I do not work for the airlines, but I am a Federal Investigator that works often with Customs,TSA and other federal entities in and on airport property. The review from Tammy and the hassle she had flying her dogs can be absolutely true. It is a big hassle! HOWEVER, as with most issues there are two sides. On average, I've investigated two dog deaths a year that occured in flight. The airline has Federal Regulations to check and follow when flying an animal. It should come as no surprise to anyone the paperwork involved in order to comply with Federal Regulations to fly an animal. Airline employees checking in an animal for a flight can take twice as long as a human passenger. They take extra time because your animals are in their care and it is a resposibility most airline employees take very seriously; from the ticket agent to the cargo handler. Remember the same people that checked your animal in may be the one that has to inform you it died en route for unknown reasons. If something like this happens YOU will blame the airline. It is my opinion that it is a risk to fly your animals. Animals are not people they are put in cold cargo holds and can escape carriers among other issues. For those that say they have done it for 20 years without incident it only takes once. I do not know what happened with Tammy, but I have been present when a young airline employee had to tell the owner their beloved pet did not survive the flight. As far as rating the best airline, travel by air is miserable these days for everyone. Is a courteous smile really going to make it better when you get crammed in a seat or hit in the head with luggage. I am a frequent flyer and I smile all the time.

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