what caused SW Airlines to do this?

[snarlingcoyote]

While Animals are fairly rare, honestly, frequent fliers who travel with their pets are generally so low-key about it most of the passengers don't notice.

Think about it: Your pet is in his/her sherpa carrier - which looks pretty much a standard tote bag and fits perfectly under the seat. You've given your pet travel medicine (we call this Kitty Valium in our house, YMMV) so the pet is sleepy and quiet. You're a frequent flier so you get to board first, before the riff-raff. You board choosing a seat towards the front or maybe in First, the carrier goes under your seat, your pet sleeps through the trip, you get off.

Most people don't know.

EOS.

I wasn't aware that some people's pet allergies were so serious as to be life-threatening. I know several folks with allergies to cat dander, and they do swell up or break out, but it's not life threatening to any of them, just horrifically uncomfortable. I suppose it's likely a matter of degree. . .

Still. That must be horribly limiting - so many people have pets and walk around with pet dander on their person and clothes. (Myself included.) How do you manage?

 

[pearlieq]

they continue to arrogantly refuse to institute baggage fees

Huh???

I don't get how a business decision like that could be called arrogant. SWA operates on a different model than most legacy carriers, and while they're feeling the pinch in this economy, they're leaps and bounds ahead of other carriers.

Baggage fees and other nickle-and-diming alienates customers. I won't touch a legacy carrier with a 10 foot pole. I spend my money with SWA because I appreciate the entire experience, including the lack of extra fees. That's just good business, and there's enough of us that agree to keep them going pretty strong, considering the global situation.

 

[The Orchid]

Yes, allergies to cats can be life threatening. I developed asthma to cats and to dogs while I was pregnant. Never had the asthma before and was as much a skeptic as many of the posters here are. I was in and out of the hospital with severe asthma and hooked up to machines for months before they realized I had developed an allergy to cats and dogs. I would go to the ER, get admitted, finally start breathing normally and within hours or even minutes of going home I'd be in a crisis again. We had to find new homes for our animals (and yes, I know many people feel that humans should die before getting rid of "furry family members" but since I had a child coming I didn't feel that was an option as she needed a mother).

However, that aside, I will say this; I've flown many, many times and only encountered animals on a plane a few times. Twice they were nowhere near me and I was fine. One time, unfortunately, the dog was next to me and was rather hyper (I guess the meds didn't work). It barked and thrashed about the entire time. By the time I landed I was in pretty big trouble and ended up in a hospital. The asthma turned to bronchitis (common for me) and ruined my vacation. The people with the dog thought it was utterly hilarious that muffy "gave me the sneezies." God, sometimes I truly want to smack the foolish ignorance out of people.

All the problems with animal travel verses the needs of asthmatics could be easily resolved, by the way. For air travel, why not reserve the last five or six rows in the plane for people traveling with animal friends? And for hotels that are becoming increasingly animal friendly (which makes it HARD for people allergic to animals to enjoy vacations) why not make specific rooms that are animal friendly? Why does EVERY seat in a plane and EVERY room in a hotel have to accommodate animals?

Compromise people. Both sides. The world is nicer when everybody tries to consider the problems of their brothers and sisters. Oftentimes the solutions are quite simple if everybody could just compromise.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Yes, allergies to cats can be life threatening. I developed asthma to cats and to dogs while I was pregnant. Never had the asthma before and was as much a skeptic as many of the posters here are. I was in and out of the hospital with severe asthma and hooked up to machines for months before they realized I had developed an allergy to cats and dogs. I would go to the ER, get admitted, finally start breathing normally and within hours or even minutes of going home I'd be in a crisis again. We had to find new homes for our animals (and yes, I know many people feel that humans should die before getting rid of "furry family members" but since I had a child coming I didn't feel that was an option as she needed a mother).

However, that aside, I will say this; I've flown many, many times and only encountered animals on a plane a few times. Twice they were nowhere near me and I was fine. One time, unfortunately, the dog was next to me and was rather hyper (I guess the meds didn't work). It barked and thrashed about the entire time. By the time I landed I was in pretty big trouble and ended up in a hospital. The asthma turned to bronchitis (common for me) and ruined my vacation. The people with the dog thought it was utterly hilarious that muffy "gave me the sneezies." God, sometimes I truly want to smack the foolish ignorance out of people.

All the problems with animal travel verses the needs of asthmatics could be easily resolved, by the way. For air travel, why not reserve the last five or six rows in the plane for people traveling with animal friends? And for hotels that are becoming increasingly animal friendly (which makes it HARD for people allergic to animals to enjoy vacations) why not make specific rooms that are animal friendly? Why does EVERY seat in a plane and EVERY room in a hotel have to accommodate animals?

Compromise people. Both sides. The world is nicer when everybody tries to consider the problems of their brothers and sisters. Oftentimes the solutions are quite simple if everybody could just compromise.

