STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

halleybird · Hermes

Doggy airlines

Cricket · Gucci

Neat concept, but I think I'll pass too. I can't imagine taking my dogs on a full blown vacation, including the airplane! Can you imagine an airplane full of dogs (and probably cats)? What if you had to land somewhere and were stuck on the tarmac? I wonder if they'll stay in business. I bet they'll get some "interesting" customers!

I had to fly my doggies from LAX to Milan a few years ago. One-way was $1200 for both, and I worried the whole time because we weren't even on the plane with them. When they flew back it was with us (but they had to fly cargo. Too big), and I felt better about it, but still nervous! It's not fun!

-- Edited by Cricket at 12:03, 2007-07-01

boobaby · Kate Spade

I used to fly with my dog a lot. He is just at the weight limit for cabin travel. Depending on the airline, it cost between $150-$200. Even though he was just at my feet, it still was very nerve-racking. First off, I had to drug him and I felt bad about that. Then I would worry that he was hot or the pressure or noise was scaring or harming him.

The last time I flew with him was over Christmas on United. They said their weight limit was 25 lbs. Boo is 20 lbs (most airlines' weight limit is 20 lbs). I missed my flight due to long lines. Boo and I were at the airport for 8 hours. After 4 hours, I took him out through security and outside. I let him out of his carrier, let him pee and walk around in the fresh air for awhile, and then refused to put him back in the carrier until my flight was boarding. He was thrilled because a lot of people missed their flights, were bored and lavished attention on him. There were other dogs around that he got to play with. He also found some fries on the floor and gobbled them up before I had a chance to stop him. When I got on the flight, I couldn't fit him under the seat (never had that problem on airlines with lower weight limits). I had to sit with my legs up to my chest the whole flight.

On the way back, they almost denied me boarding because they said he was too big. I pointed out that he was well under their weight limit. They let me on, but the ticket counter guy said "We're just concerned about his comfort level." Then lower your weight limit! I wouldn't have flown United if I knew his carrier wouldn't fit under the seats.

Anyway, never again will I fly with Boo Boo. With security being so tight, flights being overbooked, and having to show up hours in advance, I just feel it's too stressful for both of us.