Severe cat allergy- cats allowed on plane!!

[goofy4tink]

I know personally, that when I went to the Blue Man group, and sat in the front row, I had a severe allergic reaction to the latex paint that they use. When I went at another time, I was more towards the back, and I had no problems. I guess it is all relative.

Oh great...now we have opened the latex can. Do you realize there are actually guests, at WDW, that have tried to get Disney to stop selling latex balloons because of their sensitivity???
Where does it all stop???

 

[RachelRuth]

I can't exactly drive to Germany when we PCS out there, and the airlines state the they won't take pets in the hold below a certain temp. I guess you'd just like me to give my cats to an animal shelter and forget about them? Heck no, my cats are coming on the plane with us. We'll be travelling on the governments dollar, so the extra money for the cats doesn't affect me, and if we get bumped, we get bumped. As long as we make it there before DH has to check in so be it, but I'm not leaving my furkids behind.

Same sort of situation here. We're PCSing from Hawaii to North Carolina in August, and there's no way I'm giving my cat to a shelter..he will be on that plane...all 12 1/2 hours of travel time. And getting bumped would not be ideal with us, because almost every other flight is 14 hours plus. Quite frankly, the cat will probably be more stressed than any passengers (aside from the chance that someone has a severe allergy). I've done my research, paid for his spot on the plane, and if you're a person with a serious allergy, I expect you to do your research as well. I'll ask everyone around me on the plane if there is an issue with cat so that someone can be moved if necessary, and I'll have a puppy pad with shredded newspaper so that I can quickly clean up messes. I'm going to try to do everything I can because I don't want myself, my cat, or other passengers to have an unpleasant flight.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

When we moved from Hawaii the cat was transported in her crate in a pressurized baggage compartment with the other animals. She was perfectly fine not sitting under the seat in front of me. I don't know about the other animals below, including the 2 million sterile fruit flies being flown to eradicate an infestation somewhere. And, as far as I know, none of them were allergic to her

They're CATS, for crying out loud. Cats can live for weeks inside abandoned semis, major appliances and the wheel wells of commuter aircraft unnoticed, unfed and unpampered. The Incredible Journey could not have been told if not for the cat.

 

[bavaria]

As I said before though..I wouldn't ask for the cat to be removed from the plane but that I be moved as far away as possible.

But you are calling the airline in advance, and having them make the notation, right? That way they cannot sell a ticket to anyone with a pet, and they won't have to unblock the seat of another passenger at the last minute.

Very often that seat 'as far away as possible' from anything is the one I have chosen, and I have and do get moved at the last minute, often requiring that I deplane and take a later flight.

There is a very ugly but popular game called something like 'my disability is worse than your disability'. (or variants such as 'my problem is worse than your problem' or 'my issue is bigger than your issue') That is a game I certainly never want to win, or even come in the running for a medal. But it seems to be quite in fashion these days. We would all do well to remember that most people have some kind of burden to bear, and we don't know what that may be. Courtesy and respect go two ways.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

When we moved from Hawaii the cat was transported in her crate in a pressurized baggage compartment with the other animals. She was perfectly fine not sitting under the seat in front of me. I don't know about the other animals below, including the 2 million sterile fruit flies being flown to eradicate an infestation somewhere. And, as far as I know, none of them were allergic to her

They're CATS, for crying out loud. Cats can live for weeks inside abandoned semis, major appliances and the wheel wells of commuter aircraft unnoticed, unfed and unpampered. The Incredible Journey could not have been told if not for the cat.

Not all flights are the same and airlines can and do sometimes restrict animals from being placed into cargo holds because of temperatures on the tarmac or ambient temperatures.

The said, I would NEVER stick my dog in the cargo hold. It would stress her out. I have no issues paying for her fee or even a seat for her if necessary (she's 8 lbs), but I wouldn't entrust her with someone else or to be pushed around outside.

I am sure I am not alone in this opinion (as seen in this thread) and it goes beyond just cats as you mentioned.

Do I think the airlines could do a better job in notifying people when a ticket is purchased that a pet has already been booked, yes. I don't think though the airline needs to go out of its way to inform people that it is a possible scenario and to indicate allergies at time of purchase if a ticket has not yet been purchase. I say that because people will overract (studies have proven this theory) and everyone will be jumping the gun.

