Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Fly The Fur-iendly Skies!


It seems the fine folks at JetBlue have decided that there's gold to be mined from the millions of dog and kitty owners that would love to travel as often as possible with their four-legged companions, if only you didn't have to ship your dog off as cargo. I would do it if I had to, as pet flights to Buffalo don't seem to be in the offering any time soon, but it's almost a guarantee I am going to plan a vacation to a city that will be served by the newly created, about to launch Pet Airways (PAWS). For prices that start at $150 (based on distance and pet carrier weight) you check your dog in at least two hours before his flight (which gives you ample time to check yourself in as well). From there your dog is driven to the airplane and instead of being loaded (and treated) as cargo, your pet is given a space in a climate-controlled, pressurized main cabin. They even promise in-flight attendants to check on your furry friend, as well as administer any medications and regularly scheduled poop-stops in transit. No plans as yet for in-flight screenings of episodes of the Dog Whisperer.

Initial service will begin this year in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC and Chicago, with service expanding to about 40 cities in the US after that. They are also offering a membership club for frequent fliers that includes travel and shopping discounts in a two-tier price system. LOVE IT!

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