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Most airlines don't allow pets to fly as cargo when temperatures exceed 85 degrees.
A stifling heat wave has baked much of the country for the past several days — in some cases weeks — and forecasters say temperatures may not cool for some time.
Triple-digit temperatures are creating headaches for people planning to bring a pet along on summer vacation.
If you have plans to fly with your pet, here are a few things to keep in mind:
The airline
Pet policies vary by airline, but most carriers will not transport pets in a plane’s cargo hold if temperatures will exceed 85 degrees at any point during a trip. (United, Continental, American and Delta have similar rules. Southwest Airlines does not allow pets as cargo.)
Policies are similar, but not equal, said Rachel Farris, director of operations of petrelocation.com, which primarily uses Continental for domestic flights, and touts the carrier’s PetSafe program, which offers climate-controlled trips from warehouses and tarmacs to cargo holds.
Other airlines, regardless of the time of year and breed of pet, have room for improvement, Farris said. “I think they’re starting to see that.”
Your pet’s health
Flying is stressful for both humans and pets, and extreme temperatures add to the mix.
Pets pant more when stressed said Farris. “Panting when hot and stressed can cause them to hyperventilate,” she said.
The crate
Farris suggests buying a crate ahead of time so your pet can get used to it. “Put it somewhere in the house where the pet can interact with it, put toys and treats in it,” she said. A crate-trained pet will be more at ease.
The crate must be big enough so that your pet has four to six inches clearance when standing as well as room to comfortably lie down and turn around.
And pay attention to ventilation. Farris suggests buying travel crates with holes on all four sides. “It’s better for the pet and better for ventilation.”
Keep in touch
If it looks like temperatures will climb above 85 degrees, be proactive. Contact your airline and make sure you won’t be surprised when you get to the airport.
If you’re traveling from or through a part of the U.S. that is experiencing extreme temperatures, consider flying at night or early in the morning. “Choose a flight that leaves after dark and arrives early in the morning before the runway begins to heat up,” advises PetTravel.com.
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Joe Myxter has been running msnbc.com's Travel section since 2006. Follow him on Twitter @joemyxter.
Leave a Comment:
The issue is not only high temperatures but the lack of air in most cargo holds. Cargo holds are meant to transport bags, not living, breathing creatures. Even at temperatures below 85, the lack of air can kill. When you add to this the fact that an animal does not understand airplanes, flying, all the noises going on around him or her, it can be extremely stressful for them. I have represented people whose animals have died on airlines and they find it hard to forgive themselves. Better to be safe than sorry.
Now, let's talk about all the cows, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry and horses that will be transported in this heat to auctions, slaughter, without any requirement for food, water, rest on most trips.
When traveling for a week or so, i usually leave my pug in a Kennel. It's more convenient for me, less stressful for him.
This is a great article about traveling with your pet. There are also a lot of other things to keep in mind, especially when traveling by car. This article gives more great tips on pet safety during road trips:
I would never put my dog in cargo. If I had to travel to Europe with her I would have to go by a ship that has a kennel regardless of the cost.