Pets on airplanes
Home hounds are increasingly seen as an inseparable part of our holiday plans.
A golden retriever is trotting my way beside its owner, its pristine coat rippling like a model’s long locks in a shampoo commercial. It’s not a scene I would normally give a second glance except I’m sitting in a departures hall at Dallas Fort Worth international airport in the US. I’ve already spotted a schnauzer, several ’oodles (add consonant of choice) and a couple of pocket-sized pooches sporting “support dog” harnesses. All have been impeccably well behaved.
We’re accustomed to the presence of sniffer dogs at the luggage carousel or customs desk, but increasingly home hounds are an inseparable part of our holiday plans. We can check them into five-star hotels. There are entire books and websites devoted to pet-friendly resources on the road.
In the US and Europe, it’s not unusual to see travellers flying with their favourite animals. Australia? Not so much. In April, the Civil Aviation Authority changed the rules so pets are allowed in cabins, but before you pack Fluffy’s bag for your next jaunt to the Gold Coast, think again. Qantas, Virgin and REX will allow only assistance or service dogs to fly up front, and it’s up to the airline and pilot to decide if an animal is ready for takeoff.
Nonetheless there’s a new-found appreciation for the importance of our canine companions and a recognition of their ability to soothe the frazzled nerves of anxious travellers.
Four of the five terminals at Dallas’s vast airport have “relief stations” where furry travel buddies can enjoy a different kind of business class. When Fido needs to go, the amenities at his disposal might be a grassy outdoor zone, a room lined with astroturf with a faux fire hydrant on which to cock his leg, or an (economy-class) al fresco potty box.
A new study has ranked Turkish Airlines No.1 for its policies on pet transportation; it charges $25 on average to take a small dog, cat, ferret or bird in a carrier on a flight. Budget US airline Spirit adds rabbits to that list, while other operators will consider hamsters, marmots, squirrels and chinchillas.
Animals flying in cargo are also receiving special treatment. Frankfurt Airport has a 4000sq m Animal Lounge where everything from snakes and ornamental fish to racehorses and hippos are cared for. Staff will even send owners pining for their pet a photo of their animal living it up in the lounge. JFK International in New York has The Ark, where a “pet oasis” aims to ensure stress-free flying. Calgary in Canada and London Heathrow also have impressive facilities. But back on board …
On a recent flight in Ecuador, I tawd I saw a puddy tat peering from a transparent backpack. I did. It was quiet as a mouse. I couldn’t help but think of my own feline friend, whose howls would have challenged the best noise-cancelling headphones money can buy. Sorry puss, you can stay home.