[Jkpal]

I researched airline requirements for Piper and learned that she needs an advance reservation as airlines only allow a very limited number of pets in cabin; and she must be in airline approved carrier that will fit under seat. She is required to remain in carrier, under seat for duration of flight. And for these deluxe travel arrangements, Southwest charges $95 EACH WAY and American $150 EACH WAY!! Good lord, 9 1/2 lbs---Piper has a value similar to high-quality caviar with these airlines! I teased an American Airline pilot whom I see regularly at work and he kinda grimaced and laughed and said I should get one of those "pet tags" and fly her for free. When I said I couldn't do that as she's not certified, his reply was, "Well, are you stressed to pay that much? Would you be upset to leave her at home? Would having her fly free with you alleviate that stress?" Well, yes, of course...So he looked at his co-pilot, laughed and told me, "There you go, your dog is a service/therapy animal!" Right??!!! He made a fun argument, but unless Piper gets certified or I win the lottery, we're both temporarily, voluntarily "grounded." Lotta money to put her cute lil' self under a seat for hours (yeah, like that'd happen!)