News from about a month ago was that a pet only airline was starting up, but the news was tinged with doubt. (“Who are these people, they got nothin’, a little less talk and a little more action”, etc.) So we waited to see if it really materialized. Now today, news announcements say that ........ Big Fur Will Now Fly!
“Pet Airways will start out in five cities — Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Chicago and Denver. The animals will fly on Beechcraft planes… (Alysa) Binder tells Renee Montagne. All the people comforts have been torn out and reconfigured with pet carriers. There are sections for cats and dogs, but there's no first class.
(see: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104038148)
This represents a big leap for dogs and cats over 15 lbs, as well as for incurable barkers and mewers. True, the current flight plans limit travelers to the most major business hubs of the USA, but it is a start. LA is a fab pet destination (Raja considers himself to be a west coast dog actually), New York is the most dog friendly town in the US, Washington has the marvelous grassy mall, Chicago is the site of one of the biggest pet product shows annually (the Backers Show), and Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains for skiing and hiking (Vail is just a 2 hour drive, up up up).
I must admit, when I write about flying on this blog, usually, I’m talking about small dogs under the seat in cabin and I feel a little guilty. But if Pet Airways gets underway, I’m going to feel a lot better. Next time, we’re going to talk about big dogs in Vail, Colorado to inspire pet owners to think of flying to the big peaks with the big pups this upcoming snow season.
Up, Up and AWAY!