I too am surprised that the airline allowed that! If Toto couldn't be in the cabin with me, we just wouldn't fly! When we go through security, you would think I had a tiny criminal in the carrier ... they go over her and her carrier with a fine tooth comb. I'm going to try to find her a little convict costume and let her wear it every time we fly!
People who don't seem to be concerned with the comfort of their pet, just shouldn't have them!