Mayor From United States, joined Mar 2008, 4281 posts, RR: 11 Reply 5, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 4412 times:
Quoting AC888YOW (Reply 4): I didn't, nor did I find that thread in a search. I won't be offended if you leave this thread due to lack of interest.
There have been at least three threads about Pet Airways, including the one I mentioned which I DID find in the search. It's not that I have a lack of interest, just that while I find the idea commendable, in general, in reality, I think it lacks quite a bit of common sense.
The idea is fine if you just want to fly your pet to one of five or six major cities, but from what I can remember when I worked at DL cargo, breeders and other shippers of live animals, shipped to many more places than they will go. They're limiting their possible customer base, just by the type of equipment they'll be flying as well as the limited number of cities they're flying to.
Believe it or not, the airlines actually do a good job shipping animals, especially considering how many they may ship each day.
''Life's tough . . . It's even tougher if you're stupid..'' The Duke -- John Wayne
Mayor From United States, joined Mar 2008, 4281 posts, RR: 11 Reply 7, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 4339 times:
Well, I happened to remember that there was a thread, so I just searched for "Pet Airways" and here we are.
I just happened to look at their website and the part I find the most amusing (or naieve) is the fact that there customers won't be restricted by temperatures as they would if they were flying on the airlines. To me, that smacks of not caring for the animals' welfare when it comes to high or low temps. The other thing that I find that is funny is that the flying is being done by an outfit called Suburban Air Freight, out of OMA. Their operation will be subjected much more to the vagaries of the air traffic system as well as the weather.....the cities are LAX-DEN-ORD-BWI-NYC. Not sure which airports in any of those. All of this will be done with a Beech 99. How much range do they have, anyway? And if you're travelling to that destination, too, I guess you can't fly with your animal, as you would with the airline.
''Life's tough . . . It's even tougher if you're stupid..'' The Duke -- John Wayne
Max550 From United States, joined Nov 2007, 915 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 16 hours ago) and read 4158 times:
Quoting Mayor (Reply 2): Didn't we discuss this back in May??
We did, but apparently they are starting flight on July 14. The last thread we didn't really know when or if they would ever fly.
I looked at their website, their prices seem a little high (more than people prices). They also fly to airports that seem pretty out of the way (except MDW). Seems like quite a hassle unless your pet really needs to fly "first class."
MtnWest1979 From United States, joined Nov 2005, 1414 posts, RR: 2 Reply 13, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 4100 times:
Well first, they are using Suburban Air Freight to actually fly the aircraft.
Second, they will be using Beech 1900Cs.
Third. When I first looked them up in early June, Teterboro was their NYC area terminal, but since switched to ISP. And Pal Waukee was Chicago area terminal, but now Midway. Anyone know why the switches?
I think it is a very viable operation and wish them the best.
Next step is Federal Express-ish. Get some old Falcon 10s and begin transcon n/s PetJet flights if/when business warrants. I think next step for them is NY-S Florida service.
DALMD88 From United States, joined Jul 2000, 1989 posts, RR: 13 Reply 14, posted (5 months 1 week 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 3993 times:
I saw them this morning on GMA. At first I thought what a stupid way to loose a million dollars, start an airline for dogs. Then the they are booked solid for the next two months line came up. Next thought was my purebreed dog show friends. That is a great untapped rich market. I expect this airline to be adding more Be-1900 to service more cities in very fast order.
AirlineBrat From United States, joined Jan 2005, 567 posts, RR: 1 Reply 16, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 3766 times:
Quoting Oswegobag (Reply 15): I give the airline 2 months max.... any other predictions out there? I do not believe the planes are full for the first two months.
This might of worked during the economic boom but now that the economy is in the tank, I don't think there are enough people who will want to fly Fifi to Fiji. Or was that Brutus to Baltimore? Seems like the the new craze is putting your tiny dog into a tiny bag and placing it under the tiny seat in front of you. For a nominal fee, of course.
I'm leavin on a jet plane. Don't know when I'll be back again....
Mayor From United States, joined Mar 2008, 4281 posts, RR: 11 Reply 17, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 3766 times:
Quoting Oswegobag (Reply 15): give the airline 2 months max.... any other predictions out there? I do not believe the planes are full for the first two months.
