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Taking your pet FIRST CLASS
There are many different reasons for chartering a private aircraft to transport your pet instead of traveling by commercial airline.
- SIZE - In today's world of shrinking airline seats, it is getting more and more difficult to take your pet in the cabin of the aircraft.
If your best friend is between 15-18 pounds or more than 10-12 inches tall then it will probably have to fly in the cargo hold (depending on the airline).
This section of cargo is pressurized and temperature controlled to be nearly the same as in the cabin, you my be concerned about putting your precious pet in the cargo hold of a commercial airline.
- SUMMER HEAT EMBARGO - during the summer when temperature exceeds 84 degrees on the runway, most airlines will not accept a pet as checked baggage or air cargo. During the colder months, many airlines require an
Acclimation Certificate signed by your veterinarian certifying that your pet can adjust to colder temperatures.
- NUMBER OF PETS TRAVELING WITH YOU - all airlines have limits as to the number of pets in the cabin of the aircraft. Most airlines limit you to "one pet per passenger."
If you have multiple pets or the pets are traveling unaccompanied, then will need to travel as checked baggage or air cargo.
- BREED - many airlines will not accept snub nose breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and Shih-Tzus in the cargo hold as they may develop breathing problems at high altitudes.
- IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS - many countries will only accept pets as manifested cargo and not in the cabin.
- LENGTH OF FLIGHT - During long flights, owners may want to ensure that their pet is hydrated and comfortable. Flying on a private charter will allow the owner to give them that extra attention.
So what is a traveling pet owner supposed to do?
There is a new service now operating called Pet Airways which will allow pets to fly in a temperature controlled and pressurized cabin from 5 major cities around the United States: Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Denver, and the Baltimore/Washington DC area. This is a pet-only airline, but there is always a pet attendant on board frequently checking on your pet.
Another option is a Canadian charter service, SwiftJet that is allowing pets in their first class cabins.
You might consider chartering your own aircraft, either alone or with a group that you assemble. Expensive, yes, but your pet will travel in the seat right next to you and you know that it will arrive safely and at the same time that you do.
Private charters can cost from few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars if you want to fly overseas. However, there are ways to cut the costs.
Charter companies often have to fly empty to pick up their passengers or perhaps they only have one or two people on a flight that would be willing to fly with you and your pet so that you can share in the cost. It's simply a matter of scheduling. Unlike an airline, you cannot choose to fly on Tuesday morning at 8 AM; you will have to be flexible.
Consider a prop aircraft instead of a jet. It takes a little longer and maybe is not quite as grand, but it costs a lot less. A traveling pet owner recently told us about their charter from Florida to Costa Rica that they were able to negotiate for $1700.00. Since there were two adults and two pets, they did not pay that much more than a commercial flight.
Consider traveling in a group. A pet friendly vacation with your friends who have pets and want to bring them along can lower the price for everyone.
It is very important to be very specific with the policies of the charter service when transporting your pet. Last minute surprises are not what you need when traveling with a pet.
Review the charter company's operating certificate, safety record, and insurance policies. Be sure to ask for references. When you get them, be sure and call to ask about the experience the traveler had with the company. Was their adequate space for their pet?
Was the flight on time? Was the crew helpful and friendly? What are their methods to safeguard your pet?
CLICK HERE for a directory of Air Charter Companies, both within the United States and worldwide. PLEASE NOTE
that not all of these airlines are pet friendly. You will need to confirm that with individual charter companies.
NOTE: Some rabies free countries do not allow pets to arrive in that country on a chartered aircraft unless the charter company has been pre-approved.
A bit of extra effort on your part can pay off in a big way when it comes to the safety and comfort of you and your pet. Consider a pet friendly private jet for less-stress travel.
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