US Airways changes pet policy

US Airways has announced some major changes regarding its policy for bringing pets on flights.

With an upcoming merger with America West only weeks away, the airline is trying to make its pet rules more in line with its new partner.

Effective on October 1, 2005, US Airways will no longer allow live animals to be checked as baggage or cargo.

There are some exceptions. Small pets will still be allowed, but only as carry-on items, and will cost passengers $100. In addition, people who booked their tickets before August 17 will be allowed to check pets for flights leaving before November 1, 2005.

The new rules will not apply to service animals, such as seeing-eye dogs.

US Airways' announcement comes as a stark contrast compared to airlines like Continental and Virgin Atlantic who have recently launched programs giving passengers more frequent flyer mile benefits if they bring their pets along.

The airline tried to reassure worried passengers that anyone holding reservations for flights after October 1 would be contacted and assisted to make alternative travel arrangements.

US Airways executive vice president of operations Al Crellin said that the changes were meant to put the carrier more in line with other discount airlines, such as its future partner America West.

He added: "We have made these policy changes as part of our strategy to simplify the new airline's business while retaining service elements that are important to our customers."

The airline also announced that children aged below 14 would only be allowed to travel alone on direct flights. Any flights that involve transfers will require the accompaniment of an adult.

US Airways is the seventh-largest airline in America and offers cheap airfares to 180 destinations in the US, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.

© Adfero Ltd

Comments

[Richard Cray]

We have a very quiet dog that weighs 8 lbs.
She would not be off our lap at any time.We should not have to pay extra.

[Gladys C Rivera]

It makes no sense to charge so much when the pet is under the seat not on top!!

[Phyllis Carpenter]

I think your prices for pet travel are OUTRAGEOUS! How can you possibly charge a person $100 for their pet to ride in their own enclosed case under the seat! What a ripoff. SHAME. Your airlines are gouging the American pet lover's community. By the way, how much would you pay to sit in a cage under a seat by someone's feet? These pets are not taking up a seat, they are sharing the foot space their owner purchased. Looks like to me I should have the option of sharing what I paid for not having to pay for it AGAIN!

[Linda]

I am super angry, as I just booked my airline ticket to Denver with US Airways and now I find out that they won't let me take my cat from Hawaii to Denver due to (their impression) of a law (that exists only when you bring an animal into the state of Hawaii!). They are telling me I cannot take my cat that I've owned 15 years (and brought with me five years ago when I moved to Hawaii!) back with me to the mainland (where I am moving, due to my Mother's poor health!). I am livid! I'd gladly pay the damn $100 to bring him, however, they are telling me that they won't let me. Any suggestions or do I attempt to just smuggle him on!? Help!

[User]

I have a 3pds Maltese who I would love to take on my vacation trips when I travel. But after hearing I have to pay for her $75 each trip or $100 I think is so ridiculous! When I have to pay

$5 for 9/11 security fee.
$13.82 for US Fed,
$9 passenger facility charge
6.80 for segment taxes
And my airfare $242

And on top $75 for each trip for my pet to be so uncomfortable under my chair. Come on guys, be human and stop ripping off people.

[Nancy]

You airlines need to do something for these poor pets. Lots of us need to take our pets as we can't leave them home alone, but your prices are killing. Poor animals have to be under the chair and us paying a ridiculous amount of money for that. How sad and so-called animal lovers!

[DensityDuck]

Also, it's a hundred dollars per trip, not a hundred-dollar round-trip fee; so if you take your pet to visit the family you can expect an extra $200.

Plus the cost of the mandatory vet visit. And if you stay long enough to go outside the "ten days beforehand" time limit, that's two vet visits. Why a vet visit? So that if the animal dies en route, they can claim "pre-existing condition identified in vet exam prior to trip" and deny compensation.

Hell, I'd rather just buy an extra seat and put my two cats in it. Given airfare it costs almost the same, and it's a lot more convenient - for everyone.

[nancy jenkins]

I belong to a very well-known pet rescue. Sometimes it is easier to fly the pet to the next destination. The time is quicker and pick-up easier. Rescues cannot afford to send a person with this type of pet rescue, so now because of US Airs policy, rescued pets will not have a way to their forever homes. Especially since US Air is the only close airline to where I live.

What a rip off, have you no passion for pets and rescues?

[Adrienne]

Charging $100 in addition to the flight price for a carry-on (cat) is a horrible shame and disservice to customers.

[beachcares]

That is so unfair. Most of the passengers are worse than what a dog could do stuck under a seat. You need to come up with a plan for the future or the animal activist and pet lovers will come up with their own plan.

[Moving to the east coast]

I'm relocating from Vegas to Pitsburgh. The quickest way there is a direct flight with US Airways. I have two cats. So you mean to tell me that I can take one of them (for a ridiculous $100 extra on top of my fare) and just leave the other one behind because I can't check her in the cargo hold? Come on US Airways, have a heart! Looks like I will be flying Continental. Sorry US Airways, you have just lost some business.

[mauigirl]

Wow, what a bunch of crybabies. I would gladly pay whatever as long as my best friend was with me in the cabin and not in cargo.

[amypinkprincess]

Wow! I'm trying to get my husband home from North Carolina to N.J. to be with his family on his birthday and not only having to dish out $500 for a ticket, but I also have to pay $100 for our dog Lola who is 4lbs! You should all be ashamed to work for this airline and that goes for the rest of them too.

[Montgomery]

Again, only the "rich" or only those who can afford the price will benefit from the airline industry's unfair and unjust rules!! How does US Airways justify the $100 cost? The policy and the charge is their way of saying, "don't bring your pet!"