Well when they say the flights are full, how many animals per flight are they talking about? At the fares that they show on their website, I don't see how they'll make much money.
''Life's tough . . . It's even tougher if you're stupid..'' The Duke -- John Wayne
FLY2HMO From United States, joined Jan 2004, 4118 posts, RR: 5 Reply 18, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 3715 times:
Man I thought this was a joke but I guess they're serious. What a pathetic idea of an airline. Who in their right mind comes up with such a silly airline in these oh-so-great economic times?
$300? NY to LAX, ONE WAY!?!? Are they f'in nuts?
If they charged by weight MAYBE that would make more sense. I mean heck, you'd think they'd charge less for a chihuahua than for a cow-sized St Bernard.
I'd hate to be the pilots too. I couldn't put up with the stench and constant barking, meowing and what have you not.
Quoting Oswegobag (Reply 15): I give the airline 2 months max.... any other predictions out there?
2 flights, if they're lucky. They'll probably receive the airline Darwin Award like Independence, SkyBus, et al
The postings will continue until morale improves!!!
MtnWest1979 From United States, joined Nov 2005, 1414 posts, RR: 2 Reply 19, posted (5 months 1 week 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 3621 times:
Well the schedule isn't that demanding. Westbound Tuesday, Eastbound Thursday.
I'd rather put up with cats and dogs as opposed to people. With normal noises of flying I seriously doubt you'd hear them anyway.
At least their fliers won't be demanding IFE, top notch food, or complain because they had a little turbulence LOL. Plus, people will spend a lot for pets. Just look at how pet insurance has worked out!
What one should do now is offer pickup and dropoff service in these cities for the animals.
TheCommodore From Australia, joined Dec 2007, 117 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (5 months 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 3354 times:
I think this is a great idea, especially for those of us who want to be with our pets when we travel.
I once traveled to NZ only to have my dog off loaded from the plane because of a heating issue in the hold, The problem was that I was not told about this until I reached NZ, by that stage it was very late at night and I had to try and arrange family to pick her up from the airport in SYD and arrange another flight the following day. Not easy when your in another country and the airline really couldn't careless.
So bravo I wish it every success.
I've been on a lot of things that fly - British, European, US and Russian built.
BAKJet From United States, joined Nov 2007, 558 posts, RR: 1 Reply 23, posted (5 months 6 days ago) and read 3185 times:
Quoting Article: "It's actually an airline only for pets," Christie told CTV's Canada AM.
"It's not just pet friendly, you actually can't fly on this airline unless you're an animal. The only humans allowed on are the pet attendants."
Highflier92660 From United States, joined Apr 2004, 428 posts, RR: 0 Reply 25, posted (5 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 3135 times:
Quoting DLHFLYER (Reply 22): I think this makes the creators of Skybus look like geniuses.
That was my first reaction when I saw this story last evening on the news. Do these Pet Airways people, who seem to have learned everything about the aviation industry running the Puppy Palace, have any idea the logistics involved in the transcontinental transport of pets? How many stops will "Digger the Dawg" have to make in those Beech 1900Cs between New York and Los Angeles? Are they equipped to make special VIP pet charters if Michael Jackson's old chum Bubbles comes out of retirement near Tampa and goes on Larry King?
PanHAM From Germany, joined May 2005, 3881 posts, RR: 15 Reply 31, posted (5 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 3220 times:
Quoting Meta (Reply 1): Lol
First class, FFP......
I would not want to be an FA on these flights
The job's been taken by Miss Kitty
Quoting Mayor (Reply 7): The other thing that I find that is funny is that the flying is being done by an outfit called Suburban Air Freight, out of OMA. Their operation will be subjected much more to the
clever marketing but technically they are not an airline. In shipping they'd be called an nvocc, (thats a non vessel operating common carrier) in airfreight a freight forwarder or consolidator.
They charter a B1900 from small a freight airline and try to get as many pet kennels inside as possible, hoping to make a profit at the end of the day. There have been freight forwarders specialising in animal transportation for many years in various cuntries,
Any professional freight forwarder can handle animals, from Speedy Gonzales the Chihuahua over horses to large zoo animals.
So this here is a lot of hype but nothing special.
