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Sun Country: Pet fee price hike (and an ugly twist on the walk-up)

I learned this morning that Sun Country has changed its in-cabin pet policy in two ways. Previously, they’d said their in-cabin space for pets was “limited” — now there’s a maximum of 4 pets per flight. At the same time, they hiked their pet fee from $100 each way to $125 (for an “advance conditional reservation”) and $199 (for passengers who don’t have an advance reservation).

I was initially worried about the word “conditional,” but it appears to refer back to Sun Country’s existing policy of accepting small dogs and cats “conditionally,” presumably reserving the right to cancel the reservation if the pet doesn’t meet the airline’s list of requirements.

Presumably Sun Country figures that it can charge $125 because American, Delta, United and U.S. Air do too. But why not follow Frontier’s lead, which in turn followed Southwest’s lead, charging only $75 a flight? (Why not, in fact, follow Frontier’s lead in allowing a range of small pets on board?)

My disgust over the new $199 fee option is not personal, since I’ll never pay it. I’d never show up without an advance reservation — and I have to praise Sun Country for being one of the U.S. airlines that really does reserve a spot for your in-cabin pet when you arrange it. It vexes me because it throws a spotlight on the fact that airlines charge these high fees simply because they can. You are not purchasing extra space for your pet, because your pet takes the place of your carry-on. You are not buying passenger-quality care for your pet, because she’s required to stay in her carrier under the seat, it’s up to you to keep her hydrated, and most airlines warn that oxygen will not be administered to your pet if she has a health emergency. You are not paying for clean-up after her, since she’s required to stay completely enclosed in her moisture-proof carrier — and in fact, there is no special cleaning done around a pet traveler’s seat. Perhaps Sun Country would say that it’s trying to motivate passengers to make advance reservations for their pet — but what real difference does it make to the airline if the 4-pet quota is filled in advance, or on the day of the flight? No, this is a cynical, ugly move, designed to take advantage of a pet owner’s ignorance (or lack of forethought) and desperation.

Giveaway: Kobi Pet Carrier ($95 value)

Last Wednesday, I posted a review of the Kobi Pet Carrier, which I loved because it’s beautifully made and because a gusset concealed in one end can unzip, adding a full 3 inches of length to your pet’s carrier whenever you choose. In the world of in-cabin carriers for small pets, that’s solid gold.

Photo by Kobi Inc.

Kobi sent me their regular-sized carrier, which measures 18″L x 13″W x 10″ H before the gusset is deployed. It’s all black, which I prefer because it minimizes the perceived size of a carrier. Because the price of the carrier is $95, I’m obliged by my own rules to give it away. My thanks to Kobi for giving me the chance to have a really good look at their marvelous carrier, and to give it away to one of you! If your pet is 10″ tall or less at the shoulders, I am confident that you’ll be thrilled about owning this carrier.

How To Enter

One lucky reader can win. If you would like a chance to win, leave a comment telling me what carrier(s) you currently own, and what size your pet is (I’m looking for her height from the floor to the top of her shoulders, and her length from the back of her neck to the base — not the tip — of her tail) before 11:59 PM PST on Monday, March 26, 2012. Please fill in the e-mail field of the comment form (your e-mail address isn’t shared with anyone, and I will not send you e-mail unless you win).

Announcing the winner

I will choose a winner randomly and announce the results here, on Dog Jaunt’s Facebook page, and in Dog Jaunt’s Twitter feed on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.

Rules

Please, only one comment per person per giveaway post. Duplicate comments and anonymous comments will be discarded. Please make sure that the e-mail address in your comment form is valid (e-mail addresses are never public). Winners must claim their prize within three business days after the date of notification of such prize. A sweepstakes winner’s failure to respond to the prize notification and provide a shipping address within the specified three business days will be considered such sweepstakes winner’s forfeiture of the prize and an alternate winner may be selected from the pool of eligible entries. If an entrant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may also be selected from the pool of eligible entries. To enter, you must be a U.S. resident, age 18 or older. Employees, partners and vendors of Dog Jaunt and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter. We will disqualify any entries that we believe are generated by scripts and other automated technology. When applicable, the winner may be required to execute and return within five business days an Affidavit of Eligibility and a Liability and Publicity Release to be eligible for the prize or an alternate winner will be selected. All prizes will be awarded. No substitutions including for cash are permitted, except that Dog Jaunt reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater monetary value for any prize. Winners shall be responsible and liable for all federal, state and local taxes on the value of their prize.