Well. . .I suspect the airlines would balk at the LAST 5 rows. The FIRST 5 maybe. . .see, the last rows are the least desirable and the folks who fly with pets that you've never noticed flying with pets? Wouldn't fly on an airline where they were stuck in the last 5 rows. And they're generally moneymakers for the airlines.

As for the poor pooch - his owners obviously were mildly delusional and probably don't travel much. Next time you're seated next to a pet, you should speak up IMMEDIATELY - as soon as you see the pet - and ask for a new seat away from the pet. Explain about your allergies - the flight attendants don't want you to fall over on the floor any more than you do - they'll move you somewhere else.

Also, the pet rescue group I work for has a policy that we will take your pet back no matter what. We will say nasty things outside of your presence if you move and decide not to take Fluffy with you because you can't be bothered, but for health reasons? We'd be really sympathetic and then say things like "Oh that poor dear! Poor thing! Pregnancy is hard enough without something like that happening!" While we consoled your beloved pet and tried to find him/her a new home. I think maybe you might want to sit down with some pet rescue folks and actually talk to them. Their attitudes come from people who have devoted pets to whom the owners feel no loyalty and folks who treat their pets as disposable - not from women with life threatening conditions.

But anyway, off topic or whatever. Yeah. Right. Back on track. Airlines are in the business of making money. When I don't like something my carrier of choice does, I let them know about it. If enough people let Southwest know they don't like the policy, you have a chance of getting it changed, so I'd start writing them letters.

 

[MAH4546]

Huh???

I don't get how a business decision like that could be called arrogant. SWA operates on a different model than most legacy carriers, and while they're feeling the pinch in this economy, they're leaps and bounds ahead of other carriers.

Baggage fees and other nickle-and-diming alienates customers. I won't touch a legacy carrier with a 10 foot pole. I spend my money with SWA because I appreciate the entire experience, including the lack of extra fees. That's just good business, and there's enough of us that agree to keep them going pretty strong, considering the global situation.

If you were to compare the financial results of Southwest last quarter, put into a historical perspective, with those of the legacy carriers, the legacy carriers are doing a far better job in this down turn than Southwest. Southwest is being pressured to add baggage fees, and they probably will in due course. There is huge pressure from investors to add baggage fees ASAP. They actually might be profitable right now if it were not for their arrogance in not adding them, thinking it puts them "above" the rest, when in reality it has turned Southwest from a darling of Wall Street to a bad investment in a matter of months:

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/travelers_check/archives/2009/04/southwests_red.html

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.

It is absolutely an everyday thing. I fly 2-3 times a week, and always see pets everywhere in their pet baggage - my last flight on Tuesday had two dogs and two cats, and that's just from what I noticed. You might not notice it because it's pretty discrete, they ride in pet carriers that look just like a small overnight bag.

A significant amount of flights go out with multiple pets in the cabin, and pet fees are a great revenue source for the legacy airlines.

And this complaining about pets in the cabin is ridiculous and selfish. Ever think of the pet owner? Why must the pet owner also be inconvienced because of somebody else's allergies? It works both ways. Chances are most people posting here have flown with multiple pets in the airplane cabin. It is that common.

 

[KPeveler]

Well. . .I suspect the airlines would balk at the LAST 5 rows. The FIRST 5 maybe. . .

the first 5 rows are generally reserved for people with disabilities and their families - that is why they let us preboard - and then they tend to put people with tight connections there... putting animals in the most desired and needed seats won't work...

 

[DMickey28]

I have never had a problem with a pet on the flight. They have been on a fair number of flights that I have been on but never an issue. There was one women who had a small ****z tue (SP?) that was a disability dog and therefor did not have to have a crate/carrier. He was a bit of a handful but did fine.

I have never flown with my dog/cats in the cabin but have had my dog in the cargo. He was simply too big for the cabin but HAD to get home. Luckily the one flight we were on we could hear a dog barking for 1/2 the flight. TO this day I am pretty sure it wasn't mine!!

I would love to take my cats on the plane for our move home next week. We are shipping one car but forced to drive another because we have a LARGE dog and two cats. I'd love to send them all home with grandma and grandpa with DS and ship the second car but the things we have to do/want to do for our pets makes that impossible.

 

[Tikitoi]

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?

I think SW is in financial trouble (surprise nowadays) so this is a way of keeping passengers happy, rather than charging for things they should such as excessive luggage. Yes, it's sad for us who's health has to take a back seat to someone's pet.

 

[Tikitoi]

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.

We were on a recent Jetblue flight and as we were walking onto the plane to be seated, there was a lady with her dog on her lap, holding it up as she was french kissing it and showing it off to everyone. I didn't end up next to her thank goodness, since both me and DD are very allergic to animals but I did write JB about it.

 

[Tikitoi]

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.

It's almost like people care more for pets than people...kids. IMO.

 

[JessicaR]

There are a few posts that say SWA doesnt charge for extra baggage - they are now.

Excess Baggage: Effective June 17, 2009, your 3rd through 9th bag or item will incur a charge of $50 per piece, and any bag or item thereafter will be $110 per piece.

