Airlines

How to carry your pet on a flight: Rules and Regulations

This US airline allows dogs in the cabin

Yes, you can buy a seat for your dog on an airplane. Traveling with your four-legged companion has become increasingly popular, and many airlines now offer the option to secure a seat for your pet.

Pet travel is governed by the policies of each airline

It’s important to understand that not all airlines permit you to travel with your dog on an aircraft and reserve a seat for them. Pet travel is governed by the policies of each airline, and these policies might vary greatly from one airline to the next. Therefore, make sure to learn about and comprehend the airline’s pet-related policies before you book your trip.

Each airline has its own restrictions on size. While some airlines permit larger dogs in the cabin, others do not have weight restrictions. Dogs in cabins are typically allowed up to 20 pounds in weight; the total weight of the dog and carrier cannot exceed that limit.

For instance, JetBlue charges extra pet fees and demands that passengers purchase an additional seat in order to have two pets with them simultaneously. Furthermore, your dog must travel in a carrier the entire time, even if you have paid for a second seat. Similar to this, if two adjacent seats are purchased for a flight, Alaska Airlines permits passengers to bring up to two pets in the cabin.

The following tips can be considered during travel.

Review Airline Policies:
- Before reserving your ticket, always read and understand the airline’s pet policy.
Size and Weight Restrictions:
- For dogs traveling in the cabin, most airlines have size and weight restrictions.
- Small to medium-sized dogs are usually permitted.
- There is frequently a weight limit for both the dog and its carrier, which varies by airline.
Airline-Approved Pet Carrier:
- Your dog should be transported in a pet carrier that fits beneath the seat in front of you.
- The carrier should be secure and well-ventilated.
- Check that it fits the size and materials requirements of the airline.
Health Certificate:
- Some airlines may request a recent veterinarian’s health certificate proving your dog’s good health and up-to-date vaccinations.
Required Documentation:
- Check with the airline to see if special documentation, such as proof of rabies vaccination, is required.
Limited Cabin Spaces:
- Airlines frequently have a restricted number of cabin places accessible for dogs.
- Reservations for your dog should be made well in advance, as these spots can fill up rapidly.
Behavior and Comfort:
- Make sure your dog is well-behaved and comfortable in the carrier.
- It’s a good idea to bring your dog’s favourite toy or blanket to help keep them calm.
In-Flight Well-being:
- Keep an eye on your dog’s health during the flight.
- Provide water and comfort as needed.
- It’s best not to feed your dog right before the flight to avoid motion sickness.

Airlines

Singapore Airlines Ordered to Pay $3,580 to Couple over Faulty Seats

Image:Wikipedia

Following a dispute over defective seats during their voyage from India to Australia last year, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been compelled to pay a sum exceeding S$3,500 to an Indian couple.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Hyderabad ruled in favour of Ravi and Anjali Gupta, who on May 23, 2023, had problems with their business class seats that were meant to automatically recline on their flight from Hyderabad to Australia via Singapore.

Reports from media outlets in India highlighted the discomfort experienced by the couple, who were compelled to endure the entire journey without the benefit of reclining seats, despite having paid a significant amount which cost around 66,750 rupees (S$1,090) for each ticket, lodged a complaint during the flight, expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation.

Singapore Airlines initially offered compensation in the form of 10,000 KrisFlyer miles per person, which was declined by the passengers. As reported by CNA, Singapore Airlines apologised for any difficulty the technical failure may have caused and acknowledged the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Hyderabad’s ruling.

SIA clarified that while the automatic recline feature on Mr. and Mrs. Gupta’s seats experienced a glitch, the manual recline function remained operational during the flight from Hyderabad to Singapore.

Regrettably, due to a fully occupied flight, SIA staff were unable to arrange alternative seating within the business class cabin. However, the airline asserts that its crew diligently monitored the couple’s comfort throughout the journey, offering to manually adjust the seats as needed.

Airlines

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.

Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.

Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.

Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.

Airlines

Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft

In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.

This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.

With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.

Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.

Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.

Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.

With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.