, 2008, the nonrefundable fee for a high-flying pet became $100 each way. This airline still only allows small pets – weighing up to 20 pounds inside a carrier – to travel under the seat counting as your "personal item." The price change was part of an effort to combat the continual rise in the cost of operation – I was told that a lot of thought was put into this decision, and it could be considered a last resort as the industry is encountering a unique environment because of the price of fuel these days.

The news hits pretty hard, especially considering this airline is known for having some of the lowest one-way fares around – $100 each way could very well put your pet's ticket cost over that of your own! I can definitely understand bringing a doggie or kitty onboard for a big holiday or important trip, but this price point makes it often cheaper and easier to keep pets grounded at a fab boarding facility instead. What do you think? Share your opinions in the comments below.

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Mischa and Ziggy Take a Flexi(ble) Flight to The Beautiful Life

PetSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:10:09 -0700

What better flying companion than a pooch! Mischa Barton took off from LA with best pal, Ziggy, on their way to begin filming The Beautiful Life in NYC.

Sadly we can't see the surely stylin' collar, but I do spot what looks like an older model Flexi for her tiny Tibetan Spaniel - the retractable leads come in a rainbow of colors with cord or tape models available. Since they're in public, Mischa keeps the pooch on a short leash, but these range up to 26 feet long! If you're still unsure about the controversial style, check out more pictures of the twosome's JFK arrival below.

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Pet Airways Makes First Flights Today: Are You Buying In?

PetSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:25:10 -0700

No people allowed, people. That's the policy on the Pet Airways fleet offering main cabin travel for pampered pals only. Although it began taking reservations when it launched with an introductory one-way fare of $150, prices now range from $250–$300 and take off from regional airports close to five US cities - New York, Washington, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles - and seats are selling fast. While times are limited, and cross country trips take about 24 hours with an overnight stay-and-play, there are plans to expand to 25 cities in the next three years.

I can understand trepidation about flying a pup as cargo or checked baggage, but this airline flies up to 50 pets in a cabin specially fitted with crates, making a nice alternative for people with larger pets, provided your departure and arrival locations fit with their offerings. What's your take?

Source: Pet Airways

Follow Famke's Lead For Licorice After a Long Flight

PetSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:00:36 -0800

Coast to coast, Famke Janssen always seems to have little Liccy by her side. She brings her smooshy right on board the plane in his Sherpa carrier – is this brand one of your faves, too?

If you're flying with your pet either under your seat or in cargo, make sure you take him out for a potty break as soon as you arrive – he's been holding it for a long time! Find a patch of grass and have bags on the ready to ensure you leave no trace of the poop, I mean pit, stop. See more pictures of Licorice sniffing his way around LAX below.

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Bauer-Griffin Online

4 Things I Love About PetAirways

PetSugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:20:10 -0700

Other than being the first fleet of planes dedicated solely to pawsengers, there are more things that set PetAirways apart from other air travel options! Even though it's too pricey for every weekend away, check out some special features that put this flight above the rest.

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Have You Ever Regretted Not Adopting?

PetSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:00:02 -0700

My pet-less pal took a trip down to LA last week, and was totally smitten by a certain kitten that was for sale outside of a store. She told me that she hadn't even considered adopting a pet before, but something about that particular cat made her want to put it on the next flight home with her (think Samantha and Baby in the Sex and the City movie). Unfortunately, she didn't take kitty home, now totally regrets her decision, and thinks about "what could have been" every day since. Aww!

I've been known to come close to an adoption breakdown, but I've never had that feeling of regret for not adopting. Besides, I have North at home already! Have you ever come face-to-face with an animal you didn't take home, but later on knew you should have?

Nicodemus Is a Feline Flier With Evan Rachel Wood

PetSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:00:43 -0700

It's not everyday we see a celebrity with her cat - it isn't that they get any less love, it's just not commonplace to bring them out in public for potty breaks and walks around the block.

Except at the airport since, when travels include that kitty companion, out their lil heads pop. This cute cat gets a helping hand out of his Sherpa (naturally) at LAX yesterday.

