what caused SW Airlines to do this?

[JessicaR]

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...

What did they do prior to SWA? They make choices they are comfortable with, thats about all they can do.

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

It was just a suggestion, a possible option.

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.

This one you'll have to ask the FAA it was quoted from their site.

All I can say for certain is that for me and mine I am not alarmed by this. My child has safety measures and rescue medications in place should he have an episode and that can happen anywhere. If I wasn't comfortable I would not fly.
I am not belittling anyone's feelings on this and I actually took the time to make suggestions. It all comes down to being prepared and being comfortable with the choices you make.

 

[ThurlFan]

Jessica, I thought your response was level-headed and not rude. That's why I addressed it in a separate post. Sorry if that was not clear

As far as before SW, well the airline has been around for a while now, and is probably older than the child in question. Not sure if their policy has always been the same up to now.

 

[OK!]

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.

Ditto to all of the above.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

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?

We have medications both for maintenance and for severe attacks. You can't prevent all contact with cat people obviously, but Southwest at least gave us the option of reduced contact with the pets themselves. And unless the carrier is hermetically sealed (not good for the occupant) you can't really say they're not bringing any dander on board. And the dander is what causes the problem, not the fur. Some people don't understand it's not the same thing. Cat hair on a coat is not a huge source of actual dander - it's just unsightly.

And thanks JessicaR for the link and suggestions, though most aren't useful for me. Yes, she is a CHILD and may not sit in an exit row to avoid pet carriers.

Thanks for posting the asthma facts, Thurlfan. Unfortunately much too familiar with them at our house

PS: I think some of you are thinking of Midwest airlines with the leather seats

 

[JessicaR]

We have medications both for maintenance and for severe attacks. You can't prevent all contact with cat people obviously, but Southwest at least gave us the option of reduced contact with the pets themselves. And unless the carrier is hermetically sealed (not good for the occupant) you can't really say they're not bringing any dander on board. And the dander is what causes the problem, not the fur. Some people don't understand it's not the same thing. Cat hair on a coat is not a huge source of actual dander - it's just unsightly.

And thanks JessicaR for the link and suggestions, though most aren't useful for me. Yes, she is a CHILD and may not sit in an exit row to avoid pet carriers.

Thanks for posting the asthma facts, Thurlfan. Unfortunately much too familiar with them at our house

PS: I think some of you are thinking of Midwest airlines with the leather seats

I suspect nothing mentioned here short of SW changing their mind would be useful to you.

 

[CookieDiva]

PS: I think some of you are thinking of Midwest airlines with the leather seats

Perhaps some might be, but I know that I am not. I have never flown on Midwest. I have only flown USAir and SW and I can assure you, USAir does not have leather in Coach (the only "level" we fly.)

 

[RainbowBrite]

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.

I completely understand about bad asthma. Mine is pretty bad. So is my wife's. She had to go to the ER at 3 AM this past winter because she couldn't breathe. However, we have 2 cats and we are fine. I don't think a cat in a carrier under a seat would be a huge problem.

 

[JessicaR]

Perhaps some might be, but I know that I am not. I have never flown on Midwest. I have only flown USAir and SW and I can assure you, USAir does not have leather in Coach (the only "level" we fly.)

You are of course correct.
"Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with premium all leather seats and plenty of legroom."
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=92562&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=991599&highlight=

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

I completely understand about bad asthma. Mine is pretty bad. So is my wife's. She had to go to the ER at 3 AM this past winter because she couldn't breathe. However, we have 2 cats and we are fine. I don't think a cat in a carrier under a seat would be a huge problem.

It may be true that the likelihood is small. But it was smaller still without the cat on board. And I will add, not all asthmatics are allergic to cats. Not all people who are allergic to cats have asthma. My DD is BOTH asthmatic and highly allergic to cats.

I am sorry about your wife -- I know all too well about the can't breathing situation and I wish her the best. It's a scary situation to be in.

 

[toledo13]

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?

