Checking cats as cargo on a Northwest flight?
 

I'm relocating from Michigan to the Phoenix area in the next couple of months. I have two cats and am moving and flying out there by myself, so driving is not an option. I'm really nervous about checking my cats as cargo with all the horror stories I've heard and would really appreciate some feedback from people who have done this - good experiences and bad, please. I searched the forum and read a few posts from a couple years back about the service from Continental and Delta, but since I live in a Northwest hub city, they're my only option to fly out on a direct, non-stop flight. Other options I am considering are taking one cat on board as carry-on and checking the other cat as cargo, or even purchasing a second ticket so that I can carry them both on board and put one kennel under the seat in front of me and the other one under the seat in front of the empty seat next to me. This may very well be what I end up doing, as in early to mid-April, it may be warmer than 85 degrees there and NW won't take the cats in cargo. I would appreciate any info. And yes, I know I should be posting this on the Airlines board, but this board gets so much more traffic than that one. Thanks in advance.

Lisa, please keep in mind that some people (including me) are very allergic to cats and won't appreciate sitting next to one. Pressurized cargo would be the preferred option all the way around, particularly on a nonstop flight. I would call Northwest and express any concerns about safety, the pet's well-being, etc.

Lisa, <BR>I don't have any experience with Northwest. I shipped 2 cats cargo from Atlanta to Hawaii in May a few years back. They were fine. I don't think it will be over 85 degrees in Michigan in mid-April, but AZ might be a problem. (I lived in MI for 25 years - brrrrrrr!). None of the airlines will take animals in cargo during the "summer." Also try for a direct flight early in the am or late pm if you are concerned that it may be too warm. The cargo holds are pressurized and heated during flight, just like the passenger cabin. <BR> <BR> You may want to post your question at: <BR> <BR>http://acmepet.petsmart.com/ <BR> <BR>go to boards, then to the cat board (general, not health) and post your question. I was able to get information from people on this board before sending my cats and it was really helpful. Good luck with your move.

Lisa, as a fellow animal lover I don't blame you for being concerned. My limited experience with checking a pet into cargo has not been good. I have done it twice, and both times the dogs did not arrive where or when they were supposed to. Once on a flight from Knoxville to Tampa they failed to transfer to the connecting flight and she had to spend the night in Atlanta. By the time I got her she was dehydrated. Another time I sent my sister's greyhound to Minnesota, in the winter, and they misplaced his crate in a cargo hold. They took several hours to find him and when they did he was shivering and literally had ice stuck to him. I will never check another pet into cargo. If you can take both of them on the plane, by all means do. Sorry to be so negative, but your question struck a nerve. I hope that your pets will travel happy.

Lisa - I don't know your cats, but I do know mine. And if they ever caught wind of my "shipping" them, there would be hell to pay. Buy a second seat and take them both on board!!! Would YOU ride in the cargo hold of a plane? Do you know what esle is down there keeping your cats company? Lets be reasonable: anyone who can breathe airplane air and then live is certainly not going to succomb to a little cat furr on a short flight. People worry about their allegies ("their" ... almost sounds like ownership, doesn't it?), and yet they quite readily accept that stuff the airlines pump in their faces under the label air. Final thought: your fellow passengers are worried about the cats' effect on them. What about their effect on the cats? Do we know for a fact that all the passengers are completely, 100% healthy. Maybe someone is allergic to them. Get those cats some soft carriers and get them onboard. And order them a special kitty meal ... it would be cruel of you to expect them to eat the stuff they give the human passengers as a "snack." Makes my stomack funny just thinking about it.

My husband is very allergic to cats and last week he flew from Chicago to LAX sitting next to a passenger with a cat in a carrier and he had absolutely NO PROBLEM. He was even surprised how well he survived. It sounds like you're best off taking them with you in a carrier.

Lisa, the first thing you need to do is check with your veterinarian, make sure they are healthy to begin with. I also read an interesting report that said most animal fatalities that occur in transit are from people overmedicating their pets to help relieve them of stress. <BR>Personally, my cats are my babies.. If I were moving from Los Angeles to NYC I would do everything possible to drive them there. No matter what. But thats just me, you can go to www.bestfriends.org and check into their forum which provides a lot of information and has vets posting.

If NWA permits, bring the cats as carry-on. Travel cat carriers exist, specifically for planes. They can sit on your lap, or hopefully the seat next to you. <BR> <BR>It is not uncommon to see small dogs and cats as carry-ons. The carry-ons look so much like a purse or luggage that it isn't easy to tell them at first. <BR>

You could drive but you choose not to. It is rude, selfish and inconsiderate of you to impose your cats on other people who actually DO have allergies. <BR> <BR>It's not like the other passengers can get away from your cats. They are stuck there suffering because you are selfish.