P.S. If you like this giveaway, and want to share it with your friends, please use one (or more!) of the buttons below.

 

Finding a dog-friendly vacation rental: Add FlipKey to the list

About a year and a half ago I wrote a quick post on how to navigate around HomeAway and VRBO to find pet-friendly vacation homes. It turns out that I should also have included FlipKey, their competitor (owned by TripAdvisor). Because I have Burgundy on my mind (and why not? gorgeousness and great food plus wine equals happy, in my book), I searched for properties there, and while I’m tempted by the 30-room pet-friendly château (call for price) just south of Beaune (call for location), my husband is more likely to go for something in an apartment, say, in Bordeaux instead.

When you arrive at the home page, type in your destination. On the page of results, there will be a sidebar on the left — check the box next to “Pet friendly.”

Photo Friday: Layla and The Calusa Queen

Reader Marci sent me an e-mail this week, letting me know about a dog-friendly cruise she took in Punta Gorda, FL (located across the harbor from Port Charlotte; about an hour’s drive south of Sarasota). Here’s what she told me:

“The Calusa Queen is a tour boat that leaves from Burnt Store Marina and tours various places in the Charlotte Harbour. On Thursday, Layla and I, along with my parents and some out of town family took the Calusa Queen on its Sunset Tour. I called ahead of time and asked about dogs and was told any small or medium sized dog was allowed on any tour except The Calusa Heritage Trail and Tarpon Lodge Cruise as they lunch at a very nice restaurant. I have attached some pictures of our boat ride! We had a wonderful time and will be going again on Friday for their Peace River Tour!”

The Calusa Queen at the dock

Looking at the site, I learned that aside from the one tour closed to pets, there are six tours you can take, offering you views of wildlife (including alligators, manatee, dolphins, and birds) and chances to visit the charming communities of Boca Grande and Matlacha. They range from 75 minutes to 5 hours, and they sound like a total delight. Thanks so much, Marci, for the tip!

And here’s Layla on board, the beauty — please note that she’s just in a harness and leash, so the company must not require dogs to be in a carrier:

Layla on board

I’d love to see how you and your pup spent your time together this week — please post your photos on Dog Jaunt’s Facebook page so we can all see them!

Product review: Kobi Pet Carrier

Please note that this post should be read as a supplement to a more recent one about a newer, larger Kobi Pet Carrier (introduced in early Spring 2013). As you’ll see, some of the features of the current bag are the same as I’ve described below, so you’ll want to come back to this post — just start with the newer post, and remember that the measurements provided in this post are no longer relevant.

Photo by Kobi Inc.

A Dog Jaunt reader named Marc asked me in a comment if I’d seen the new Kobi pet carrier, which caught his eye — and quickened my pulse — because its end unzips to release a mesh gusset, expanding its length on demand. I hadn’t, so I contacted the company and asked for a sample to review. They kindly sent me one, and I have now had a chance to check out its features. I have not been paid for this review, and I did not promise (and Kobi did not request) that it would be positive. Because the Kobi carrier costs more than $50, I will be giving it away to one lucky Dog Jaunt reader (total value: $95). I’ll provide the giveaway details in a separate post on Monday, March 19, 2012.

Owners of pets weighing under, say, 10 lbs. have it easy. They can buy a small SturdiBag (my preference) or a medium Sherpa bag (the first soft-sided pet airplane carrier, and still popular), and their worries are over. Their bag will fit under the seat in front of them. Agents will wave it by without a second look. The rest of us, blessed with pets in the 10-20 lb. range, are always looking for a carrier that will satisfy the eagle eye of a ticketing agent, or a gate agent, but will expand onboard to give our pets a bit more leg room (or start out large, like the large SturdiBag, and flex enough to fit under a seat). Look back through the “Product reviews” section of this blog, and you’ll see me rhapsodizing over the large SturdiBag, of course, but also Creature Leisure’s Pet Pilot XL (gussets), the Sleepypod Air (ends that fold up on demand), and, in the right context, the Smart Space carrier (pop-up “tent”).

