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Southwest Airlines new fees: Pets, children and baggage
Starting in June, Southwest Airlines is allowing for pets on board for a $75.00 pet fare. This doesn't mean the animal that won't fit in a small carrier can climb on board. The carrier will count as a carry on bag. Hmmm, what if the pet fits in a purse and no one knows it's there?
In the human realm, there's another fee being tacked on in June for children flying solo if they are between the ages of 5-11. The $25 is to help cover the cost for making sure that junior, as an unaccompanied minor gets the extra assistance needed. Flights need to be direct, otherwise no solo travel for your pre-adolescent offspring.
In another effort to bring in more money, another $25 is being tacked onto the overweight baggage fee. On a positive note about this overweight baggage stuff, I imagine travelers aren't hurting their backs as much dragging belongs from pillar to post.
If you compare the fees other airlines charges for these services, as reported in this AP article, Southwest is still a cheaper option. The $75 charge or a pet seems like a bargain, although AirTran's fee is just $69 for one-way.The most expensive is Delta. The on-board pet can cost $150 to $277.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
johnmc Jun 2nd 2009 5:00PM
$75 Pet In Cabin and $25 UM fees are actually pretty cheap compared to the average.
Patty Jun 15th 2009 1:40PM
I am a dog fancier of small breeds. I know that in order to hold a specialty show at a hotel, or fly, or anything else that interfaces with the public comes with the obligation to be considerate and, like hiking or camping, it is best to leave "not a trace behind. I also know that some pet owners may be unaware of how to do all this. Withholding food and limiting water by keeping it to a minimum ensures the small pet will travel more comfortably. Ditto for exercising before flight time. Bathing before a flight will ensure that the minimum amount of dander will bother allergy prone folks around them. Having something to chew on calms many pets and also has the benefit of acting like chewing gum to equalize the pressure in their ears. If a dog is accustomed to a travel bag it becomes a home away from home and is of great comfort. Introducing this well before a trip and as a pup makes the process more predictable. Awareness of these issues will make the program more sucessful. Small dogs are the fastest growing segment in the dog world, especially among retirees and city dwellers. Adding cabin service for small animals is greatly appreciated.
Thank you SW!