[News] Pet-only airline PetAirways launches service for pampered 'paws-engers'

[Judy in Waco]

Pet-only airline PetAirways launches service for pampered 'paws-engers'

Pet-only airline PetAirways launches service for pampered 'paws-engers'
BY ZAC FAILLA AND DAVE GOLDINER
DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Tuesday, July 14th 2009, 3:13 PM

It's going to be a ruff landing every time this airline flies.
The nation's first pet-only airline took off from a Long Island airport Tuesday vowing to provide kennel-in-the-sky service for pampered paws-engers.
"It's great to know he'll get there safely and we don't have to worry," said Jim Gentilini, 62, of Binghamton, NY, who was checking in his daughter's chocolate lab named Bear.
PetAirways offers free in-flight pet treats, comfy crates, and a climate-controlled cabin.
There's no lines for bathrooms - Fido can do his business right on the floor.
"People actually called to ask my dog's preferences," Heather Donaheu, 34, of Sacramento. "I've never gotten that kind of customer service on a human airline."
The idea for the fur-friendly airline came when CEO Dan Wiesel had to check his Jack Russell terrier into the cargo hold on a cross country flight.
"It was stressful for me and it was stressful for the dog," said Wiesel, of Delaney, Fla.
PetAirways is starting out with a single Beechcraft plane that once seated 19 "two-leggers."
The plane was gutted to provide space for 50 pets.
A veterinary assistant will ride on every flight along with the pilot and co-pilot.
The airline is starting out by flying once a week from Republic Airport in Farmingdale to Baltimore, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles.
"It's awesome - the dogs are treated like children," said Monica Frate, a pet sitter from Darien, Conn., who was dropping off her boss' beagles Suki and Gopi.
"It's cool they have their own airline."
Tickets start at $149. For now, the airline is only taking dogs and cats, but is looking into accepting birds and "exotic animals" as well.
One high-class pup rolled up to the airport with his family in a chauffeur-driven Cadillac Escalade.
Most of the pet-owners said they wouldn't consider letting Spot fly in the cargo hold on a regular airline.
Donaheu said Vito, her Australian border collie, is too precious to get tossed around like Samsonite.
"He's a member of our family," she said. "He's certainly not cargo and he's not a suitcase."
Gentilini said it beats flying coach or even business class.
"The animals are getting treated better than I do on most flights," he said.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Judy in Waco

Pet-only airline PetAirways launches service for pampered 'paws-engers'

Pet-only airline PetAirways launches service for pampered 'paws-engers'
BY ZAC FAILLA AND DAVE GOLDINER
DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Tuesday, July 14th 2009, 3:13 PM

It's going to be a ruff landing every time this airline flies.
The nation's first pet-only airline took off from a Long Island airport Tuesday vowing to provide kennel-in-the-sky service for pampered paws-engers.
"It's great to know he'll get there safely and we don't have to worry," said Jim Gentilini, 62, of Binghamton, NY, who was checking in his daughter's chocolate lab named Bear.
PetAirways offers free in-flight pet treats, comfy crates, and a climate-controlled cabin.
There's no lines for bathrooms - Fido can do his business right on the floor.
"People actually called to ask my dog's preferences," Heather Donaheu, 34, of Sacramento. "I've never gotten that kind of customer service on a human airline."
The idea for the fur-friendly airline came when CEO Dan Wiesel had to check his Jack Russell terrier into the cargo hold on a cross country flight.
"It was stressful for me and it was stressful for the dog," said Wiesel, of Delaney, Fla.
PetAirways is starting out with a single Beechcraft plane that once seated 19 "two-leggers."
The plane was gutted to provide space for 50 pets.
A veterinary assistant will ride on every flight along with the pilot and co-pilot.
The airline is starting out by flying once a week from Republic Airport in Farmingdale to Baltimore, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles.
"It's awesome - the dogs are treated like children," said Monica Frate, a pet sitter from Darien, Conn., who was dropping off her boss' beagles Suki and Gopi.
"It's cool they have their own airline."
Tickets start at $149. For now, the airline is only taking dogs and cats, but is looking into accepting birds and "exotic animals" as well.
One high-class pup rolled up to the airport with his family in a chauffeur-driven Cadillac Escalade.
Most of the pet-owners said they wouldn't consider letting Spot fly in the cargo hold on a regular airline.
Donaheu said Vito, her Australian border collie, is too precious to get tossed around like Samsonite.
"He's a member of our family," she said. "He's certainly not cargo and he's not a suitcase."
Gentilini said it beats flying coach or even business class.
"The animals are getting treated better than I do on most flights," he said.

Isn't it great. Someone else posted this somewhere on here.

I wonder if they'll beef up the flights during Westminster Dog Show Time Frame.

[Judy in Waco]

I think this is such a great idea! (Sorry for the repost. I didn't see the other.)

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Judy in Waco

I think this is such a great idea! (Sorry for the repost. I didn't see the other.)

Don't be sorry, sometimes a good post is worth reposting.

It is a bit pricey, but at times who cares about the price when it's for the animals.

[soryloveyorkie]

I watched something about on TV today. I think the price is $250? it's a greattttttttttt idea this.

[mnewco]

This is an awesome idea but the way I look at it is this is a service for the rich that can't afford to have a private jet but rich enough to fly their dog on a carrier like this.

I want to know why there is not a service like this for those of us that can't afford more than 50.00 each way. I know what animals go through on carriers from stories I have read but it is the only way most of us can afford to fly our pets.

[mnewco]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Don't be sorry, sometimes a good post is worth reposting.

It is a bit pricey, but at times who cares about the price when it's for the animals.

It is a bit pricey for most of us. I don't know about you but I could never afford to pay 600.00 round trip from coast to coast. Heck, I can't even afford to pay that for me.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by mnewco

It is a bit pricey for most of us. I don't know about you but I could never afford to pay 600.00 round trip from coast to coast. Heck, I can't even afford to pay that for me.

I know what you mean. But,for those that have small dogs, we're lucky enough to carry them on board....$100.00 each way at the minimum......

[deeogie]

I travelled with Lucky this year across water....we crossed the Atlantic on a ferry called Atlantic Vision! What I paid to have my dog go through was just cruel!! They promised me over the phone that he was going to be in a warm, well lit , dry and supervised area of the ship! When we checked in on board, I had to bring Lucky up to the Kennel......well, lets just say the janitors storage room was better, I went as far as to ask if Lucky could have my cabin and I stay in the dungeon lol!!Knowing where my baby was for 5 hours crossing totally ruined my trip! I wasn't even allowed to go and see him....and there was NOBODY there to supervise!!It's really something that should be checked into! I wasn't the only pet owner that was disgusted either!!
So, yeah, if I had to pay a few hundred dollars to have Lucky in the comfort that he deserves, I would gladly do it!!If my pet isn't comfortable then neither am I......

Lucky's Mommy

[EverythingMiley]

I think this is a GREAT idea..