The latest addition to the list is the Kobi Pet Carrier, which starts out at a respectable — and very workable — 18″L x 13″W x 10″ H (the regular size; please note that the Kobi carrier also comes in a  size Small, which is 17″L x 10″W x 8.5″H). While you’re waiting in the gate area, or once your plane has taken off, you can unzip one of its ends and a mesh gusset expands to give your pet 3″ more length (as well as a significant additional source of ventilation). Here’s a video of the bag in action (take my advice and turn the sound off).

It’s a beautifully-designed and well-constructed bag. It’s made of ballistic nylon, with sturdy nylon mesh ventilation panels, and plenty of them (even when the expansion gusset is closed). One of them is on top, which pleases me because it lets me see down into the bag — when you’re flying with a pet, she’ll mostly be at your feet. Each ventilation panel has a privacy cover, secured either open or closed with sturdy snaps. Your pet can enter from either end, or from the top. Two straps along one long side let you secure the carrier around a seat belt; a pocket runs the length of the other side, providing generous space for treats and a roll of poop bags (though you’ll need to fold your pet’s paperwork in thirds to fit). The shoulder strap is sturdy and has a loop built in to one end so it can function as a leash in a pinch. The pad can be coaxed over the strap’s buckle, so it remains centered over your shoulder.

There is a small tether inside, which can be completely removed if you prefer. The padded bottom is secured by Velcro strips to the inside of a shallow nylon tray. The stiffener that provides the tray’s structure is sewn in, and cannot be accessed. I asked for an all-black carrier, since I like to minimize the perceived size of a carrier, but it also comes in charcoal with black trim, and chocolate with pink trim.

The main gripe I can come up with — and it’s a stretch — is that the zippers tend to stick a bit, especially on the expanding gusset. I think a spritz of graphite would solve the problem. The carrier also does not have a luggage handle panel, but the carrier’s handles are long enough that they can be pulled over a suitcase handle (keep an eye on your pet while you’re walking, because there’s nothing to stop her carrier from shifting sideways on top of your suitcase). I can’t get too worked up about this issue because the large SturdiBag, which is Chloe’s preferred carrier, also lacks a luggage handle panel; the SturdiBag’s own handles work fine for the purpose.

Although I’m enthusiastic about the Kobi carrier’s quality and features, I won’t be buying it for myself because it’s just too short for Chloe. She’s about 12″ tall at the shoulders, and this carrier tops out at 10″ tall. It could certainly handle her weight (currently about 14 lbs.). Please note that while the carrier’s ends are firmly structured, the middle of its top isn’t, so it flexes in height quite a bit  — if you encounter an under-seat space with some obstructions, you might well be able to angle the carrier around them.

What kinds of pets can travel in-cabin on a plane?

I had to research this question for another reason (soon to be revealed), and I thought, why keep it to myself? It’s not quite on-topic, since all airlines that allow pets to travel in-cabin allow small dogs to travel in-cabin (well, except for Etihad, which only allows falcons in cabin) — and dogs are what this blog is about — but what the heck. Why not make someone’s life a little easier?

Keep in mind that this info is current as of today, but may change. Double-check your airline’s current pet policy by using the links I’ve provided in my guides for the major U.S. airlines and leading international airlines.

U.S. airlines

AirTran: Dogs and cats

Alaska: Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits

Allegiant: Dogs and cats

American: Dogs and cats

Continental/United: Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits

Delta: Dogs, cats, birds

Frontier: Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters

Hawaiian: Dogs and cats

JetBlue: Dogs and cats

Southwest: Dogs and cats

Spirit: Dogs, cats, birds

Sun Country: Dogs and cats

U.S. Air: Dogs, cats, birds

Virgin America: Dogs and cats

International airlines

Air Canada: Dogs and cats

Air France: Dogs and cats

Alitalia: Dogs, cats, birds

American: Dogs and cats

Asiana: Dogs, cats, birds

Continental/United: Travelers are directed to contact Reservations for information