Kole Feut un' 'nen steiffen Wind gifft 'nen krusen Buedel un' 'nen luetten Pint
Mayor From United States, joined Mar 2008, 4281 posts, RR: 11 Reply 33, posted (5 months 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 3125 times:
Well, they virtually offer nothing over the airlines, other than the pet attendant....at least what I can tell from their website. The people doing the endorsements have got the travelling public thinking that the airlines are evil when it comes to shipping their animals, so, in their eyes, this is a big improvement.
''Life's tough . . . It's even tougher if you're stupid..'' The Duke -- John Wayne
Rampart From United States, joined Aug 2005, 1702 posts, RR: 11 Reply 34, posted (5 months 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 3112 times:
I'm really surprised at the negative response here on A.net. Everywhere else, the airline is getting strong encouragement. The animal breeding and veterinarian communities are VERY interested in this operation, for example. One indicator? I went back to look up their website this morning, and it's down due to heavy volume. BIG interest. I hope it pans out for them.
Quoting AC888YOW (Reply 4): Quoting Mayor (Reply 2):
Didn't we discuss this back in May??
I didn't, nor did I find that thread in a search. I won't be offended if you leave this thread due to lack of interest.
Yes, or June. It was moved to "Polls and Preferences", still there, but that killed the discussion.
Quoting Mayor (Reply 5): The idea is fine if you just want to fly your pet to one of five or six major cities, but from what I can remember when I worked at DL cargo, breeders and other shippers of live animals, shipped to many more places than they will go. They're limiting their possible customer base, just by the type of equipment they'll be flying as well as the limited number of cities they're flying to.
They indicate that they will be expanding to 25 cities soon. The cargo carrier, Suburban, already serves around the country, it would not be a stretch to add the pet service as demand warrants. How many pets ship by any specific Delta flight, or even between two city pairs for Delta on any given day or week? Not much, I'm guessing. At least, it's diluted between carriers. Pet Air can ship 25 or so at a time, and they appear to be getting customers.
Does anyone know if Pet Air might also ship regular freight or mail going the same places?
Quoting Mayor (Reply 7): The other thing that I find that is funny is that the flying is being done by an outfit called Suburban Air Freight, out of OMA. Their operation will be subjected much more to the vagaries of the air traffic system as well as the weather.....the cities are LAX-DEN-ORD-BWI-NYC. Not sure which airports in any of those. All of this will be done with a Beech 99. How much range do they have, anyway? And if you're travelling to that destination, too, I guess you can't fly with your animal, as you would with the airline.
I aksed about this in the Polls/Preferences thread. My own research indicates that Suburban seems to be a good outfit, in business since 1984. Almost all pilot and mechanic feedback was positive on the trade discussion groups. They'll be using mostly General Aviation airports, from what I can tell, less sensitive to the crowding. I read somewhere, not recalling now, that they may well utilize more than one airport in a large metro area. So, for instance, it it's Long Island, they might also consider New Jersey. They indicate that a cross-country flight is 24 hrs or so, with multiple stops. Pets get walked at some of them, they even get to sleep overnight in Chicago in a special room.
Quoting Max550 (Reply 12): I looked at their website, their prices seem a little high (more than people prices). They also fly to airports that seem pretty out of the way (except MDW). Seems like quite a hassle unless your pet really needs to fly "first class."
Prices are equivalent, roughly, to the regular airlines (apart from a few who are cheaper, FL for one.) I used a specific pet cargo handler 12 years ago, price was the same then. So, if the price is equivalent, and I have a choice of sending a pet with specific care, or on a regular airline with all the suitcases, I'd choose the specific care.
Quoting Oswegobag (Reply 15): I do not believe the planes are full for the first two months.
News indicated that they were booked solid for the first 2 months of flying, no reservations possible in that time.
Quoting Mayor (Reply 21):
But, you wouldn't be WITH your pets on this airline. Pets only. I guess you have to find your own way to the destination and pick up your animal.
There are numerous reasons to ship a pet separately. Moving cross country (while I was driving the truck) was my reason. Why would I torture my cat with 4 days of interstate driving in the cab of a Ryder truck? 6 hours of torture, airport to airport, was much better. Other reasons: shipping specialized animals such as guide dogs, law enforcement dogs. Breeders shipping animals. Medical transport. Or, people simply wanting to trust their pet to a dedicated service while they fly their own (connecting) flights to vacation, etc.
