'Pets Only' Air Service Caters To Four-Legged Friends

Beginning in July, newcomer Pet Airways is slated to begin service to five major cities, with plans to expand service to other cities before the year is out – but for pets only.

The initial schedule will include flights between New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. Alysa Binder, founder and executive vice president of Pet Airways, said, "For us, it's all about the safety and the comfort of the pets."

Binder and husband Dan Wiesel were inspired to begin the unusual service after shipping their Jack Russell Terrier, Zoe, from the San Francisco area to South Florida, and considering an alternative for pets traveling in cargo holds.

Operated by Suburban Airlines, the airline plans to use 19-seat Beech 1900s, but without the seats. The planes’ interiors will be climate-controlled and well-lit, a far cry from accommodations offered to pets transported in airliner cargo holds.

“Pawsengers” will be accompanied by a flight attendant to care for their needs enroute, according to The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Pets will be welcomed at check-in counters, and owners can track the flights on the company website.

Although the company is currently advertising lower introductory fares, tickets are expected to run about $250 each way, varying on pet sizes and needs, Binder said.

FMI: http://petairways.com/