Delta: Dogs, cats, birds

Etihad: Falcons

Iberia: Dogs, cats, birds, turtles, “etc.” (but not any “weasels,” including ferrets and sables)

KLM: Dogs and cats

Korean: Dogs, cats, birds

Lufthansa: Dogs and cats

Open Skies: Dogs and cats

SAS: Dogs and cats

Swiss: Dogs and cats

TAP Portugal: Dogs and cats

Thai: Dogs and cats

Turkish: Dogs and cats

Chloe’s Clicks: The best recent dog travel links

You may have noticed that the blog has been quiet for a while (and that I’ve admitted defeat and titled this Chloe’s Clicks “recent” rather than “this week’s”). I have a good reason — a very good reason indeed — and I’ll announce it as soon as possible. In the meantime, forgive me. I’ll get back in gear on the blog — and don’t miss the news and chat on Dog Jaunt’s Facebook page.

The troubles at Pet Airways made the news a couple of weeks ago, but the airline is still flying — and expensive though it might be, it’s still the best option for many pet owners (owners of big, snub-nosed dogs like English Bulldogs and Shar Pei, for example, have no other option but driving). I, for one, hope it sorts its problems out and sticks around. I hope it expands the territories it serves. Given the price of checking a pet, or putting him in cargo, on other U.S. airlines (which don’t offer the benefits and level of care Pet Airways does), the cost of a Pet Airways trip isn’t extreme.

This deserves a post of its own, and will get one soon (I hope), but you should know about the latest thing in pet ID tags, which is QR codes (those black and white pixellated squares you see all over these days — in magazines, at airport cell phone parking lots, etc.). Petswelcome.com mentioned two companies that offer pet ID tags with QR codes. The upside? You can provide a lot of information about your pet, and can update it at will, and a finder can read your pet’s tag with a free QR reader. The downside? Your finder has to have a smart phone, know what a QR code is, and know that free readers are available. I particularly like the PetHub option because it incorporates the ID tag into a flat-surfaced collar — no dangling tags to get caught in things, or make your pet’s fur mat. My other link is to Pet News and Views, which hosted a splendid guest post by Jon Federico about making your own QR code pet ID tag.

Houston’s CultureMap wrote an article about the Best Friends Pet Care “Treat Truck,” then visiting Houston on its national tour (check here for its current and upcoming locations). What’s not to like about an ice cream truck for dogs, featuring human-grade ingredients? Speaking of food, L.A. Country recently opened the door to restaurants who want to welcome diners with pets to outdoor patios. The new policy doesn’t include the cities of Long Beach, Pasadena and Vernon, which have their own health departments (and therefore their own rules), and remember, don’t assume that all restaurants with patios have taken the plunge — call ahead and ask if your dog is welcome, or ask at the door when you arrive.

I was surprised to see the results of a recent survey indicating that the U.K. isn’t particularly pet friendly (now, mind you, that’s in comparison with Germany, Italy, Spain, France and Belgium, which — except for Spain — are probably the most pet-friendly countries in the world). It was particularly heartening, therefore, to see a press release and related articles about Yakima, WA and its new “Wine Doggies” site — designed to make a trip to the Yakima-area wine country easy for visitors with pet dogs. It’s useful, it’s appealing, and I hope lots more regions and attractions do the same thing.

Speaking of bright ideas, the Dog Vacay site launched last week, and got a buzz of publicity — the concept (well known in the U.K., apparently, but new here) is that you can leave your dog in the hands not of a kennel or a boarding facility, but with a pet-loving family or couple or individual. I raised my eyebrows, but now I’m pretty enthusiastic — its success will depend, of course, on getting people to sign up as hosts, and being able to get a really good sense ahead of time what your dog’s host is like. Here’s an interview with Dog Vacay’s co-founder that talks about those issues (and about the idea in general).

The summary report of pet “incidents” on U.S. flight in 2011 came out, and the headlines were a PR nightmare for Delta (for example, “More Pets Died on Delta Flights in 2011, but Why?“). The article I’ve provided a link to actually does a good job of breaking down the numbers and looking closely at the circumstances surrounding the pet deaths. The blame, it appears, often needs to be shared by the airlines (who ignored their own policies) and the owners (who should have realized their pet was unfit for travel).