Additionally, Southwest will increase its already existing service charge to check a third and overweight bag (weighing 51 to 70 pounds). Currently, Southwest Customers pay $25 to check a third or overweight bag on the airline. Customers traveling on or after June 17 will be charged $50 to check a third or overweight bag. Southwest continues to be one of the only airlines that allows Customers to check their first two bags without a fee.

Southwest will soon implement a $25 each way service charge, in addition to the fare or Rapid Rewards Award ticket, for Customers who are traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor.

All the new changes with the pet addition are in their lastest news release.
http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/prindex.html

 

[Tikitoi]

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?

Haven't sat next to one on a flight, but when I was younger we used to go to my mom's friend house who had a cat. And she would know ahead of time that we were coming, so she would dust and vacuum ALL over the place. Then put the cat in a room with the door closed while we were there. Well, it didn't even take an hour for the sneezing to start and my eyes get itchy and swell up. After a couple times like this my mother knew I wouldn't be going anymore. And now with DD having asthma as well as the allergies, I would never want her in that situation. We've done the nebulizer treatments throughout the night as well as the ER visits.

 

[Tikitoi]

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.

Been on one of these flights. And I must say I felt for whoever the person was that had the allergies, since there was so much grumbling going on about not being able to have peanuts.

 

[bicker]

This all raises an interesting question: Where do you draw the line? There are people who basically have to shut themselves away, due to hyper-sensitivity to aspects of others -- perhaps perfume, perhaps dander, whatever. I think everyone would agree that if half the people had such a hyper-sensitivity, it would be proper to impose a rule making everyone adhere to guidelines that ensure that the hyper-sensitive half could still fly. I think most everyone would agree that if a specific hyper-sensitivity affected one and only one person in the country, that there would be inadequate basis to impose any such rules. So somewhere between 50% and 1 out of 300+ million there is a line... where is that line?

 

[Tikitoi]

And this complaining about pets in the cabin is ridiculous and selfish. Ever think of the pet owner? Why must the pet owner also be inconvienced because of somebody else's allergies? It works both ways. Chances are most people posting here have flown with multiple pets in the airplane cabin. It is that common.

This is not selfish for people who have a severe allergic reaction to animals. It is more selfish for people who can choose other means of transportation or care for their pets. People with allergies CANNOT control that. They have them and have to deal with them as best they can. There is more inconvenience over someone's health or possible life in this situation.

 

[Pinnie]

As a very frequent flyer, I can honestly count on the fingers of one hand the times I have flown when I have seen a pet in the cabin on the legacy airlines. I have, however, flown a number of trips where there has been a service dog in the cabin. Isn't it a law that the airline CANNOT refuse a service animal on board? What would you do then?

I think a number of infrequent flyers are getting all wound up over an issue that they statistically won't encounter.

pinnie

 

[Jestocost]

There are a few posts that say SWA doesnt charge for extra baggage - they are now.

Excess Baggage: Effective June 17, 2009, your 3rd through 9th bag or item will incur a charge of $50 per piece, and any bag or item thereafter will be $110 per piece.

Additionally, Southwest will increase its already existing service charge to check a third and overweight bag (weighing 51 to 70 pounds). Currently, Southwest Customers pay $25 to check a third or overweight bag on the airline. Customers traveling on or after June 17 will be charged $50 to check a third or overweight bag. Southwest continues to be one of the only airlines that allows Customers to check their first two bags without a fee.

Southwest will soon implement a $25 each way service charge, in addition to the fare or Rapid Rewards Award ticket, for Customers who are traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor.

All the new changes with the pet addition are in their lastest news release.
http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/prindex.html

Southwest has charged for the third bag for some time now. This is simply an increase in the fee for the third checked bag; not a new fee. Southwest continues to allow all ticketed passengers two checked bags at no additional charge.

We'll see if SWA decides to institute a fee for all checked bags at some point or not. At this time, it appears to me that they have quietly increased their base fares to be closer to those of the carriers that do charge baggage fees and aren't discounting as deeply as they may have in the past to generate additional revenues instead of instituting add-on fees. Whether this model or the more a la carte model proves to be more successful going forward remains to be seen.

 

[minnie56]

I think this is good news..I worked for an airline for many years and animals should NOT fly in the hold.

 

[Tikitoi]

This all raises an interesting question: Where do you draw the line? There are people who basically have to shut themselves away, due to hyper-sensitivity to aspects of others -- perhaps perfume, perhaps dander, whatever. I think everyone would agree that if half the people had such a hyper-sensitivity, it would be proper to impose a rule making everyone adhere to guidelines that ensure that the hyper-sensitive half could still fly. I think most everyone would agree that if a specific hyper-sensitivity affected one and only one person in the country, that there would be inadequate basis to impose any such rules. So somewhere between 50% and 1 out of 300+ million there is a line... where is that line?

You draw the line between what is more important; human life/health or someone who can't be without fido or fluffy. Flame suit on.

 

[ericamanda01]

It's almost like people care more for pets than people...kids. IMO.

Compared to some people, I do love my pets more.