My father is so allergic to cats that he has an asthma like reaction when he is even near one. He cannot even tolerate being inside a house where cats live. Not too good for someone who's had by-pass surgery and is diabetic. If you want to try to take the cat on the plane with you, be prepared to have to put them in the cargo area. <BR> <BR>An airline will NOT ship an animal if the high for the day at the origin, any layover, or the destination is 85 or higher. If you ship, go to the pet store and get one of those water bottles they have for Guinea Pigs or Rabbits. DEFINITELY make sure they are on a direct, non-stop flight!

While some people are allergic to animals, what I wonder is how they manage to travel at all? For instance, when they make a flight reservation, do they inquire whether cats will be aboard their flight? How in the world do they control this risk, I wonder? I don't think it's fair to ask people not to bring their pets onboard just because someone may be allergic. That's seeking a degree of control not available to them in almost any other venue in life. Everyone seems to have a horror story when it comes to pets, kids and babies on board a plane. Suddenly it becomes some sort of life or death issue. Is it perhaps a bit exaggerated?

Please don't listen to these people who complain about their allergies. I'm sure they have been on planes before that have had animals (dogs, cats or otherwise) in the passenger area. With all of the horror stories concerning transporting animals in the cargo area, puchase the extra seat and take both with you. The airlines would not allow transporting small animals in the passenger area if they were major problems. <BR> <BR>What matters most is that your cats travel safely, and that is with you!

Hooray for Kris - has given you the best answer. Take that advice and run with it.

Given how improperly air is filtered on your usual domestic flight.. it's a wonder anyone can breath at all..nothing like stewing in your own carbon monoxide for 6 hours at a stretch... You could probibly be on a flight sitting next to a wooly mammoth and not one speck of dander could reach you though the creature was sitting a scant 4 "economy" inches away.

Some info to help plan for future trips www.bonsaikitten.com

L. and others are spouting off about allergies when they obviously know nothing about them. I am VERY allergic to cats. Not dogs, not pigs, not wooly mammoths but CATS. I always carry a Benadryl in my briefcase so it's not really a big deal when I fly. However, last year on Continental I did mention my allergies to the gate attendant when I saw a cat being carried onboard. Whiskers was immediately sent to cargo. The airlines have an obligation to other paying passengers before they do to pets. Period. I know "my pets are my kids" and so on, but be realistic here. If you were the airline, what would you do???

Personally, I wouldn't subject my cat to Northwest! There are many reasons people call them "northworst."

Please rethink driving out,it's far kinder on the cats then shipping them cargo and having the potential for a pet horror story. If you do decide to travel by plane there are only so many animals allowed in each compartment of the plane, 2 to coach, I believe. You would have to be VERY sure your pets could travel with you and that they would allow both of them, even if you bought an extra seat. I would NEVER put one in cargo and take the other onboard. I've moved across several states and we took our cats in the car, it was not great, but they were with us and had some room as opposed to a tiny carrier in a plane. Phoenix will be very warm (hot) and it will take your cats some time to adapt as well. Please rethink your options here.

Sam, what's the real problem for you? You say you have Benadryl with you always, and to quote you, "it's not really a big deal when I fly." But you just had to go out of your way and insist that some fellow passenger's cat go to the cargo hold. Was that your big accomplishment for the day? Are you the same screaming AH who bragged about being oversexed?

L, you're pretty bitchy today. I just said that some people do have allergies and it's not just all in their heads!

One more thing: the cat owner was fine with the entire situation. SHE was rational. And yes, kitty arrived back in Texas in one piece.

<BR> <BR>This is a very enlightening exchange of ideas. Thank-you to all. I have a related question with which you might help me. My very elderly parents are nervous about flying. Soon, they are moving to Buckeye, Arizona where they will live in a very large retirement home--presumably until they die. To calm their nerves, I am going to fly down with them. I arranged to get three seats together, but now I feel badly for the family rabbit--I didn't buy a seat for little Fluffy. After reading this thread, though, it occurred to me that perhaps I could check my mother at the baggage counter and let little Fluffy sit between my father and me. That, I'm sure, would have a calming influence on the rabbit. It would also help my nerves, since my mother drives me crazy with her nonstop, unintelligible chatter. I am worried about my father, however; whenever he loses sight of my mother, he gets a very downcast, worried look on his face--I think he's concerned about who will be bringing him his dinner. Maybe I would be better off with four seats? Perhaps I should take a later flight? Should we just leave the rabbit in Pittsburgh? Opinions?

Now, Sam, stay calm ... if it makes you feel better, it was not just in your head. And the kitten arrived okay ... that's nice. And the owner wasn't upset with you ... good. You're really a case! And you've got some gender confusion going as well. Jeez, what a mess.

Jeez, Sam and XXX on one thread!! Pass me the white bag.

