The airlines won't let me take Otis on board with me!!!

[sandsoftime]

I've just been told by a couple airlines that the FAA doesn't allow them to have pets in cabin that weigh more than 15 pounds!

I'm moving from LA to Chicago in two weeks, and Otis isn't about to lose 5 pounds in that time. I don't know what to do. I can't put him in the cargo under the plane, that isn't even an option. I don't get it. I flew with him from NY to LA a couple years ago, and nobody gave me any problems.

I'm willing to drive him there, but knowing him, I wouldn't be surprised if he refused to eat, drink, or use the litter box for the entire trip.

Does anybody know what I can do? I only have limited time and am really nervous about this.

 

[cyberkitten]

Have you checked with more airlines? Or airlines that specifically cater to animals.

 

[rosehawke]

I don't know where they got that, this is directly from the FAA.gov website:

What are the FAA rules regarding traveling with pets in the passenger cabin?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows each airline to decide if they will allow you to travel with your pet in the passenger cabin. If an airline does allow you to bring your pet into the cabin, we consider your pet container to be carry-on baggage and you must follow all carry on baggage rules (14 CFR part 121, section 121.589):

* Your pet container must be small enough to fit underneath the seat without blocking any personâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s path to the main aisle of the airplane.
* Your pet container must be stowed properly before the last passenger entry door to the airplane is closed in order for the airplane to leave the gate.
* Your pet container must remain properly stowed the entire time the airplane is moving on the airport surface, and for take off and landing.
* You must follow flight attendant instructions regarding the proper stowage of your pet container.

I didn't see anything with a "weight" restriction. Just thaty they must fit comfortably in the carrier. I checked Delta's website (they seem to be one of the most pet friendly carriers) and they pretty much said the same thing as the above. No weights were mentioned.

 

[daddycat]

We flew on Northwest back in 2001 with our first two cats, Basia and Dubya. Basia weighed about 7.5 pounds and she was allowed in the cabin as carry-on "baggage". Dubya on the other hand was 15 pounds, and according to Northwest at the time the total weight of each cat (including carrier) could not exceed 15 pounds. He had to ride as cargo in the hold. I believe this was Northwest's own policy, though. I think the FAA sets certain rules that apply everywhere but beyond that each airline is free to set additional restrictions.

 

[scamperfarms]

they dont weigh them on check in......at least i was never asked to weigh mine in. as long as they fit under the seat..

 

[sandsoftime]

OK, apparently I just got some bad information from the Northwest agent that I spoke with. She insisted that their policy, in which a cat weighing over 15 pounds must ride cargo, was in order to comply with FAA regulations. However, I just spoke with somebody from the FAA, who said that no such regulation exists, and must simply be the product of Northwest airlines.
I found a different airline willing to accept him.
Thanks all.

 

[scamperfarms]

GOOD!

poo poo northwest!