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! :)

Congratulations on your son playing and sorry you have to pay so much for the ticket.

Just a quick comment about the airport. Yes, you picked the closest one to Danville. (Cincinnati's airport is much farther away.) Hope you enjoy the horse country of Kentucky. But, we are having a drought, so sorry to report it is brown, not lush right now.

Not sure if you know of this site:

www.kayak.com

you put in your information and it will come up with all flights available. I always use this site to check for the best way to go.

And Southwest now allows pets? Never did before - glad to hear it.

I'm an athlete's mom too - so I know what it means to be there. Didn't get the same feeling watching college as I did high school- but my son was playing and I had to be there. I know the feeling.

Enjoy it!

Have a great time at the game, and your son must be an outstanding player to get in as a freshman.

It is too bad that they care so much for a little fog in a baf that will be flying under the seat in front of you. When we used to fly a lot together to AZ, we always would bring Maxine and it cost $150 for her round trip. Carlo was boarded at his training facility, and he only would go when we drove out there. Now they have Pet Airlines that serves multiple cities, and Chicago/Phoenix area being one.

Probably good that you are leaving the little fog behind. You will not have to worry about security, the plane trip, the drive, the hotel, etc, or if you want to go out and eat, walk, or recruit! Have a great time.

I remember many moons ago taking my cockatoo to Florida with me before all these airlines got so crazy. It cost me $90 round trip on Delta and I had to put Casper under my seat. Well all he did the whoe trip was make wolf whistles at the flight attendents. By the time we got off the plane the whole crew was in love with him.

I fly JetBlue with my baby too. :thumbup:

It is 100 each way but you get 300 extra points each way with the pet. Your pet counts as your personal item only, so you still get your carry on and your one piece of free checked luggage.

However, even so- I have always still brought my personal item (handbag) and no one has ever said anything- his carrier plus my bag both fit under the seat together, so thats why I think they don't care.

It IS frustrating that you need to pay so much to stuff your dog under the seat, but the person next to you can have a child up to two years old sitting on their lap, kicking and screaming, for NO additional cost. But over time you just learn to deal with it if you want to travel with your pet because there is no other option.

Have fun this weekend!

I hate how airlines are getting away with charging us that much for us to bring our dogs. Especially when they are not taking a seat or anyones space expect for mine.

Someone please enlighten me on how this works. If you pay the pet fee and bring your baby in an airline approved carrier, you get to keep him under your seat? What happens if he whines and wants to come out to be held. Will they take him away to the back or something?

:thumbup:

Southwest is the cheapest out there.

Debra - we must be neighbors! I live in Milton - Bagdad actually. Nice to meet you! :-)

I think this all depends on how understanding your flight attendants are. The pets are supposed to stay in their carriers. But I have heard others that have gotten by with taking them out for a little reassurance when they were flying. I guess all they can really do is ask that you put them back in the carrier. I figured I would at least open the end and put my hand in to pet and soothe Annie. She travels very well in the car so I thought she would be fine.

It probably is for the best this trip to leave her with grandma since it is going to be a quick land, go to the game, and return on a 5:30 am flight the next morning. But still, I would have liked to have her along. I would spend the money if I was staying longer. Think I will just save her first flight for the next time I fly up to see my oldest son in Virginia.

Cally -- thanks for the kayak.com site! I will use that next time. I know what you mean about college not having the same feeling/excitement as high school. My son says he misses high school football so much! Most of those boys played together from the time they were really young (6 years old for my son) and they had a comraderie that will last a lifetime. College might get better as we go -- this is just Freshman year and they are just getting to know each other.

I have been "talking" with another neighbor about getting our Yorkies together in a couple of weeks. I will let you know when we set a date and hope you can join in too!

Sending you a PM.

EDIT: Guess I cannot send you a PM. Never ran in to that before.

hummmmm... not sure why. I don't post much - I mostly just read and learn! Our little one is a yorkiepoo and she has won all our hearts!

It is pretty much what FlDebra said. It depends on the flight crew and your fellow passengers. I'm not much of a traveler, but Kaji and I have taken a trip on a plane together. I'm not going to lie, I did a lot of no-no's in the process. I walked him through the airport, which wasn't a big deal at LAX. While we were waiting for the flight, my family and I picked a secluded bench and we built a fort with our luggage. Kaji was only in his carrier while we boarded, during takeoff and landing. All the other times he was on my lap. He really enjoyed looking out the window! :)

I've taken my pups out of the carrier to let them stretch their legs and to offer water. One time one of my girls decided she would poop in her carrier.....so, off we went to the bathroom to clean her and the carrier up. Just put a piddle pad on the floor and let her roam while I cleaned. I always travel with an extra crate pad, piddle pads, self rinse, baby wipes and a plastic bag. Also, a bag of coffee beans comes in handy to absorb any odor.

Your flight crew has plenty to do with what is acceptable. When traveling to NY to Westminister and the Yorkie National, flight crews are pretty lienent. On one flight, there were 9 yorkies in the main cabin. Our dogs were carried up and down the isles being shown off by the flight crew.

I want to be on a flight with nothing but gorgeous yorkies!!! You're right about the "yorkie diaper bag." I had everything you mentioned minus the coffee beans. I did have a small ziplock with kibble, and I had a water bottle for him. It gets heavy when you add everything up. A 7 lb yorkie + all his stuff = a sore shoulder. :p