<BR>This is a very interesting thread. I have a question though. Lisa, have you thought how you cats are going to react while you are traveling? I love my cats but I also know that they are not the calmest travelers. Put my cat in my lap on a plane?? NEVER!! The poor guy would freak out! Why subject any one else to that? The best way to travel with my two guys is: <BR>See the vet before we go. <BR>If necessary we'll give them something to calm them down, usually we do that. <BR>Give them the meds long before we go so that they are calm before being put the the carrier they both travel in. I do not separate them. It is better for them to stay together. <BR>Do not put food or water in the carrier. That just creates wet, dirty, unhappy cats. <BR>Definitely try to get a non stop flight. <BR>Be sure the person who takes your cats from you sees you and speaks with you. I find that they are very compassionate, even though they may think I am being obsessive. <BR>Worry about them but know they are probably fast asleep. <BR>They are going to be disoriented and groggy upon your arrival. Let them come out of the carrier when they are ready. Don't try to pull them out because you are anxious to see them. <BR>Relax and everything will be fine. <BR>PS I have a friend who can not even come into my house because of allergies. Eyes close, throat contricts. It is really scary what happens. I do not take that lightly. <BR>My cats are my family and I love them. However, that does not mean that everyone else does. So we need to repect that. Good luck!

Catlover, Your response is awesome!

Thanks, XXX, for the laugh! I'm an animal lover, but I think we sometimes take ourselves too seriously here.

Lisa: <BR> <BR>America West has nonstops to Phoenix from Detroit, as well. <BR> <BR>Agree w/the other posters who say to try to pick early morning/late evening flights if you're concerned about the heat in PHX. Also, if you pick an early morning flight, you have a much better chance of not being delayed, etc. <BR> <BR>But one thing that nobody has addressed is the fact that animal policies tend to vary greatly from airline to airline. NW & Am. West may not even allow you to carry pets on-board. Check w/the airline & get the COMPLETE details BEFORE buying a ticket. <BR> <BR>I have had 2 dogs who have flown before (always in the cargo hold), and had little problems... the only problem being a missed connection, so you are smart to only look at non-stop flights. Talk to your vet about what he/she recommends, and I'd advise that you tranquilize your pets the day of the trip..IMO, it's better for them than being stressed out from all of the noise, etc. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps! Good luck!

<BR>upupupupupupupupupupup for L

I unfortunately sat next to a cat whose owner carried it onboard in first class. It made so much noise that the airline insisted that it ride below on the next segment. The owner was not happy, but everyone else was!

upupupupupupupupupupup for Jason, Sam, Ess & S

HeY: <BR>Who is using my "TAG"?? LOL!

Dear U. Daisy ... HeY back .. won't repeat .... cha-grin. Sorry & s'long.

Doesn't FedEx, Airborne or one of those companies ship live animals? How do they get all those show dogs to Westminster? IMO, a company that deals with shipping live animals would do better than the airlines.

People with show dogs drive and fly. A small dog can be carried on-board in a Sherpa bag. (Thats a small sturdy fabric bag that is made to carry around small animals.) But do you realistically expect they can take a Champion Old English Mastiff on board? Or take all of the dogs they are showing that day on-board an airplane? These dogs are worth thousands of dollars and they are transported in the cargo area with your just as much loved mutt. <BR> <BR>Granted, the owners probably worry the baggage handlers silly. But the baggage handlers are aware their owners are vitally interested!

My sister shipped a kitten cargo in the middle of summer (years ago) and it arrived fine because it was in a carrier designed for a great dane. A big carrier will allow for air movement no matter what gets shoved up against it. Also, cats can drink out of those little gerbil water bottles so you don't have to have a mess. If you sedate, try the sedative a couple of times before you go to make sure they don't have a bad reaction. Can't you put them in the kennel while you fly, then rent a car, drive back and pick them up? Good luck - I know just how you feel and my little whookie isn't going in cargo unless I'm certain he'll fly happy.

Lisa: <BR> <BR>I have a much loved himmy. The thought of putting him a an aircraft - be it FIRST CLASS or coach (let alone the cargo hold??????) is something I would NEVER, NEVER consider for a moment. <BR> <BR>Two reasons: <BR> <BR>(1) I don't want him exposed to the dirty air in the cabins/hold <BR>(2) An aircraft is not safe enough for my "kid". <BR> <BR>If at all possible, rent a car and drive to Phoenix if you have to, but DO NOT, REPEAT: DO NOT subject your cats to an unsafe method of travel!

Thanks be to PoohBear ... finally a humane voice speaking on behalf of cat care. Frankly, all this talk about stuffing cats into dog cages is giving me a rash. IF I'm ever in control, I'll locate everyone of you pro-cargo hold'ers and see that you make at least one trip (long trip) down there, while your cats (if they're still alive) are taken away and adopted by a wonderful family on an island full of mice. I have loved this thread, but now must move on. Have a great weekend, and lets keep the cats up top where they belong. Just ask them whether they would want to fly in a cargo hold ... and do you know what they would answer? Me? Ow!!

<BR> <BR>Dirty air? Just so I know for sure: these responses are about animals--correct?

DO NOT send your cats as cargo. I have heard so many horror stories over the years I would never chance it. As for all the comments about allergies--there have to be dozens of things on an airline that travelers are allergic to; perfumes for one. I've had to sit next to women and men who've doused themselves with so much it's sickening--next time maybe I'll demand they be moved to cargo. I'd prefer sitting next to a cat anyday. If you're allergic to them, just ask to move.