Best And Worst Airlines For Traveling With Pets

Getting Their Fur Flying: Top Tips for Taking Your Pets On Holiday

• New research by Compare the Market shows the best places to take your pets on holiday, and how to get them there.
• Air France, TUI and Thomas Cook are among the top pet travel options.
• Pitbulls least likely to be allowed to join you on holiday while American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Terriers are also banned by several countries.

With summer coming up, the entire globe is dreaming of sun, sea and city breaks, with a spike in holiday bookings and wanderlust. However, many of us will also be fretting about our furry friends at home - wouldn’t it be much easier if we could just take them along with us?

Compare the Market has commissioned new research into the most pet-friendly countries and airlines around the globe, so you can take your dog, cat (or meerkat) with you this summer. They’ve also produced a definitive list of the most famous globetrotting animals to give you inspiration - and shed light on the unlucky pets who are less likely to be able to join their owners on holiday.

It’s All About the Journey….

Getting your pet to your chosen location might seem daunting, but most airlines today have a policy in place to allow pets to accompany their owners onboard. While the policies themselves are manifold, no two are the same - so we’ve pulled the top travel options together for you, including:

• Air France - Leaders in the pet transport field, Air France allows you to bring up to three pets along for the cost of an extra suitcase. Pets of up to 75kg (including carrier) can travel with you in the cabin, and you can buy carriers to keep your small friends in comfort. There are also freight options for heavier pets, who’ll be made welcome in their own holding area. 
• Thomas Cook - There’s not only a wide range of animals allowed on Thomas Cook, there’s no maximum weight for pets on holiday either - and you can get them on board for just 15 euros per dossier plus an excess baggage fee. 
• TUI - while a more expensive option - with a total cost of 81.60 euros per pet - TUI allows pets up to 6kg to travel in the cabin alongside you, and heavier pets can be put up in the cargo hold for the duration of the flight. Pets can also be added to an existing flight with a quick call!

While animals are now often a common sight on most airlines, there are some that are best to avoid. EasyJet, Emirates and FlyBe won’t let you onboard with a pet at all, which means you should definitely take time to check flight providers on online packages, especially if they’re different providers both ways!

Pets on Location

Of course, great transport options are only part of your pet’s holiday experience. The location is always the most important part of any holiday, and some countries are more likely to welcome fluffy travellers than others. Compare the Market found some of the most surprising pet-friendly destinations for a trip away were:

• New York - The Big Apple was the most pet-friendly destination, with no bans on pets of any breed. Pets also don’t need their own passport to travel to NYC, and only dogs will need a vet’s certificate proving they’ve had a recent rabies vaccination. Working dogs from certain destinations, including Mexico, may also need to prove that they’ve been vaccinated for tapeworm.
• Tokyo - Your furry friend won’t need a passport to travel to Japan, but you will need to make sure they’re chipped and that you’ve filed an Advanced Notification Form with the Animal Quarantine Service 40 days before you travel. A vet must also complete a Japan Veterinary Certificate before travel, confirming that you’ve had your pet inoculated against Japan’s list of illnesses, including hepatitis for dogs and calicivirus for cats.
• Seoul - Korea is also a fan of pets, and doesn’t require a pet passport if your pet has been properly chipped. While a list of banned animals isn’t published, it is worth enquiring with your travel agent before you book just to make sure, and all animals travelling must be vaccinated against rabies.

When looking into travelling with pets, it is always advisable to look at getting them their own passport, as a third of destinations will require one. An EU passport is your best bet for speedy pet transfers, with most European countries including Spain, Germany and the Netherlands accepting these. Microchips are also required in a whopping 90% of countries, while almost all countries will require your pet to be vaccinated against rabies. Having these three musts up-to-date is a great starting point for globetrotting pets.

Jet Set Pets

Wherever you’re travelling in the world with your pet, there’s no such thing as too much information - whether it’s transport to your destination, which country to choose, or even whether your pet will be able to accompany you on your next adventure.

For full research on Jet Set Pets and where to take them, visit Compare the Market’s handy guide for a quick rundown of the best places for ‘petsetters’.   

Pets Ride Free On Amtrak December 6th-11th In Celebration Of The Secret Life Of Pets On Blu-Ray And DVD On December 6th

AMTRAK AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT 
GET ON BOARD TO CELEBRATE ILLUMINATION ENTERTAINMENT’S 
 
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS

 WITH FIRST ‘PETS RIDE FREE’ PROMOTION 

Universal City, California, November 29, 2016 – Riding the rails with a beloved four-legged friend will come with an extra special treat during this holiday season, in which “Pets Ride Free.” Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE) and Amtrak are teaming up for a first of its kind promotion in celebration of the December 6 home entertainment release of Illumination’s blockbuster film, The Secret Life of Pets.  The “Pets Ride Free” offer, available for trips booked December 6 through December 11, 2016 or while supplies last, allows pets to ride at no additional cost on participating Amtrak routes from December 9 through March 31, 2017.
 