If someone feels though that they have an extreme allergy, they should be required to notify the airline through a secondary means outside of the purchase of the ticket.

 

[bavaria]

Here is an interesting read. Note that many US carriers DO want to be advised of an allergy in advance, and DO NOT make announcements.

http://www.allergicliving.com/documents/airlines.asp

 

[Belle102498]

Oh great...now we have opened the latex can. Do you realize there are actually guests, at WDW, that have tried to get Disney to stop selling latex balloons because of their sensitivity???
Where does it all stop???

Sorry bout that. Although I do understand the issue with balloons, and bananas, and avacados, and paint, and gumbands And I do have MAJOR issues with the balloons. I just avoid them. If I see them coming, I move FAR away

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I know you're not alone in that opinion. Everyone loves his or her pet. I get that. It doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of flights where pets can travel with cargo. What's so ironic is that the show dogs (constantly babied and pampered and certainly worth more $$$ and probably just as loved as your own pet) generally fly in crates in the pressurized cargo hold. Personally, I've never seen ANY pet under a seat that looked any happier to be there than in cargo. I love my dog to death, but I wouldn't dream of letting him on an aircraft for any reason... even if he is hypoallergenic

As far as notifying passengers about possible pet allergy issues. The onus certainly has to be placed on the allergic passenger to inquire about any pets already scheduled to fly in the cabin on that flight. The allergic passenger can then choose to fly or find another flight. Granted, animals could be on the next flight, as well and what's to stop another passenger from booking passage for fluffy afterward? None. For $160 roundtrip you cannot dictate to the airline that they may or may not accept pets (up to their established maximum per flight).

Not all flights are the same and airlines can and do sometimes restrict animals from being placed into cargo holds because of temperatures on the tarmac or ambient temperatures.

The said, I would NEVER stick my dog in the cargo hold. It would stress her out. I have no issues paying for her fee or even a seat for her if necessary (she's 8 lbs), but I wouldn't entrust her with someone else or to be pushed around outside.

I am sure I am not alone in this opinion (as seen in this thread) and it goes beyond just cats as you mentioned.

Do I think the airlines could do a better job in notifying people when a ticket is purchased that a pet has already been booked, yes. I don't think though the airline needs to go out of its way to inform people that it is a possible scenario and to indicate allergies at time of purchase if a ticket has not yet been purchase. I say that because people will overract (studies have proven this theory) and everyone will be jumping the gun.

If someone feels though that they have an extreme allergy, they should be required to notify the airline through a secondary means outside of the purchase of the ticket.

 

[MAH4546]

Personally, I've never seen ANY pet under a seat that looked any happier to be there than in cargo.

Yeah, I guess pets don't care about the fact that the cargo hold is not climate controlled.

There's a reason most airlines ban pet travel as cargo during hot weather.

Pets aren't cargo, and all pets should be allowed to ride in the passenger compartment just like large service dogs do, in my opinion.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

There are relatively few limitations to the transport of pets in pressurized cargo holds, even in the summer, and plenty are climate controlled.

As far as all pets being allowed to ride in the passenger compartment (even if they bring their own peanut snacks) - when you start your own airline you are certainly free to offer your paying passengers that option. I shudder at the thought, however...

Yeah, I guess pets don't care about the fact that the cargo hold is not climate controlled.

There's a reason most airlines ban pet travel as cargo during hot weather.

Pets aren't cargo, and all pets should be allowed to ride in the passenger compartment just like large service dogs do, in my opinion.

 

[MAH4546]

There are relatively few limitations to the transport of pets in pressurized cargo holds, even in the summer, and plenty are climate controlled.

That's simply wrong.

Many airlines ban all pet travel during hot weather. Delta, for example, bans pet travel in the cargo hold between May 15 and Septmeber 15. It is too hot in the cargo hold - in which the climate control is of no real help - and pets die. In the winter, it gets very cold, although its survivable.

http://www.wisegeek.com/why-do-anim...hat-pets-fly-in-the-cabin-of-a-plane-only.htm

 

[Sleepy]

This is the problem my friends recently encountered last week. They had 2 dogs and were due to transfer (military). The military flight told them last minute there was no room for the dogs, so they had to go commercial. Being end of May, they were not even sure of they could get the dogs Stateside due to airline restriction of animals during hot weather. Had they known a few weeks before and flown then, it would not have been an issue, but end of May timeframe meant many airlines stopped accepting pets on flights. Luckily, United was able to get them home, but temperature was an issue.

