I’m watching channel 13 news (ABC) in Houston right now and
see that there were gunshots at Terminal B at Bush Intercontinental Airport
(IAH).
I can’t imagine how terrible that must be for people that are traveling
and working at the airport today. I am anxiously awaiting details and as it is
breaking news, they don’t have much to report. They are not sure yet, if other
terminals have been shut down due to this incident (the shooter is dead due to
a self-inflicted gun shot wound).
So I got to thinking… what would I do if I were traveling
with my dog on this day? Diego would be with me, so I would break the rules and
take him out of his carrier if we were forced to sit in the terminal for hours
on end. Even if we were stuck on the runway, I would open the top of his
carrier in order for him to get air, especially on a hot Houston day.
Earlier this evening I was looking online for more
information about dogs in cargo or the hold. I came across an article about a
service dog forced under the seat while the plane was sitting on the tarmac.
Here is the article: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=22248545
Fortunately Diego and I have never been in this situation. I
believe the “worst” thing that happened was we were delayed on a flight from
Frankfurt to Houston by 45 minutes. Big deal. And we were in the air, circling
so the temperature was comfortable and the air was circulating.
After reading this article, of course it is upsetting. It’s
horrible. I can’t imagine having to go through that. But I do have questions…
why was a service dog forced under the seat? I know why Diego has to go under
the seat and I understand, so something is missing. I guess I’ll never know.
If you look on the internet, you will find dozens of
articles about dogs dying in the hold. This can obviously make pet owners
nervous. If it’s your first time on a plane and before you go you search
“airplanes” on the internet, and only see articles about crashes, you will
probably get nervous and have second thoughts. Just think about all the flights
that safely make it to their destinations.
Even when I do a search on Google, dogs that do not die on planes, no “feel good” articles come up.
Only horror stories.
In Tunisia, I know 5 people who transport their dogs
overseas in the hold and no one has ever had a problem. One dog I know has
lived in 5 different countries!
I’m not saying that it’s not risky, but if you do your
research and find an airline that has meaningful restrictions (type of dog that
can travel in the hold, not taking dogs in the hold when the temperature
exceeds a certain point, etc.).
If you have good stories about transporting your dog in the
hold or by cargo, please comment and tell your story!
Some helpful websites:
Air France:
United:
Lufthansa:
Delta:
KLM:
Singapore Airlines:
Emirates:
Animal Relief Areas (from American Airlines)
Alitalia:
Qatar Airways:
*My favorite part of the Qatar Airways website:
“With the exception
of falcons and service dogs, animals are not allowed in the cabin during any flight.
Falcons are allowed only in Economy Class and must be hooded for the entire
journey. Customers are limited to carrying only one falcon aboard the flight. A
chain or cord must be attached to one of the bird’s legs and tied securely to
the handler to prevent the bird from flying. A maximum of six birds are
permitted in the cabin of an aircraft.”
Japan Airlines:
Egypt Air:
End Note: As I finish writing this, the news is over and
Katie Couric is interviewing someone on her talk show. Hopefully all is well at
IAH.
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