what caused SW Airlines to do this?

[Grumpy's Gal]

I believe starting June 17, Southwest Airlines will allow small cats and dogs to be taken on the flight with you.

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/animals_faq.html?int=HOMEWNEW01000PETS090529

Are you kidding me? Where are the people who are allergic to cats and dogs suppose to fly? I already have some tickets purchased in advance and I am flying with one passenger who is EXTREMELY ALLERGIC to cats.

Anyone else have any info about this?

 

[boltfans]

Other airlines have allowed this for years, so I'm not sure what the big issue is?

FWIW, I also have a very bad cat allergy, but I have flown on planes with cats, one in my row in fact, and I was fine. The cat didn't really move the whole flight, so the amount of fur flying must have been very minimal as I was okay the whole time.

If you're near the cat and it's bothering you, you could just ask to be moved and I am sure you could be accomodated.

 

[momrek06]

I believe starting June 17, Southwest Airlines will allow small cats and dogs to be taken on the flight with you.

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/animals_faq.html?int=HOMEWNEW01000PETS090529

Are you kidding me? Where are the people who are allergic to cats and dogs suppose to fly? I already have some tickets purchased in advance and I am flying with one passenger who is EXTREMELY ALLERGIC to cats.

Anyone else have any info about this?

Many airlines do this already. My DS just flew from Boston to the OC with his cat. He flew Continental. The airlines have specific rules on how to travel with your pet. Very easy. DS actually wanted to fly SW but they did not allow animals AND now they will.

 

[taylor3297]

I used to fly with my cat all the time when he was sick with cancer and couldn't be left home alone. The animals have to stay in their airline approved carrier. Also, they only allow a few animals in the cabin. So it won't be like over loaded with animals. This way less chance for those who are allergic to be affected. If someone is highly allergic, they just need to make sure they let someone know and the will switch seats around.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Other airlines have allowed this for years, so I'm not sure what the big issue is?

FWIW, I also have a very bad cat allergy, but I have flown on planes with cats, one in my row in fact, and I was fine. The cat didn't really move the whole flight, so the amount of fur flying must have been very minimal as I was okay the whole time.

If you're near the cat and it's bothering you, you could just ask to be moved and I am sure you could be accomodated.

The big issue is that I have two people in my family who are REALLY allergic to cats -- one so much so that we have had to go to the emergency room. I guess we'll see if they will move us. And how many other cats are on board and if they seat them all near each other. It will be interesting how many people flew SW for this exact reason that they did not have cats on board. How many medical emergency landings will they have? Just curious.......

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Also, they only allow a few animals in the cabin. So it won't be like over loaded with animals.

from the SW webiste:

# Southwest Airlines allows only one pet carrier per ticketed Customer.

# The carrier may contain two (2) cats or dogs and must be of the same species per carrier.

There will be no more than five (5) scheduled pet carriers per scheduled flight. However, from time to time, circumstances may allow for more (or fewer) than five (5) pet carriers per scheduled flight.

SOOOOOOO, two pets per carrier, five carriers........ten pets. And may be more from time to time........

 

[Quacktatty]

I don't think it worth getting worked up over this. In 20 years of flying I've seen one cat and one dog - a German Shepard returning from an Army tour of duty - on a plane that I have been on.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

I don't think it worth getting worked up over this. .

I'll try not to get "worked up" the next time I am seated in the emergency room with my DD.......having an asthma attack due to cat dander.......

 

[taylor3297]

Of all the times I did travel with my cat, only other time was there another animal on board and it was a small dog. We were not put in the same row.

You really don't need to worry. Think about how many times you have flown and while waiting for your flight how many people had pet carriers with them?

 

[OctMtnWoods]

If other airlines have been doing this in the past, and people with allergies fly on the plane afterwards, say in the same seat, and don't have reactions, is the airline cleaning that seat really well after?

I HIGHLY doubt that! So perhaps the fact the cat is contained in the carrier, makes it not really a problem for people with allergies.

What do the allergy people do when I sit down next to them & I come from a cat home? Surely I have cat fur on my clothes.



If a person is THAT allergic, then they need to tell the flight crew so all precautions can be made. I've been on flights where peanuts were not served because someone on board had a terrible allergy. They served pretzels instead. The flight crew made announcement stating that was the reason.

 

[OctMtnWoods]

I'll try not to get "worked up" the next time I am seated in the emergency room with my DD.......having an asthma attack due to cat dander.......

If she's that bad, what do you do in life to prevent her from coming into contact with cat people? Does she have med she can take before or during?

 

[MAH4546]

It's just a sign of how much Southwest is struggling. Profits have dissapeared, revenue has collapsed and they continue to arrogantly refuse to institute baggage fees, so they need to open up new avenues for revenue generating.

Though Southwest was, until today, the only major airline not allowing non-service pets on board their planes. It's about time they caught up with everybody else. Pets are not cargo.

 

[taylor3297]

The cat is in the carrier and the carrier must be under the seat in front of you. The chances of coming in contact with the cat are very slim. You are more likely to come in contact with cat hair from someone who has it on their clothes like another poster mentioned.

 

[wvdisluv2]

It's just a sign of how much Southwest is struggling. Profits have dissapeared, revenue has collapsed and they continue to arrogantly refuse to institute baggage fees, so they need to open up new avenues for revenue generating.