During the first year of Amtrak’s pet program, more than 15, 000 dogs and cats traveled with their owners on select Amtrak trains across the country.  Information on the “Pets Ride Free” offer is available at Amtrak.com/secretlifeofpets, at select ticket counters and stations, and on trains, including AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi portals. In addition, a limited number The Secret Life of Pets prizes will be available to customers at select stations. The program will be supported in 40 Amtrak markets nationwide including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Oakland, Dallas, Baltimore, Cleveland, Portland, Seattle, St. Louis, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Charleston and others.
 
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment will release The Secret Life of Pets, America’s top-grossing original film of the year, on Digital HD beginning on November 22, 2016. The film will be available on 4K Ultra HD^™, Blu-ray^™ 3D, Blu-ray^™, and DVD with nearly an hour of bonus content, including three mini-movies, on December 6, 2016. The film will be available On Demand on December  6, 2016.
 
In their fifth fully animated feature-film collaboration, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures present The Secret Life of Pets, a comedy about the lives our pets lead when we leave for work or school, which has grossed more than $873 million in global ticket sales. Max, voiced by Louis C.K., is a loyal terrier living a perfectly happy existence until his owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper) brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet) a big, boisterous mutt she finds at the shelter. When Max and his unruly new “roommate” slip away from their dog-walker, they find themselves lost in the urban jungle of New York City.  In an attempt to stay ahead of animal control and a rebel band of abandoned pets led by an unhinged bunny named Snowball (Kevin Hart), they put aside their differences to survive the epic journey back home.
 
The film features an all-star voice cast including Louis C.K. (TV’s Louie), Eric Stonestreet (TV’s Modern Family), Kevin Hart (Ride Along Series), Jenny Slate (Zootopia), Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Lake Bell (TV’s Children’s Hospital), Dana Carvey (Wayne’s World), Hannibal Buress (Neighbors series), Bobby Moynihan (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”), Steve Coogan (Minions) and Albert Brooks (Finding Dory). The film is directed by Chris Renaud (Despicable Me franchise, Dr. Seuss’ the Lorax) and co-directed by Yarrow Cheney (Despicable Me franchise).
 
To travel with a small dog or cat, tickets must be purchased at least three days prior to travel and are valid for up to March 31, 2017. Only one cat or one small dog are allowed in an enclosed carrier on trips up to seven hours in length. Both pet and carrier must be a combined weight of 20 pounds. To learn more about the Amtrak pet program visit Amtrak.com/pets. To make a pet inclusive reservation, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit a staffed station.
 
About Amtrak
Amtrak — America’s Railroad^® — is dedicated to safe and reliable mobility as the nation’s intercity passenger rail service provider and its high-speed rail operator. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak passengers for each of the past six years. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a 10-member board of directors, nine of whom are appointed by the president of the United States plus the Amtrak CEO. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman. Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily — at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) — connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Learn more at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and other information. Check us out at blog.Amtrak.com, Like us on Facebook.com and Follow us on Twitter @Amtrak.
 
About Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios. Universal Studios is a part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Pet Travel - Cheapflights Scouts Out Airport Pet Relief Stations In Terminals Across North America

Airport Pet Relief Stations in Terminals across North America

For those traveling with pets, service dogs, therapy dogs or emotional support animals, airports have traditionally been unforgiving places when it comes time for their four-legged companions to do their business. However, thanks to updated federal regulations, major airports are now opening pet relief stations inside each terminal, so animal friends can relieve themselves without having to trek outside the building (and security). 

These new in-terminal options can be as simple as a smallish patch of AstroTurf or as fancy as a dog park. To provide you with the full scoop, the travel experts at Cheapflights.com, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, have rounded up details on animal rest stops with their Guide to in-terminal airport pet relief stations.

Here’s everything you need to know about where pets can go inside and outside at five of the most popular airports in North America:

·         Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois - One of the more deluxe options for pets, Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s Pet Relief Room has a duo of two-foot by four-foot pet relief areas, complete with artificial grass covering, miniature fire hydrants and pop-up sprinkler systems to wash away liquid waste into a drain. For extra cleanliness, there is a mounted hose as well as plastic bags for waste clean-up. There are two sinks for passenger use too. The pet relief room is located past security checkpoints in the Rotunda area of Terminal 3. Additional options include three outdoor service animal/pet relief areas with real grass, gravel or wood chips located near the lower level curb front of Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 5.

·         Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas, Texas - There are pet relief areas in each of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s five terminals. Three pet relief areas are inside security at Gate B28 in Terminal B, D18 in Terminal D and E31 in Terminal E. Outdoor areas post security are on the lower level at entry doors near Gate A8 in Terminal A, near Gate C2 and C39 in Terminal C, near Gate D15 and D29 in Terminal D and near Gate E2 and E38 in Terminal E. There is also a 24-hour Paradise 4 Paws resort that offers grooming, pet massage therapy, play time, cuddling sessions and treats like frozen peanut butter Kong toys.