B6JFKH81 From United States, joined Mar 2006, 1174 posts, RR: 2 Reply 35, posted (5 months 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 3099 times:
I am wondering what type of operating certificate they are going under. FRG is limited and cannot have regularly scheduled air carrier operations, so maybe they are going as a re-occurring charter flight? I know the FRG NIMBY's will be going crazy knowing there is scheduled operations happening. There used to be a group called C.A.R.E. (Citizens Against Republic Expansion), but I can't find their website, I'm sure they will get together again to protest.
"If you do not learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it"
Fly_yhm From Canada, joined Dec 2000, 1644 posts, RR: 14 Reply 36, posted (5 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 3046 times:
Hey They have a facebook page and a lot of the people leaving comments on the wall seem to really be embracing the idea. I think this has potential to work quite well.
Where will you spend eternity? He,s more real then you think!!!!!
PanHAM From Germany, joined May 2005, 3881 posts, RR: 15 Reply 37, posted (5 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 3014 times:
Quoting B6JFKH81 (Reply 35): I am wondering what type of operating certificate they are going under. FRG is limited and cannot have regularly scheduled air carrier operations, so maybe they are going as a re-occurring charter
its a scheduled charter, Pet Air does not operate it at all, that small airline does
This is a clever marketing stunt, nothing else. US legacy carriers go the way the passenger trains went in the early 60s, their service gets worse and worse for people, let alone pets and the big cargo players UPS and FX don't carry pets because it does not fit into their business plan.
Here we go, market niche discovered and occupied. They are not an airline, they are consolidators.
Kole Feut un' 'nen steiffen Wind gifft 'nen krusen Buedel un' 'nen luetten Pint
Highflier92660 From United States, joined Apr 2004, 428 posts, RR: 0 Reply 38, posted (5 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 2992 times:
Quoting Rampart (Reply 34): I'm really surprised at the negative response here at Anet.
I don't think it's a negative response quite so much as an amused one. As someone has already posted, the transportation of animals has always been big business for cargo airlines. Long ago Flying Tigers flew Shamu the killer whale from Sea World-Ohio to San Diego Lindbergh aboard a Boeing 747 Classic and the take-off from Cleveland Hopkins received full media coverage. As northeast Ohio shivered, an anthropomorphic cartoon in the paper showed Shamu enjoying his winter home in San Diego at a resort pool, wearing sun glasses and lounging in a deck chair as girl whales walked by in bikinis (one had to see the cartoon to appreciate the humor.)
MtnWest1979 From United States, joined Nov 2005, 1414 posts, RR: 2 Reply 40, posted (5 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 2950 times:
Quoting Highflier92660 (Reply 38): I don't think it's a negative response quite so much as an amused one.
Seeing as responses have been from lasting 2 flights to lasting 2 months, that would seem negative to me.
As far as people saying the airlines already carry pets, they also carry freight too, and Fed Ex and UPS seem to do well along side them. Speaking of FedEx, I bet they had the same type pessimists as Pet Airways is getting now. But then again, FedEx didn't get anywhere.
Manfredj From United States, joined Mar 2007, 872 posts, RR: 0 Reply 42, posted (5 months 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 2873 times:
Quoting 2H4 (Reply 3): If I were an FA, I'd much rather work with actual animals than the flying public.
Quoting Mayor (Reply 11): This is a real PET airline. No humans allowed except for the pet attendants.
Just out of curiosity, would the FAA regulate FA's on this airline?
Quoting Oswegobag (Reply 15): I give the airline 2 months max.... any other predictions out there?
Quoting LHUSA (Reply 8): Saw a piece on them on the Today Show today and at the end they said that all flights were full for the first two months.
This is not a realistic outlook nor an indicator of future loads. To answer Oswegobag's question, I give it slightly more than 2 months. If you think this idea out to its logical conclusion, no one could possibly believe this is a viable business proposal. It's an idea spawned from someone who is obviously tainted by their love of pets and has an unrealistic perspective of our industry.
Rampart From United States, joined Aug 2005, 1702 posts, RR: 11 Reply 43, posted (5 months 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 2815 times:
Quoting Highflier92660 (Reply 38): As someone has already posted, the transportation of animals has always been big business for cargo airlines.
True. But given the headline news, customer response, and interest in the pet community, there is either some dissatisfaction with cargo handling, or Pet Airways is tapping onto new value added niche that cargo airlines don't do (or maybe they will now), or both.