Though Southwest was, until today, the only major airline not allowing non-service pets on board their planes. It's about time they caught up with everybody else. Pets are not cargo.

 

[RadioNate]

As someone who has flow with a cat, it isn't like they let the animals run all over the airplane. I think it was United or Delta I flew with my cat. He was in the carrier, under the seat, for the entire flight. Period.

I have asthma and I get that it is scary so make sure you have a rescue inhaler and don't sit near cats. Considering the only time I've been on a plane with a cat is when *I* brought the cat on board I really don't think airlines are overrun with cats. FWIW I've done 3 round trips this year and DH has done another 5 and he has never mentioned a pet on board.

Since he travels at least monthly on carriers that have always allowed pets I will ask him if pets on board is common. I really don't think it is.

I think SW was the only major carrier who DIDN'T allow it but maybe you can find someone else who doesn't and fly them???

 

[JessicaR]

I have severe allergies to pet dander. How can I be sure that there is no pet dander on my flight?

You will still be exposed to pet dander on every flight, even without any pets in the passenger cabin. This is because most allergens are carried into the cabin on the clothes of other passengers.

Then what should I do if I am allergic to pet dander, but I need to fly?

First, you can reduce the chance that there will be an animal in the cabin on your flight. You can fly on an airline that does not allow pets in the cabin. You can also ask the reservations agent for your airline if another passenger on the same flight has made reservations to travel with a pet. You should also check with your allergist or doctor before your trip to discuss travel related risks and ask if you should carry medications with you. If a reaction should occur during the flight, follow your doctor's treatment instructions and ask a flight attendant for assistance.
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_pets/cabin_pets/

You could see if there is another airline that flys pet free and I bet SW would refund you your $. Other than that SW has the right to implement anything they want and you have the right to not fly with them.

I know there are seats like exit seats and seats that don't have under seat storage that won't allow pets to be seated there. Maybe you can ask for those seats. Also when you get to the gate let them know you MUST be seated as far away from a pet as possible. The pets are contained in their small crates and not allowed out during the flight and stored under the seat, so how much dander is going to be coming from that crate?

I'm sure that you have saftey measures that you take now with your child should she come in contact and have a problem she has rescue meds right?

My son has severe asthma and allergies one of his triggers are cats, this doesnt worry me but I know everyones comfort level is different.

 

[ThurlFan]

Wow, some of you people are harsh. Do you tell people with peanut allergies to 'get over it' and not worry about the snacks they're handing out? Some quick facts:

* Asthma accounts for one-quarter of all emergency room visits in the U.S. each year, with 2 million emergency room visits.
* Each year, asthma accounts for more than 10 million outpatient visits and 500,000 hospitalizations.
* The average length of stay (LOS) for asthma hospitalizations is 3 days.
* Nearly half (44%) of all asthma hospitalizations are for children.
* Asthma is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization children.
*Asthma is the #1 cause of school absenteeism among children accounting for more than 14 million total missed days of school.

Even if it isn't life threatening, it can still ruin a vacation. I can see why losing the last pet-free major airline could be upsetting to someone. Had Southwest not made this change your precious Fluffy and Fido would still have options, but this person apparently now may not.

I have allergies myself (though thankfully not severe) and I understand that peoples' clothes and hair can also be a prime vector for animal-based allergens. But they've never affected me as strongly as the animals themselves.

Relax, people. She didn't say she wanted to kill your pets, she just would prefer not to fly with them. I can't understand why there's such a big fuss over THAT.

 

[ThurlFan]

Other than that SW has the right to implement anything they want and you have the right to not fly with them.

Or anyone else, apparently. I don't think it's a moral issue here, just a loss of choice. If there's not another pet-free carrier then what's a person in this situation to do? I live in the midwest and I'd sure rather fly to WDW than drive...

I know there are seats like exit seats and seats that don't have under seat storage that won't allow pets to be seated there. Maybe you can ask for those seats.

Except you have to be 16 to sit in those rows, I believe. Good thought, but if the child is 15 or younger this may not be an option.

You can also ask the reservations agent for your airline if another passenger on the same flight has made reservations to travel with a pet.

But what happens if they book after you? Will they notify you as soon as an animal is booked on the flight? Calling to check on this on the day of departure is too late to be of much use - you'd have to alter plans at the last minute and that's not right either.

 

[OK!]

It's just a sign of how much Southwest is struggling. Profits have dissapeared, revenue has collapsed and they continue to arrogantly refuse to institute baggage fees, so they need to open up new avenues for revenue generating.

If their "arrogance" saves me money, then call me selfish, 'cause I'm all for it.

 

[CookieDiva]

If their "arrogance" saves me money, then call me selfish, 'cause I'm all for it.

I love Southwest and would be willing to pay more to fly them since

1. They have more direct flights out of our airport than "larger" carriers.

2. They always use larger jets. No small jets with SW.

3. Roomy leather seats for everyone.

4. No extra charges for baggage. (Yet.)

5. Fun, friendly, helpful employees.

6. So easy to and no extra charge to change ticket prices, itineraries, etc.

LUV SW Airlines!

I hope that the OP finds that SW's policy on carrying pets does not cause her DD problems. Sometimes it is the unknown that causes more concern than reality.