As long as they're quiet, and cute, I don't mind it...

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

You are of course correct.
"Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with premium all leather seats and plenty of legroom."
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=92562&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=991599&highlight=

And here I thought SW was using vinyl or something to save some bucks

Midwest does beat you over the head about their leather seats in their advertising...that and those cookies!

 

[CookieDiva]

It may be true that the likelihood is small. But it was smaller still without the cat on board.

Absolutely true. I am sure that this is a frustration for you. I know that you will do the best thing for the safety of your family and that you find a satisfactory way to do so.

Best of luck to you. You will have to let us know what you decide to do and how things go for you when you travel.

 

[CookieDiva]

And here I thought SW was using vinyl or something to save some bucks

Midwest does beat you over the head about their leather seats in their advertising...that and those cookies!

I guess I missed the humor in your OP regarding Midwest. I have never seen any advertisement for them. (They do not fly out of our airport.) Sorry.

 

[SandrA9810]

I know of some one who can't even walk into a house that a cat has been in without getting a severe reaction to the dander in the air.

I think they'd take the same precautions as they would with a person with severe peanut allergies. And I've never seen a cat or animal on any plane I've flown.

It's not an every day thing... most people like keeping thier pets at home with a sitter. Except for those few who will be traveling for a long time.
You got to remember that most people fly for vacation purposes... and well not many vacation spots allow pets to come along. Think about it, you and practically every one on that flight is probably coming to orlando for either business or theme parks.

If the medical condition is severe enough, I'm sure the airline will do something about it... maybe even move you up to first class so you're not in the same cabin area. Most companies are not going to put you in medical danger... I mean think of how hard it is to do an emergancy landing for them, and the amount of money it would cost them. And show up extra early to know for sure that there will be no pets on board.


You're really getting worked up over nothing.

 

[CookieDiva]

If the medical condition is severe enough, I'm sure the airline will do something about it... maybe even move you up to first class so you're not in the same cabin area.

Well, if we are talking about SW, they do not have a first class section.

Most companies are not going to put you in medical danger...

And I agree with this. Particularly a company like SW who is so customer friendly. I would think that a company would do whatever it could to keep its passengers safe, happy, and wanting to use them again.

 

[Aimeedyan]

In all my years of flying, I've never flown on a plane with an animal onboard (that I noticed). And I have a severe allergy to cats, also one that will land me in the ER. Never been a problem.

I honestly don't think this is worth a panic attack. When you fly, you ask at the counter if a cat is onboard and how they will handle an allergy. Problem solved. *shrug*

 

[Aisling]

I'm wondering, has anyone flown next to someone who had cat (or dog) hair all over their clothes, and they even smelled like their cat or dog? I don't have allergies, but I often find myself close to people with pet hair on them.

To the people with allergies, does pet hair on people aggravate your allergies?

 

[disykat]

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? .

I'm guessing you're not around much? They say much worse than that!

Unfortunately, in my family we have peanut allergies, animal allergies, and perfume allergies. So far, the perfume has been the biggest issue simply because it's most prevalent on airplanes. We have managed to fly without too many issues though AND without inconveniencing anyone else.

I think you just have to do your best, talk to the airlines, etc. Search for the airlines whose policy BEST fits your needs even though it isn't perfect. (Though don't make my mistake and ask any questions HERE in your research!) Try going on some allergy websites for suggestions. The DIS isn't the most allergy friendly site!

 

[MelanieC]

This has been going on forever already on other airlines. Honestly, there isn't many animals on flights in the cabin. It's more rare than commonplace.

 

[MelanieC]

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.

Amen- I love SWA!

Also for the peanut allergies. If you have severe allergies to peanuts, let SWA or any other airline know and they will make it a NO PEANUT flight. I've been on flights like this when there was a highly allergic child on board. You have to let the airlines know ahead of time. They take all peanuts off the plane or anything with nuts and they make an announcement that it's a no peanut flight and not to eat anything with peanuts.