Quoting Manfredj (Reply 42): I give it slightly more than 2 months. If you think this idea out to its logical conclusion, no one could possibly believe this is a viable business proposal. It's an idea spawned from someone who is obviously tainted by their love of pets and has an unrealistic perspective of our industry.
So, you are saying that, after they finish flying their completely booked flights for 2 months, which they are reported to be, they'll receive no more reservations and fold? You are limited to what you think people are telling you about what they saw on the Today Show. I'm also hearing positive response on the pet and animal care networks. Somebody smart thinks its a viable business proposal. A 25 year old cargo airline with a good reputation thinks its a viable plan, enough to be completely snookered into falling for this stunt
I can see business coming in waves, per tourism, but people are always moving, etc. In slack times, Suburban can continue to carry their freight. Pet Airways will presumably tread water in slower times and staff and charter according to demand. Travel season excesses cover for the off season. That's how it works everywhere else.
Chase From United States, joined Nov 2005, 966 posts, RR: 0 Reply 44, posted (5 months 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 2733 times:
Initially I thought this was as ridiculous as most of the people posting above me think it is.
But then I started doing the math. Kennelling a dog costs about $30/night at the place I take mine to*. So if your trip is 10 days, you'd break even on the $149 one-way fare. For a 2-week trip, it would be financially worthwhile to pay the $199 one-way fare. Not completely unreasonable.
Of course, this assumes that you would be able to care for your dog at your destination, which may not be the case. I wouldn't bring my dogs on a scuba trip, for instance.
* I don't know if my kennel charges different rates for big dogs vs small dogs, but mine weight 110lbs and 145lbs.
Moose135 From United States, joined Oct 2004, 1143 posts, RR: 13 Reply 45, posted (5 months 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 2684 times:
Quoting Mayor (Reply 33): Well, they virtually offer nothing over the airlines, other than the pet attendant....at least what I can tell from their website.
Take a look at the pet policies of the major airlines - some don't allow pets at all - WN for one, notable here on Long Island - so if you're flying out of ISP with Rover, he gets left at the gate. Those that do carry pets have various restrictions, whether that be number carried on an individual flight, weather (too hot or cold) or carrier size (some only allow small carriers as cabin baggage, and do not transport larger pets in carriers as checked baggage).
And as to cost, I poked around a few airline websites earlier today - UA, one way costs $125 for carry-on or $250 for checked baggage, AA charges $100 in cabin, and $150 checked, DL is $150 carry-on and $275 checked. At $300 NY to LA, or $200 between CHI and NYC or LA, Pet Aiways is competitively priced. And having been a dog owner, let me tell you, many pet lovers will not hesitate to spend that kind of money to insure their pet is handled with extra care.
Max550 From United States, joined Nov 2007, 915 posts, RR: 0 Reply 47, posted (5 months 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 2666 times:
Quoting Moose135 (Reply 45): some don't allow pets at all - WN for one, notable here on Long Island - so if you're flying out of ISP with Rover, he gets left at the gate.
But, you wouldn't be WITH your pets on this airline. Pets only. I guess you have to find your own way to the destination and pick up your animal.
There are numerous reasons to ship a pet separately. Moving cross country (while I was driving the truck) was my reason. Why would I torture my cat with 4 days of interstate driving in the cab of a Ryder truck? 6 hours of torture, airport to airport, was much better. Other reasons: shipping specialized animals such as guide dogs, law enforcement dogs. Breeders shipping animals. Medical transport. Or, people simply wanting to trust their pet to a dedicated service while they fly their own (connecting) flights to vacation, etc.
I KNOW that...........I worked with animals for 33+ years at DL cargo. My post was in response to........
Quoting TheCommodore (Reply 20): I think this is a great idea, especially for those of us who want to be with our pets when we travel.
Quoting Rampart (Reply 34): They indicate that they will be expanding to 25 cities soon. The cargo carrier, Suburban, already serves around the country, it would not be a stretch to add the pet service as demand warrants. How many pets ship by any specific Delta flight, or even between two city pairs for Delta on any given day or week? Not much, I'm guessing. At least, it's diluted between carriers. Pet Air can ship 25 or so at a time, and they appear to be getting customers.