 

[kaytieeldr]

There are relatively few limitations to the transport of pets in pressurized cargo holds, even in the summer, and plenty are climate controlled.

That's simply wrong. <snip> http://www.wisegeek.com/why-do-anima...plane-only.htm

Then it would probably behoove owners of pets above a certain size to heed the first piece of advice in the linked article

If your animal is too large to fit in the cabin, you may want to consider an alternate mode of transportation instead of flying with pets.

I can't see anywhere in that article that even suggests pets of all sizes should be allowed in the cabin. Instead, it recommends alternative methods of transporting pets.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

What's so ironic is that the show dogs (constantly babied and pampered and certainly worth more $$$ and probably just as loved as your own pet) generally fly in crates in the pressurized cargo hold. Personally, I've never seen ANY pet under a seat that looked any happier to be there than in cargo. I love my dog to death, but I wouldn't dream of letting him on an aircraft for any reason... even if he is hypoallergenic

I think there are two issues here, the first is that there are dogs (and other animals) that are too large to be in the cabin. In my case my dog is 8 lbs and will fit under the seat in her carrier (or even in the overhead bins on most planes if I actually tried - shudder).

The second is some dogs are more sensitive to abandonment then others. Mine does fine in surroundings she knows, but in an unfamiliar place, if she is not near one of her owners she becomes very uneasy, if you've never seen a dog cry before, its a sad, sad face...watering eyes dripping down the face.

You may feel that you wouldn't take your pet on a plane, but that is YOUR choice. If the airlines allow this service, then, I as a customer have the right to utilize it.

 

[goofy4tink]

Sorry bout that. Although I do understand the issue with balloons, and bananas, and avacados, and paint, and gumbands And I do have MAJOR issues with the balloons. I just avoid them. If I see them coming, I move FAR away

Ah, the voice of reason and common sense!!! Thanks.

Yeah, I guess pets don't care about the fact that the cargo hold is not climate controlled.

There's a reason most airlines ban pet travel as cargo during hot weather.

Pets aren't cargo, and all pets should be allowed to ride in the passenger compartment just like large service dogs do, in my opinion.

I have been told that the majority of cargo holds are climate controlled. And this is from my dog breeder. They send dogs around the country, both for stud purposes, getting to and from shows, as well as the delivery of puppies.
The issue is the time spent sitting on the tarmac. It can get very hot or very cold out there...depending on the season.
Why in God's name would someone ship a dog worth $2000 in an unsafe environment???? Is it perfect? No, not by a longshot. But many dogs fly in the cargo hold with no consequences at all. Some airlines are better than others and it would seem that those more experienced in the moving of dogs, cross country, know which airlines to use.

 

[DisneyWalker44]

Why in God's name would someone ship a dog worth $2000 in an unsafe environment????

Because they have to get their product to market and that's their only option. If some of their product is damaged in shipping - oh well, charge more for the next one.

Yes, there are lots of good dog breeders out there. But many are inhumane monsters. "Dog breeders are willing to ship dogs in cargo holds, so it must be OK" is possibly the worst possible argument I could think of.

 

[Disneyhappy]

This thread was an interesting read. I fly mostly SW when I travel to Fl so I was happy when they announced they will accept pets. I have a 5 pound Yorkie that I can take when I visit my family in FL or when I stay at Universal Loew's hotels. I let it up to the airlines as to how they regulate pets and allergies and will follow whatever rules they have set up. I don't think I would ever send my dog cargo only because of the one experience we had about 10 years ago when I flew my mother's poodle to her in cargo as we could not have the dog in the cabin with us. When we finally got the dog, she was so lethargic, she could barely stand up and was not the least bit happy to see my parents which was extremely odd. We took her to the vet immediately. On the way, she drank so much water. The more she drank, the more she perked up. She was much better by the time we got to the vet who said that the cargo area was too warm causing her to overheat and dehydrate. I do not read or hear about animals dying in cargo so I assume it must be rare. Still, that one experience is the only one I have to go by and it makes me very hesitant to send a my pet in cargo. I also know my dog will be much more comfortable under the seat with me next to her to comfort her than she would be in a cargo area all by herself.

