People traveling with pets, tube dogs included, this summer will enjoy new
rules on some airlines.  Several airlines are allowing small pets to be
carried as carry on.  This is because many cargo holds exceed 85 degrees F.
Cargo holds are not air conditioned where such equipment require power and
also add weight, two of the worst things to a flying machine's efficiency
and ability to actually fly.
 
Check your travel plans and also investigate your options while carrying
your carpet lumpers.  You may find your raisin muncher will be able to sit
next to you as you fly the fuzzy skys!
 
The FAA also is now requiring airlines to report animal fatalities in their
carry.  This puts an accountability back to the airlines for kind and
reasonable treatment of live things other than humans and plants.  If you
just happen to be so unfortunate to loose a pet in air travel, call your
local FSDO or FAA office to report your loss.  They will not be able to
bring your pet back, nor make any retributions or compensation per se, but
they will use those data against what ever airline that performed the dirty
deed.
 
Best of luck in all this.  From a Commercial Pilot, and one who is owned by
a couple fuzz butts...
 
Capt. Nodrog, Byte-me and Nibble-ed.
[Posted in FML issue 3070]