Well, all I can tell you is this............on any one Saturday morning, at DL cargo in SLC we could have up to 25-30 animals being shipped to a hub such as ATL or CVG and all of those were probably connecting. The rest of the week was less, but you get the idea. This was JUST SLC......I have no idea what the rest of the hubs were doing or are doing, but I imagine that it was equal if not more. Then, of course there are the animals that were connecting (as cargo) thru SLC.....you might have an equivalent number of those on any day of the week. Actually, when DL has their summer suspension of live animals checked as baggage, those numbers might go up but, oddly, they didn't usually go down when the suspension was lifted. ATL has employed a fleet of 5, air conditioned vans, just to transport live animals back and forth from the ramp (something I hope they do at other hubs in the future).
What I wonder is how Pet Airways is getting around the USDS live animal regulations? If they say they'll fly all year, how do they circumvent the temperature limits that are imposed?
''Life's tough . . . It's even tougher if you're stupid..'' The Duke -- John Wayne
Is that new? I would swear when I checked the WN site this morning, it said no pets. From the red "Now accepting small dogs/cats!" note on the main policy page, it sounds like a recent change. Maybe I followed an old link?
Max550 From United States, joined Nov 2007, 915 posts, RR: 0 Reply 51, posted (5 months 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 2462 times:
Quoting Moose135 (Reply 50): Is that new? I would swear when I checked the WN site this morning, it said no pets. From the red "Now accepting small dogs/cats!" note on the main policy page, it sounds like a recent change. Maybe I followed an old link?
Moose135 From United States, joined Oct 2004, 1143 posts, RR: 13 Reply 52, posted (5 months 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 2431 times:
Thanks, Max, I guess I ran across something old - I can't find it right now, but after checking several airline sites, I may have read it somewhere else.
Mayor From United States, joined Mar 2008, 4281 posts, RR: 11 Reply 53, posted (5 months 5 days ago) and read 2243 times:
Quoting Moose135 (Reply 52): Thanks, Max, I guess I ran across something old - I can't find it right now, but after checking several airline sites, I may have read it somewhere else.
IIRC, WN will only accept cabin pets, small enough to fit under the seat (excluding service animals, etc.). They still will not carry animals in the cargo bin.
''Life's tough . . . It's even tougher if you're stupid..'' The Duke -- John Wayne
Manfredj From United States, joined Mar 2007, 872 posts, RR: 0 Reply 54, posted (5 months 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 2176 times:
Quoting Rampart (Reply 43): I'm also hearing positive response on the pet and animal care networks
That's great, but what do they know about an airline for pets? Again, anyone with a love affair for pets will go bonkers over this idea. Trouble is, they are not the ones flipping the bill.
Airlines that do allow transport of pets are more than sufficient to fly America's pet population around. They will lower their prices to be competitive with PetAirways. They also have a larger travel base.
It's not a matter of leaving your pets in a kennel vs. use PetAirways as a viable option. A consumer will do whatever he or she wants and flip the bill to have the pet travel with them on the airline they are taking. The market share is way too small to have an idea like this take flight.
Again, this is just my opinion. To me, the rewards do not outweigh the risks.
Moose135 From United States, joined Oct 2004, 1143 posts, RR: 13 Reply 55, posted (5 months 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 1991 times:
They made their first return flight to FRG today - missed the arrival, but caught the aircraft out on the ramp. They are using space at Nassau Flyers FBO at FRG. I stopped in to the NFI office, and spoke with one of the Pet Airways folks - well as best we could in between people picking up dogs. When I got there, a family was picking up their Schnauzer, and the dog looked happy, and they looked satisfied with the treatment the dog got. Granted, one happy customer doesn't mean much, but let's see how this works moving forward.
Danfearn77 From United Kingdom (England), joined Jul 2008, 1238 posts, RR: 13 Reply 56, posted (5 months 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 1957 times:
Quoting Oswegobag (Reply 15): I give the airline 2 months max.... any other predictions out there? I do not believe the planes are full for the first two months.
Same. I find it hard to believe how anyone could pay $200 each way to send their dog. And as someone pointed out, these airports are out the way and its only a small selection. I would be extremely surprised if they were around at the turn of the year.
If at first you dont succeed, remove all evidence you ever tried.
