Not WDW related but a transportation question....

[goofy4tink]

We have to get my son't cat to Tampa Bay from Boston in September. His driving the cat with him is not an option. Where he will be staying while he gets his own place does not allow cats....very allergic roommate. So, the options are flying the cat by herself as cargo, flying down with the cat as carry-on or using an overland shuttle service that would take up to 3 days. This cat is extremely timid and stand-offish so we are afraid the overland route would be too long. Not so sure about flying with her as carry-on. I can't imagine having to sit near a yowling cat for 3 hours. I don't think that's fair to the other passengers. Have any of you had any experience in flying a cat cargo? The websites all say it is safe and fine but I wonder if there are any cases of the airport people messing with the animals. Any thoughts would be most gratefully accepted. We are at our wits end over this. Thanks.

 

[seashoreCM]

I am guessing that most people bring the cat on board and put the cage under a seat. There is usually a surcharge and you have to tell the airline in advance.

Some airlines have seasonal restrictions on pets in checked baggage (Don't know why since at 35,000 feet the air temp is the same below zero all year long) and also a surcharge and y o have to tell the airline in advance.

Take some trips in a car with the cat in the cage covered by a blanket. This will give you an idea of how well the cat travels.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[dcandmc]

Eleven years ago my girlfriend (now wife) flew her cat across the country as unaccompanied baggage. There were no problems (at least as far as we were concerned- the cat probably had a different perspective). The airline required a specific type of animal carrier and a small supply of cat food in case there were any extended delays. We also got a kitty sedative from a vet to dope up the cat before the trip. Unfortunately, the cat didn't qualify for any frequent flyer miles. The cargo holds are heated, but I think that seasonal temperature restrictions have to do with temperatures on the ramp as cargo/bags are being transferred or loaded.

 

[goldcupmom]

My daughter's cat came to us in KS from a breeder in FL as cargo. Everything was fine. In Oct I bought a yorkie from Miami and it was sent to us in NM as Cargo and she also did well.

I think either take the cat, sedated by vet perhaps, as a carryon, or cargo . Either would be fine. VERY stressful for the owners, but the animals tend to do well.

Good Luck!