 

[goofy4tink]

Because they have to get their product to market and that's their only option. If some of their product is damaged in shipping - oh well, charge more for the next one.

Yes, there are lots of good dog breeders out there. But many are inhumane monsters. "Dog breeders are willing to ship dogs in cargo holds, so it must be OK" is possibly the worst possible argument I could think of.

Going off topic just a wee bit. I have done business with dog breeders for years. I use very good breeders...yes, there are monsters out there. But someone who is considered a 'good breeder' is doing it for all the right reasons...I'm not going into the definition here. My breeder will not sell her dogs to just anyone with a check in hand. She still calls me, 9 years after we got our dog, to see how things are going, and how the dog is. She ships dogs to shows.
I know someone in rescue...they rescued a ton of dogs from Katrina destroyed areas. They used cargo holds to ship the dogs....they know the rules, they know the situation. They adjust accordingly.

To say that only those 'monster breeders' ship dogs in the cargo hold is irresponsible. Will I ship my dog in cargo? No. But that is my choice. I can't imagine how frightened an animal would be down there, in a cage, with all that unfamilier noise and commotion. But that is MY choice. If I had to get somewhere, with my animal, and that animal wasn't allowed to fly with me, in the cabin, then I wouldn't fly. Again, that is my choice. Others are very comfortable putting their animals in cargo. I'm not worried about harm coming to my pet..it's just not going to be a great experience for him. I also won't send my child on a flight by herself either. Well, not when she was younger. Maybe now at 15, but not when she was 8. But, others do it and that works for them.

This is getting to be a silly argument. Those with severe allergies should plan accordingly. Bavaria posted a very informative link that lets us know what the various airlines do about different allergens. If you feel your life is going to be impacted by the actions of strangers, then perhaps you may want to make different travel arrangements.

 

[goofy4tink]

This thread was an interesting read. I fly mostly SW when I travel to Fl so I was happy when they announced they will accept pets. I have a 5 pound Yorkie that I can take when I visit my family in FL or when I stay at Universal Loew's hotels. I let it up to the airlines as to how they regulate pets and allergies and will follow whatever rules they have set up. I don't think I would ever send my dog cargo only because of the one experience we had about 10 years ago when I flew my mother's poodle to her in cargo as we could not have the dog in the cabin with us. When we finally got the dog, she was so lethargic, she could barely stand up and was not the least bit happy to see my parents which was extremely odd. We took her to the vet immediately. On the way, she drank so much water. The more she drank, the more she perked up. She was much better by the time we got to the vet who said that the cargo area was too warm causing her to overheat and dehydrate. I do not read or hear about animals dying in cargo so I assume it must be rare. Still, that one experience is the only one I have to go by and it makes me very hesitant to send a my pet in cargo. I also know my dog will be much more comfortable under the seat with me next to her to comfort her than she would be in a cargo area all by herself.

You have to figure that you need to get the pet to the proper area, at the airport, about 3 hrs before the flight. At least that's what it was when I was flying my ds's cat down to him. Add to that the time it takes to get to the airport...so now we're at about 4 hrs in a carrier, with no food or water. The animal can sit on the tarmac for awhile, before being put in the cargo hold..more time out in the elements without water. Then, the time of the flight...could be well over 3 hrs. Then the time it takes you to get the animal in your possesion at the end of the flight. That dog/cat may have been without water for well over 8+ hrs. And when they get nervous or upset, they pant, which means more loss of fluids.
Yes, there are going to be situations where an animal must be put in cargo...happens all the time. But there is a lot of planning to be done beforehand. It isn't as simple as it sounds...as you now know.

 

[Day-Day]

That's simply wrong.

Many airlines ban all pet travel during hot weather. Delta, for example, bans pet travel in the cargo hold between May 15 and Septmeber 15. It is too hot in the cargo hold - in which the climate control is of no real help - and pets die. In the winter, it gets very cold, although its survivable.

http://www.wisegeek.com/why-do-anim...hat-pets-fly-in-the-cabin-of-a-plane-only.htm

According to Delta's website, pets may still be shipped as cargo during this time period, just not handled as checked baggage.