SANMAN66 From United States, joined Aug 2006, 237 posts, RR: 1 Reply 57, posted (5 months 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 1915 times:
Although Pet Airways is flying already, it still reminds me of that upstart that never
got off the ground,remember Family Airlines?The one that would have the FA's dressed
as clowns? The 744's on a LAS-LAX run full of screaming kids? I had a good laugh with
that idea! Well, we'll see if a pet-only airline will really take off or not! IMO,most
pets would rather be with their owners on a long journey instead of boxed in with other
animals on a plane,with strangers calling themselves "Pet Attendants".
Until we get a new airport,improve on what we have already.
Moose135 From United States, joined Oct 2004, 1143 posts, RR: 13 Reply 58, posted (5 months 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 1848 times:
Quoting SANMAN66 (Reply 57): IMO,most pets would rather be with their owners on a long journey instead of boxed in with other animals on a plane,with strangers calling themselves "Pet Attendants".
But how many end up in a crate in a dark cargo hold for that long journey?
Wukka From United States, joined Jan 2005, 953 posts, RR: 25 Reply 59, posted (5 months 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 1757 times:
Personally, I think that the economic downturn may very well be beneficial to this type of operation.
There are a good many people uprooting and moving to places that are more lucrative for their careers. Speaking as one who has had to move my pets >1600 miles, the cost of having them taken care of with the claimed respect and dignity that Pet Airways is offering would certainly outweigh the stress on both myself and the animal as part of driving them in a Ryder truck across the country with my furniture in the back and my car on a trailer.
I, as well as a few above, initially thought, "Wow, what a dumb idea!," but now that I think about it, if I could pick them up en route to my destination and make them suffer a few hour ride to their final destination as opposed to 24-36 hours on the highway, not including nights in hotels (that are going to ding you a fee for having your pet in the room), might be well worth it.
Somehow, I actually can see them expanding the network to cover some of the cities that the unemployed are migrating to en masse.
This would make less sense, personally, if the economy were doing well and it was just recreational traffic. I can certainly understand why they're booked fully right now. People are moving more than ever, and this actually makes some sense.
Nws2002 From United States, joined Feb 2008, 291 posts, RR: 0 Reply 60, posted (5 months 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 1722 times:
Quoting Manfredj (Reply 42): Just out of curiosity, would the FAA regulate FA's on this airline?
That really depends on who the "pet attendants" are employed by and how they are listed on the flight manifest. If they are employed by the Part 135 operator (in this case Suburban Air Freight) and listed as crewmembers on the manifest then they must be trained by the operator's FAA approved flight attendant training. If they are listed as passengers on the manifest and employed by either Suburban Air Freight or Pet Airways then then no traning is required, because they are just passengers.
My hunch would be that these attendants are employed by Pet Airways and manifested as passengers by Suburban Air Freight. It's cheaper all around and I I doubt Suburban Air Freight even has an FAA approved flight attendant training program. The Beechcraft 1900 doesn't require a flight attendant anyways.
The same arrangement is often used with large cabin private jets. You don't get flight attendant who is a crewmember and appropriately trained. Instead you get a cabin attendant who is a just a passenger like yourself and able to serve the food and make sure your blanket is tucked around you.
Mayor From United States, joined Mar 2008, 4281 posts, RR: 11 Reply 61, posted (5 months 3 days ago) and read 1628 times:
Quoting Danfearn77 (Reply 56): Same. I find it hard to believe how anyone could pay $200 each way to send their dog. And as someone pointed out, these airports are out the way and its only a small selection. I would be extremely surprised if they were around at the turn of the year.
People do it all the time on the legacy carriers, why the mystery?
Quoting Wukka (Reply 59): Personally, I think that the economic downturn may very well be beneficial to this type of operation.
There are a good many people uprooting and moving to places that are more lucrative for their careers. Speaking as one who has had to move my pets >1600 miles, the cost of having them taken care of with the claimed respect and dignity that Pet Airways is offering would certainly outweigh the stress on both myself and the animal as part of driving them in a Ryder truck across the country with my furniture in the back and my car on a trailer.
That is really a very small niche market for this service. The way I see it is this is mostly for those folks that have heard the horror stories about the airlines and pets.........some for real, mostly not........and want to have an alternative. This is the "trendy" thing to do.
