I would call the airports in your area and see which (if any) airlines offer a direct flight. If there is a smaller airport with a direct flight, that would be ideal! The larger ones typically have longer loading and unloading times...all animals are on the tarmac long enough to be loaded and...
I took care of a couple kittens with fever coat several years ago. Here is a link that can explain it better than I can... http://www.showcatsonline.com/fever_coat.htm
Edit: Adorable kittens, btw.
I wanted my new boy to be flown as carry on, but Northwest Airlines stressed to me that he would remain under the seat at all times. I was hoping to have the carrier on my lap, because of the space issue under the seat. I don't see a problem with it, but they wouldn't budge on it.