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Pets Travel 'Fur-st Class' With New Airline Program
Pets can travel a number of ways on a variety of airlines. Most accept them as a carry-on, some allow them as a checked bag and others allow pets to be shipped as cargo. Up until now, the process was to get a health certificate for the pet, book the flight, bring the pet and that was about it. Now, a new program has partnered a major airline with a leading veterinary practice to add a pre-flight program that promises to improve the whole experience.Partnering with 800-hospital strong Banfield Pet Hospital, Alaska Air customers traveling with or shipping their pets in its new "Fur-st Class Care" service, get a free office visit, travel consultation and $10 discount on the health certificate required for all pets traveling in the cabin, as baggage or as air cargo.
"We know pets play an important role in our lives and we share Alaska's commitment to fostering the human-pet bond by being one of the leading airlines for pet travel," said Dr. Karen Johnson, vice president and client advocate for Banfield Pet Hospital. "When it comes to pets, there is nothing more important than ensuring their health and safety whether at home or on a trip. We're proud to partner with such a well-respected organization that has a great track record of pet safety during travel."
After completing the pre-flight program, Alaska Airlines allows passengers to travel with their pets in the cabin as part of its "Fur-st Class Care" service. The airline also offers "PetStreak Animal Express" service for shipping animals via air freight in a safe and caring environment when their owner isn't traveling with them.
"Alaska is one of few airlines that still welcomes pets onboard – both in the cabin and the cargo hold – and we're committed to pet care and safety," said Torque Zubeck, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo. Alaska Airlines employees receive specialized training in safely transporting pets and now exceed government guidelines by implementing new, safer kennel standards for animals traveling in the airplane hold starting in May.
[Flickr photo by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI)]
"Alaska is one of few airlines that still welcomes pets onboard – both in the cabin and the cargo hold – and we're committed to pet care and safety," said Torque Zubeck, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo. Alaska Airlines employees receive specialized training in safely transporting pets and now exceed government guidelines by implementing new, safer kennel standards for animals traveling in the airplane hold starting in May.
Alaska Airlines should know what they are talking about. The airline, named most pet-friendly by Smarter Traveler, flew nearly 83,000 pets throughout its route system last year.
[Flickr photo by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI)]
Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TInna Apr 10th 2012 11:25PM
OOH! What fun! Just a clip and my African Grey and I can have the window seat and watch the world slip away beneath a pair of airplane wings! Never flown alaska before I guess I will have to try it now especially if they let me have a clipped bird.
Merrie Britt Apr 10th 2012 9:27PM
I didn't see Alaska Air coming but kudos to them! All other airlines should take notes! Go Alaska Air!
Juliefpc Apr 11th 2012 12:45AM
This is definitely overdue! As a travel agent, as well as a dog owner/lover, you can bet I will following this closely and of course recommend Alaska Airlines to my clients who need this type of service. As an aside, I have booked many many flights for clients on Alaska Air and have had nothing but kudos and praise for their service and timeliness.
Anne Apr 11th 2012 3:30AM
Where is the information on cats? This Dave character acts as if only dogs are the only pets. Poo poo poo on him.