Going on vacation without your best friend is hard. Many pet lovers out there are saddened by the thought that they have to leave their pets at home when they travel. However, Pet Airways has solved that problem. Pet Airways is an airline created for pets only. This new airline was made specifically for pets where they would be checked regularly by attendants and it even includes a pet lounge for goodbyes at the airport. Though this airline is a great idea, it still has a few kinks to work out. Transfer America has reviewed the airline and what was once a genius plan has not turned out the way that it should.
The company was started in July of 2009 and promised pet owners that “Your best friend travels in four-legged style in the main cabin, constantly monitored by a pet attendant with the temperature just right and with lots of fresh circulating air”. Since its creation they have flown more than seven thousands cats, dogs and even one pig. However, Pet Airways has recently received bad reviews for canceling flights and left many pet owners frustrated and angered. This once loved and great company is now suffering like its counterparts for human travelers.
Ms. Hamilton, a victim who suffered three canceled flights from Pet Airways, commented, “It’s outrageous. Thanks to Pet Airways, I had to fly from New York to L.A., rent a car and drive all the way back.” As a result of the cancelation, Ms. Hamilton had to drive a three day cross country journey with her pet.
Many pet owners are angered at Pet Airways for canceling flights and not issuing a full refund for the purchased flights. One of the reasons this airline is canceling flights is due to the fact that they do not own their own airplane. They are currently contracting a plane from different companies.
The co-founder of Pet Airlines commented, “After several flights, it was apparent that the company and plane could not perform as represented, and that there was a definite safety issue, especially in cold weather. We are a very new company that is pioneering, just as FedEx pioneered the overnight packaging business. We have ups and downs, but we are keeping our eyes on the long-term goal of providing a safe and comfortable transportation option for the pets.” The company has switched back to their previous contractor since then but the switch led to canceled flights because the plane was committed to other flights.
Since the cancelations, it is still unsure of when the airline will be up and running again. On the other hand, Ms. Binder commented recently that they “are working toward being in the air as soon as [they] can be assured that the planes are ready for [their] use”.