Purchasing a seat next to your on the airplane is a costly mistake.
Although, I heavily agree that you should not place your ferret or other
small animal in the cargo areas, there is another option.  Delta airlines
is the only airline that allows small animals to fly in cabin.  Although
Delta can be a little more pricey for passenger fares than other
airlines, the ferrets safety is utmost to me.  They are stowed under your
seat in a FAA approved carrier.  You are allowed a max of 2 ferrets per
carrier, however, you couldn't get more in there comfortably anyways.
You can only bring on one carrier and it is considered your carry on, for
the smaller flights anyways.  However, the airplane is only allowed 2
carriers at max, so first come first serve.  You have to sit on an aisle
seat, makes for easier in and out.  You cannot sit in an emergency exit.
And, the cost for travelling with your beloved furball....$75.00 each way
and it is to be paid for in cash when you check in each way.  You have to
call Delta directly and book your carrier, you cannot do it online.
 
Some airports are better than others about the ferrets travelling through
the xray stations.  Of course, you take your ferret out and walk it
through with you through the metal detector, the cage goes through the
xray machine.  However, BWI airport is the worse that I have found.  They
take you into a "private" room where a specialist inspects your ferret...
actually pats them down...and also your cage...takes everything out.  You
are not allowed to take your pet out of the carrier in the terminals.
Most people don't know what they are so you are bombarded with questions
and not so nice glances and "yucks".  I do alot of travelling with my
ferrets for shows and such and they do not have a problem with this.
They are very well behaved and mostly will just sleep on the plane.
However, when you check in to your hotel, you have a very wired and
excited ferret!
 
Happy Travelling,
Sara Hamilton
Leizel's Weasels
[Posted in FML issue 4547]