Dogs and cats, prepare for takeoff!
Pet Airways, a new airline for dogs and cats only, is set to begin service on July 14.
The company, based in Delray Beach, Florida, is planning weekly flights for pets (no humans!) to regional airports near five major cities: New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles.
Pet Airways, a new airline for dogs and cats only, is set to begin service on July 14.
The company, based in Delray Beach, Florida, is planning weekly flights for pets (no humans!) to regional airports near five major cities: New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles.
"For us it's all about safety and comfort of the pets," said Alysa Binder, Founder and Executive Vice President of Pet Airways.
The idea for the airline came in 2005 when Binder, a start-up consultant, and her entrepreneur husband, Dan Wiesel, moved from San Francisco to South Florida and had to send Zoe, their Jack Russell Terrier, in cargo.
"We weren't happy," said Binder. "We did our research, there was nothing like this. We said 'Well, we'll just have to build it.'"
The pets-only airline will use commuter planes operated by Suburban Airlines. Flights will operate out of regional airports, typically used by private planes.
"It's a stressful thing, flying, to begin with. We're trying to do everything in our power to make it easy," explained Binder. Pet Airways "pawsengers" will travel in the Beech 1900, a seatless, 19-seat capacity, turbo-prop passenger plane. Fully-lit, the plane will be climate-controlled and have a calming scent. Pets will travel in their own carriers.
Like any airline, there will be a check-in area called a "pet lounge" where dogs and cats can wait with their owners before boarding. Pets are then boarded onto the plane by "Pet Attendants," who monitor them throughout the flight. Animals are offered bathroom breaks, snacks and water while they wait to board.
Quality and exclusivity does come at a premium, however. A ticket to fly for your four-legged pal is about $250 each way. Costs will vary depending on your pet's size and needs.
Reservations are now being accepted on the company's Web site. Owners will also be able to track their pet's travel progress online.
Pet Airways plans to fly to at least 25 cities within the next couple of years. "Hopefully we'll be able to expand internationally as well," said Binder.
Looking to travel with your pet by your side? Check out the DogTravel Company. The company specializes in arranging flights, train travel, and cruises for you and your pet.
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This is a terrific idea. Last year I was looking for non cargo travel for my Labradoodle and reached a dead end. I hope it is successful
I AM VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN YOUR SERVICE. WE WILL BE TRAVELING FROM AUSTIN, TEXAS TO LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. WILL YOUR COMPANY EXPAND TO THESE AREAS?
I agree this has been needed for awhile, but I am not sure I feel safe with my dog arriving somewhere that I am not. I would have to research this before I let her on her own plane ride!
this is the best thing I've ever seen. My son-in-law is in the airforceand since they move so often this service has been a godsend to military people!! Support our troops!! and our pets!!
I think this will be great. We travel from CT to FL and do it three times a year. I is fairly easy to get motels to stay in with pets but our snauzer does not like to sit in the back seat and is tiring on us. Only draw back is we don't get to our destination until three days after we leave FL and if Suzie flies how do we do that. Planes go much faster, Otherwise I think this is a wonderful idea.
Great Idea. I am currently trying to get my standard poodle ( Cher) and a bijon poo ( gus ) to costa rica for 3 months. I wish you went there. Will you please consider expanding your flights.
HOW ABOUT SOUIX FALLS SD---TO PENSACOLA FL. IT WILL E SO GREAT FOR TWO BICHONS, SWEETIE AND TASHA. NO WORRY FOR ME, WHEN I GO VISIT MY FAMILY IN PENSACOLA FL.