Expensive to Fly My 2 LB PUP! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

FlDebra · 10-21-2010, 04:23 PM

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.

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!

boopster · 10-21-2010, 04:26 PM

I'll help you pout.

Where is your son playing?

Mardelin · 10-21-2010, 04:35 PM

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.

kdhawks · 10-21-2010, 04:53 PM

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!

DvlshAngel985 · 10-21-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

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.

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!

Mardelin · 10-21-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdhawks

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!

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.

yorkieusa · 10-21-2010, 04:56 PM

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

kdhawks · 10-21-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

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.

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

Mardelin · 10-21-2010, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

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

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.

FlDebra · 10-21-2010, 05:31 PM

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!

FlDebra · 10-21-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

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 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.

cpurser · 10-21-2010, 05:59 PM

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!

CouversMom · 10-21-2010, 06:03 PM

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

Patti · 10-21-2010, 07:03 PM

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.

LoALAnna · 10-21-2010, 08:53 PM

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!

10-21-2010, 04:23 PM	#1
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	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. 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! __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard Last edited by FlDebra; 10-21-2010 at 04:26 PM.

10-21-2010, 04:35 PM	#3
Mardelin Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California Posts: 14,776	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. __________________ Mardelin *Yorkshire* *Terriers*

10-21-2010, 04:53 PM	#4
kdhawks Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,359	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! __________________ katy&levi

10-21-2010, 04:56 PM	#7
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	Next they'll be charging for the oxygen you use! __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

10-21-2010, 05:31 PM	#10
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	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! __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard

10-21-2010, 04:26 PM	#2
boopster Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Southern California, USA Posts: 1,643 Blog Entries: 1	I'll help you pout. Where is your son playing?

10-21-2010, 05:59 PM	#12
cpurser Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Cochran, GA Posts: 209	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! __________________ Cathy, mom to Sarge and Lexi

10-21-2010, 06:03 PM	#13
CouversMom and Khloe Mae's too! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Eastern Washington Posts: 14,732	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 __________________ Michelle- mommy to Couver and Khloe Mae! http://yorkiehavenrescue.com/

10-21-2010, 07:03 PM	#14
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	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. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

10-21-2010, 08:53 PM	#15
LoALAnna YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Elberta, AL USA Posts: 919	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!