The same article also references a change in United’s pet policy that attracted a lot of negative attention, and was ultimately partially reversed. United announced that it would, starting March 3, only carry pets who aren’t small enough to travel in-cabin as cargo (not as checked luggage). Because of international regulations, the change would make the cost of bringing a larger pet home from, for example, Japan, very high. Overseas military families with pets (a group who would have borne the brunt of the new policy) responded angrily, and a very short time later, United backtracked — but only for military families. Meanwhile, it’s well after March 3 and United’s web site still says “we have enhanced our animal acceptance policy to transport pets as both baggage (accompanying a passenger on the same plane) and cargo.”  It’s clear as mud, as my mother says, and I urge you to have a detailed conversation with a United rep (and then call back and get confirmation from another one) before finalizing your plans on United.

Something a little lighter is needed after all that, and I have just the link for you: Penny and Pete, two Magellanic penguins, recently traveled in-cabin on a Delta flight from Atlanta to New York, and there’s video to prove it. Enjoy!

Reader’s report: SturdiBag mesh customization

This is a very quick post, prompted by an e-mail message from reader Joe, who told me that when he took his cats to Costa Rico in 2007, they literally tore through the ventilation panels of the Sherpa Delta Pet Carriers he’d bought for them:

“My friend and I spent the whole 5 hour flight bent over physically holding the ripped areas closed to prevent them from escaping again. Miserable experience, to say the least.

I’m planning my trip back in a few months, so I contacted several vendors about the construction of their mesh ventilation areas.  Within hours I received a reply from Don at SturdiBag, who offered to upgrade the mesh areas with a heavier grade, more durable material at a reasonable cost. Most of you will never have a problem like I encountered on the flight to Costa Rica, but now I can travel with the peace of mind knowing that Brother Boy and Gringo will be safe and secure in their carriers. I can’t speak highly enough about the customer service at SturdiBag.”

I thanked Joe for his message, and told him I’d be passing on the word that SturdiProducts can do that kind of customization on request. Before I learned how to comfort Chloe during takeoff and landing, she had scraped enough at the front panel of her SturdiBag that it wore thin in a couple of spots, and I had it replaced last year at a local Seattle outdoor gear repair shop. They matched the material SturdiProducts normally uses, which is good-quality, substantial stuff — but if Chloe were still scratching, I might have passed this bag on to a friend and bought an upgraded version.

East Side versus Seattle: A better scoop law sign in Bellevue, WA

Last year at about this time I posted a picture of Seattle’s scoop law sign, with its impressive bucket. As you may know, Bellevue, on the “East Side” (of Lake Washington), is transforming from a satellite of Seattle into an increasingly desirable and sophisticated competitor. Where scoop law signs are concerned, anyway, Bellevue wins big:

Thanks to Wes for the photo, which brightened my day!

An alternative canvas pet tote, from Land’s End

Photo by Lands' End

Alternative to what, you ask? We have a canvas tote from Wagwear that I reviewed in August 2009. It’s still available, it’s still an admirable product, and it now comes in a third size (XL, measuring 15Hx17Lx8W). It’s still pricey, too, so I was happy to see a canvas pet tote on the Lands’ End site yesterday.

The Canvas Tote Pet Carrier comes in a limited set of colors — off-white canvas with either red or navy trim — and only one size. It measures 12.5Hx16.5Lx8W, so it’s comparable in size to the large Wagwear tote we already own. That fits Chloe well, so I expect that the Land’s End tote would also fit a pup in the 13-15 lb. range. Like the Wagwear tote, it has a zippered top, a cut-out for your dog’s head, a small side pocket, and an internal tether to clip onto your dog’s harness. It has the advantage, however, of having a fleece pad in the bottom, attached with Velcro and removable for washing. And the price is good: $50 (though this tote too can only be spot-cleaned, like the Wagwear tote and the other Lands’ End totes).

I haven’t seen or held the Lands’ End pet tote, so take this post with a grain of salt. I do own several of the company’s other canvas totes, and they’re splendid. It’s a little goofy that a pet carrier can only be spot cleaned, but the fleece insert can certainly be washed, and in my experience, the Lands’ End totes resist dirt — and respond to spot cleaning — pretty well.