''Life's tough . . . It's even tougher if you're stupid..'' The Duke -- John Wayne
MCOflyer From United States, joined Jun 2006, 8115 posts, RR: 16 Reply 62, posted (5 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 1547 times:
I think this is a great idea. It benefits owners who do business in major cities who want to spend time with their animals. Also, it benefits the breeders as their animals get to their clients in 3x as much time as shipping it on a bus. It does have its advantages and I support them 100%.
Mayor From United States, joined Mar 2008, 4281 posts, RR: 11 Reply 63, posted (5 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 1546 times:
Quoting MCOflyer (Reply 62): I think this is a great idea. It benefits owners who do business in major cities who want to spend time with their animals. Also, it benefits the breeders as their animals get to their clients in 3x as much time as shipping it on a bus. It does have its advantages and I support them 100%.
And how are those owners getting to that particular city? Why not check your animal on your same flight or ship it on the same flight, if you have to have your dog with you. As far as the breeders are concerned, I'm guessing that most of them ship by air, using the legacy carriers. They just tack on the transportation costs to the price they are charging the buyer. This service isn't replacing bus service......it's trying to horn in on what the legacies do. That's all.
''Life's tough . . . It's even tougher if you're stupid..'' The Duke -- John Wayne
BAKJet From United States, joined Nov 2007, 558 posts, RR: 1 Reply 69, posted (4 months 2 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 821 times:
Quoting Mayor (Reply 63): And how are those owners getting to that particular city?
I would assume either taking a regular commercial flight or driving in a moving truck.
Quoting Mayor (Reply 63): Why not check your animal on your same flight or ship it on the same flight, if you have to have your dog with you
Because the market that Pet Airways is focusing on is the one of people that are bringing their dogs with them but do not want to check them on a regular flight. The idea of having my dogs taken care of by an attendant is a lot more comforting than the idea of them waiting in a loud, busy luggage area before being loaded into a plane's cargo hold and left sitting in the cold (?) cargo hold for hours without anyone to look after them. When you compare the cost of checking your pet on a regular airline and flying them on Pet Airways the difference is relatively small and in my opinion the peace of mind for you and the extra care your furry friend receieves would be worth it. I know that if I ever have to move my dogs (which are large dogs) and it is a distance of more than a days driving I will use Pet Airways, and I think that many other pet owners will feel the same way.
I believe that Pet Airways has found a small niche market. However, I believe that the majority of their customers are going to be going one-way while they are moving. If rescue groups and breeders start using Pet Airways, that would give Pet Airways steady business.
Mayor From United States, joined Mar 2008, 4281 posts, RR: 11 Reply 70, posted (4 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 774 times:
Quoting BAKJet (Reply 69): I believe that Pet Airways has found a small niche market. However, I believe that the majority of their customers are going to be going one-way while they are moving. If rescue groups and breeders start using Pet Airways, that would give Pet Airways steady business.
Then the niche is very, very small. The market for people that are moving to another city is small compared to those that want to have their animals with them on vacation, hence, they check the animal or ship it via air cargo, or for breeders that ship the animals to people buying animals from them. In all the years I was involved in helping people ship their animals, I can remember 1, maybe 2 instances where someone was actually moving to a new city and were shipping the animals. That's approximately 33 years. Now I realize that's a small sampling, but I really don't think that particular market is that large. Certainly not enough to start a new carrier.
If Pet Airways is, in someway, circumventing the rules, specifically the temperature regs, are they really taking better care of the animals than the airlines that are abiding by them? I don't think so.
''Life's tough . . . It's even tougher if you're stupid..'' The Duke -- John Wayne
BAKJet From United States, joined Nov 2007, 558 posts, RR: 1 Reply 71, posted (4 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 659 times:
Quoting Mayor (Reply 70):
Then the niche is very, very small
Yes, Probably.
Quoting Mayor (Reply 70): If Pet Airways is, in someway, circumventing the rules, specifically the temperature regs, are they really taking better care of the animals than the airlines that are abiding by them? I don't think so.
I do not know. But if I were ever going to move my animals I would take a thorough look at pet airways and see if they looks like they actually took better care of the animals.
If they do take better care of the animals I believe that they have a chance of success. If they do not actually take better care of the animals I believe that they will fail.
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Well, we'll see if a pet-only airline will really take off or not! IMO,most
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