Expensive to Fly My 2 LB PUP!
 

Just found out that my son will be playing in the away football game this weekend, broken wrist and all. I had not thought he was going to play, so had not made plane reservations til today. Last minute flights are EXPENSIVE! But what really made me aggravated to no end was what they wanted to charge me for Annie to go along. I really wanted to take her. She is so young, I don't want to leave her yet. But they wanted $225 round trip AND she was taking the place of my carry-on so I would have to pay $50 for my actual carry-on EACH WAY -- making the cost an extra $325 for my 2 pound puppy! The hotel was also going to charge an extra $45 for the night for a pet cleaning fee. So there is a grand total of $370!

I am going up and back just for the game. I would come back the same day except they have no evening flight. So, the expense is just not worth it for that short of a trip. I am already crazy for paying over $500 for my plane fare + hotel + car rental to drive another hour from the airport, but I can't miss this! It will be his first college game that he actually gets to play in. We had thought they weren't going to let him until he got the cast off but I guess they are going to pad it up and let him in. It figures his first game would be the furthest away! Still, I don't want to complain about that as I am just so thankful he is getting to play as a Freshman! It wouldn't matter how far away it was, I would still be going myself. I am sure there are other sports moms out there that understand. :D Logic plays no part in this.

Why on earth do they charge so much extra for a little tiny pup when they are only taking the same space that a regular carryon would take? They can't be let out of the carrier, so there is no extra cleaning costs. They don't have to feed them. It would be different if I was going somewhere and staying a while. Then I could maybe justify the cost. But not for an overnight. I am really disappointed that I will have to leave her behind. My mom will take great care of her -- no worries there. But I just had wanted to bring her along. :( Pardon me while I pout!

I'll help you pout.

Where is your son playing?

Debra,

I've taken to flying Southwest airlines. Something I swore I never would do because of the stop overs and at times changing planes.

However, I did the math. Yes, you can find cheaper flights with other airlines, but SW doesn't charge you for luggage and pet fee is $75.00 and you can fly 2 in a carrier for the same price. So, when all else is considered the cheaper airfare that other airlines offer ends up costing you more. So, I'll endure the stop overs.

I agree - airline pet policies are ridiculously expensive! I'll pout too.

Southwest's pet policy is a little more reasonable, as is JetBlue. For JetBlue, the cost is still $100 each way, but pets in carriers count as your carry-on personal item, so I believe you would still be able to bring a carry-on for the overhead compartment. Also, JetBlue doesn't charge for your first checked bag.

Don't know where you are going though...and JetBlue is only in certain cities I believe. But good luck to your son!

That sounds pretty awesome. I don't fly much, but I'll keep this in mind if there ever is a next time.

OP, I totally feel you on the crazy prices. What kills me is the pup goes under the seat and not on the over head compartment where a carry one would go. Why can't we just have both? We're already paying extra for the pup!

JetBlue must have changed their policy, you use to be check in 3 without charge.

SW still doesn't charge for checked backage, you can check 2 and have 1 carry-on.

Next they'll be charging for the oxygen you use!

Yep, their policy changed. One is free now, the second bag is $30. The third bag is even more!

Heck! You can't use cash anymore, so if you buy a drink or buy headphones you have to use your credit card.....now that's dumb using your credit card for a 2 to 5 dollar charge.

I only had a choice of Delta and US Airways. In fact, I wound up taking both Delta flights there and both USA Airways for the returns. I am going to Lexington, KY and they are playing at Centre College in Danville, KY. So, I am renting a car and driving from Lexington to Danville. Hope I scoped it right. Looked like that was going to be the closest airport. I still haven't made a hotel reservation. Not sure if I want to stay in Danville or drive back to Lexington. Sort of wish I was staying longer -- beautiful country up there with all the horse farms and green, lush fields.

We used to have more choices in airlines but most moved out of Pensacola. I probably should have checked some of the other airlines y'all mentioned from Mobile or somewhere. But I have already paid now. I had to move quick. I had one flight for $390, kept looking, and then went back to book it -- GONE! Wound up having to pay over $500 and I got the last one at that price. So, every delay was costing me money. I will learn for next year and probably go ahead and book early for the 2 away games that are too far for me to drive. This one caught me off guard but like I said -- it will all be worth it! My son is so ate up with his sports that he gets his own adrenalin high when he plays. It is a joy for me to watch. His dad would be so proud -- I am sure he will be watching from a great seat on high!

I didn't even know that. I guess it has been a while since I've flown. Things have changed drastically in a few years time. When I flew my granddaughters down here, we had to pack them food. Good thing too as they did not even give them so much as a pack of peanuts! Thought that was almost required. ;)

Sorry for all the expense, and you still can't carry your baby. I know how it is to be a sports mom though. Mine don't play now, but when they did I would have moved heaven and earth to be there. Enjoy the game! Stay safe!

Aww... It would have been so fun to take her with you. It's too bad that the pet fees are so high :(

Have fun watching your son play! That's exciting :)

It is so expensive to travel especially with short notice. That is so exciting that you are going. At least you can go and enjoy the trip and know your baby will be well taken care of by Grandma. Have a great time.

Deb, most people around here and even Mobilians use P'cola Airport because its so much cheaper! Also, depending on the destination or airline, Gulfport is much cheaper. Mobile Airport has a terrible reputation for high price flying.

Good luck to your son. Hope his game goes well and your trip is a good and safe one! :)