There's a couple extra tips to remember when flying with a feline so check them out - along with more pictures of Nicodemus and Evan Rachel Wood - when you read more.

Pick a bag. It's much easier to get a cat out of a carrier with both top and side exits. This way you can decide if she's rather be coaxed out . . . or if you need to go in after her.

Pack snacks. It's likely your pet will be freaked out by the noise and commotion so have alluring snacks to let the cat out of the bag (ha ha).

Reign her in. I'd recommend picking up a kitty harness for the flight so it's easier to get a strong grip on a cat while you walk her through security. If a metal ring makes the detector go off, they may ask you to hand the cat through and scan the harness with a wand.

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Bauer-Griffin Online

I Need Your Help... Should I Fly My Puppy in Cargo?

PetSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:30:49 -0800

Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, a TeamSugar user needs our help! I know Helly1211 isn't the only one with concerns about flying a precious pet in the cargo area of the airplane so I'm putting her question out for the group. She writes:

We'd like to take our puppy home with us for the holidays – she'll be five months old at the time of the flight and, since she's 14 pounds already, I know she will exceed the 15 pound weight limit to carry a pet on board . . . meaning she'll have to fly with the cargo.

I've called the airline and they've explained to me that Northwest has pet agents who are with the animal until the flight takes off, secure them in their kennels, make sure they have water/food, and be certain that pets are the last to board and the first off the flight. Also, their cargo cabins are pressurized, have ventilation, and are temperature controlled. We're taking a direct four-hour flight so there are no layovers, though there could be delays. Our puppy is crate-trained and is not scared of many things (fine in car rides, OK around loud noises, etc.).

Get the rest of this story – and comment – when you read more.

I do not want to traumatize or put her in danger so I'm not sure if we should fly with her or not. Part of me thinks there's a good chance she will sleep through the whole flight and be just fine, the other part of me is worried she won't do well and will be trapped in her kennel for hours wondering where her owners are! I'd love to hear from anyone who has flown with their pets in cargo. Thanks!

Breaking News! Dog Bite May Cost JLo $5 Million!

PetSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:46:56 -0700

All I can say is wow: In a lawsuit filed Thursday in Brooklyn, former flight attendant Lisa Wilson claims she was attacked by a German Shepherd belonging to Jennifer Lopez on a plane trip nearly two years ago! This former flight attendant is seeking $5 million in damages and lost wages as a result of this attack as the back injuries (and surgery) prevented her from working anymore.

The shocking event allegedly happened on July 3, 2006 on a private Gulfstream IV jet leaving from Republic Airport in Farmingdale, LI when private airline company, NetJets, assigned Wilson to this flight headed to California's Burbank Airport. Hear the rest when you read more.

"Floyd" is described in the manifest as "a well-behaved guard dog," yet Wilson alleges that the pooch is nothing of the sort, claiming that, as she walked by, the dog lunged for her, bit her pant leg, and sent her tumbling her to the ground. Wilson says that her attempts to settle the case have been ignored, hence the suit contending the couple is "absolutely liable for all injuries" because they "should have known the dog had vicious propensities," and kept it muzzled and leashed.

Wilson's also seeking damages from Lopez's company, Nuyorican Productions, although it's unclear (to me) what that has to do with the event. Maybe I'm just skeptical but it's the two years that passed that leaves me scratching my head – what's your take?

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History Lesson: Laika, The Space Dog

PetSugar — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 07:00:45 -0700

There are plenty of recognizable dogs in history, but did you know the first animal in space was a stray dog? In 1957, a stray pooch found wandering the streets of Moscow was launched into space aboard the Sputnik II, as the first living creature to enter orbit. Laika may not be as well known as the Apollo 11 landing on the moon, but she was a hero during the time of the Russian/American space war and paved the way for human space flight. At only three years old, Laika was trained to handle space flight and conditions, just like regular astronauts.

Laika's place in history was solidified even more when she became a pop culture figure, with her name and likeness being used in movies, literature, and songs written about the heroic space dog. It just goes to show, never cast away a stray - they may do great things!

Do you know any other famous animals in history?

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