·         John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, New York - There are several purr-fect places for pets to relax and relieve themselves at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. JetBlue’s rooftop lounge adjacent to Terminal 5 offers respite for both humans and pets. The 4,046-square-foot rooftop includes landscaped green spaces, seating for 50 people, a children’s play area, food kiosks and a dog walk area. The space is open to all airline passengers and pets. In Terminal 4, there is a 70-square-foot pet relief room that includes artificial green grass, a fire hydrant, a hose for cleaning and plastic doggie bags. The airport is also set to open ARK — a $32 million facility equipped with a veterinary hospital and 24-hour Paradise 4 Paws resort that offers a bone-shaped dog pool, pet suites with flat screen TVs and pet massage therapy among other services — that is scheduled to open later this year.

·         Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California - Los Angeles International Airport leads all U.S. airports with the most pet relief areas of any U.S. airport. The airport boasts three mini Pet Parks and seven pet relief stations. The Pet Parks are located on the Lower/Arrivals Level of the Central Terminal (between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), on the southeast end of the Central Terminal Area (near Terminal 7 and Terminal 8) and beyond security at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Each park has a small doghouse, trash can and plastic bags for waste. Note: pets cannot be unleashed at the Terminal 7-8 location.

·         Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida - Miami International Airport recently opened an indoor, post-security pet restroom called SARA (Service Animal Relief Area) in Concourse D near Gate 34 and has three more scheduled to open later this month in Concourse F, Concourse G and Concourse J. SARA includes a patch of Astroturf, two sprinkler heads to clear waste and cleaning supplies for pet owners. The airport also has three outdoor pet relief areas. Miami is the first international airport in South Florida to add indoor pet relief areas. (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport plans to add indoor pet relief areas in Concourse A and Concourse B in Terminal 1 in June 2017, as well as one in Concourse D in Terminal 2 and one in Concourse G in Terminal 4 in 2018, according to the “Sun-Sentinel”).

For more on convenient, and at times lavish, loos for traveling animals at an additional 11 airports, check out Cheapflights.com’s complete Guide to in-terminal airport pet relief stations at www.cheapflights.com/news/north-america-airport-pet-relief-areas.

Travelore News: Delta Changes Policy To Prevent Pet Deaths On Flights

IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

BY CAILEY RIZZO1 HOUR AGO

In an effort to make itself more pet-friendly, Delta is stopping one of the most dangerous methods of flying for pets: As checked baggage.

According to the Department of Transportation, a total of 76 animals died aboard Delta flights over the past 10 years — the highest of any U.S. airline.

The last reported death happened on Nov. 28. Somewhere between Atlanta and Pittsburgh, a Mini Dalmatian puppy died in the cargo hold of a Delta flight. The puppy was flying from Albany, Georgia: After a three-hour layover in Atlanta, it was loaded onto the Pittsburgh-bound flight. When gate crew unloaded the plane, they found the puppy was unresponsive.

SEE ALSO: A pilot diverted an international flight to save a dog traveling in cargo

This most recent death of a checked pet on a Delta flight will be the last, if the airline can help it. Delta will no longer carry pets as checked baggage starting March 1.

The airline will still allow pets to be transported in the cabin, if they are small enough to fit in a carrier under a seat, or shipped via Delta Cargo's pet shipping Variation Live program. 

The Humane Society recommends that pet owners "do not transport your pet by airplane unless absolutely necessary," and to choose keeping the pet in the cabin if possible.

"We want consumers to be well-informed about the risks of flying," KC Theisen, director of pet care issues at The Humane Society of the United States, told Mashable. "Cargo hold is not the passenger cabin, just a floor down."

"Cargo hold is not the passenger cabin, just a floor down."

Cargo is where the majority of animal incidents happen, usually on long distance flights or flights with several different legs, Theisen said.

Brachycephalic, or short-snouted, animals, like bulldogs, pugs or Persian cats should never be shipped in cargo, according to the Humane Society. These animals can easily overheat or have difficulty breathing in environments that are not temperature controlled. For this reason, many airlines will only allow these breeds as carry-ons. 

The steps that pet owners should take before travel:

1. Crate train: It's important to crate train pets well before travel, Theisen said. By mimicking travel conditions and building up the amount of time a pet stays crated, owners normalize the experience and help pets understand that they will eventually be let out. 
2. Talk to the airline: For those about to fly with a pet, the best thing to do is get "in serious contact with the airline well in advance," according to Theisen. Because every airline has different regulations, it's important to find out well in advance what options are available:

• American Airlines permits pets as carry-ons, cargo or checked luggage — excluding brachycephalic dogs and cats, which are not allowed as checked luggage. 
• Both JetBlue and Southwest Airlines will accept cats and dogs as carry-ons only, for a $95 to $100 fee. 
• United allows cats, dogs, rabbits and household birds in the cabin, in addition to carry-on luggage, for $125. Certain United aircraft come equipped with special "PetSafe" compartments that are pressurized like the passenger cabin, for transporting pets in cargo.
• Alaska Airlines will transport pets as cargo or as a carry-on for $100. Brachycephalic are not allowed for cargo travel.

Talk to your vet: Theisen recommends talking to a veterinarian as soon as travel plans are made to get recommendations for a food and water schedule. A veterinarian can tailor advice to specific breeds and help make the experience low-stress, important for both pets and their owners.

"The vast majority of pets arrive safely and in good health, but it's important that pet owners are aware of the risks," Theisen said. "The best thing you can do is just protect against risk and take preventative measures."

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