Happy Tails Travel Inc. Compares Cabin and Cargo Travel for Pets

    TUCSON, AZ, October 07, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- There are different options when it comes to air travel for pets - domestic or international. Small pets can travel in the cabin with their owners or as cargo, either accompanied (the owner flies on the same flight) or unaccompanied.

Happy Tails Travel, with years of experience arranging for pets to travel safely and happily, offers the following advice:

Traveling with your pet in the cabin

This is only feasible for relatively small animals, generally cats or smaller dogs. The animal must be in a pet crate or soft-sided travel carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.

Pros:
- Your pet is with you at all times and you can reassure your pet
- The cost of taking a pet in the cabin is around $75, less expensive than having them as 'cargo'
- Quicker in and out of airports since pet is with you

Cons:
- Even though your pet is close by, you will not be allowed to take them out of the carrier at any time during the flight
- You will have to remove the pet from the carrier and carry him/her through security
- Airlines often restrict the total number of pets allowed in the cabin on any one flight to four or fewer - booking ahead is essential
- Only one animal per passenger is allowed
- The pet carrier is one of your 'carry-on' items - so other carry-on will be severely restricted
- Airlines may turn away pets if they do not feel they have room to stand and turn around inside their carrier

Having your pet travel as 'cargo'

Pros:
- Pets are kept in a temperature-controlled, pressurized, oxygenated compartment area of the plane, with other pets
- They can travel with you (accompanied) or unaccompanied - the majority of Happy Tails Travel's pets travel unaccompanied
- Owners enjoy greater flexibility with flight arrangements or can choose to drive while their pet flies
- Is likely the only option for larger animals

Cons:
- This option is more costly
- Owners and pets are separated for the duration of each flight

For more information on traveling with your pet, visit www.happytailstravel.com.

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