Israeli airline El Al is very proud of having a pet frequent flyer club, where your dog or cat will get a free trip for every three round-trips they survive. What's more, El Al has been kind enough to offer us some tips on flying with our pets, and speaking as people who've never done it, we think they sound like good ideas.

The most important tips seem to be to exercise your pet shortly before the flight, but feed him a few hours beforehand to avoid a poor air-sick doggy. El Al also suggests getting the appropriate pet carrier far enough in advance that your pet can get used to the contraption before they're stuck in it on a flight.]]> amandak 2009-11-18T15:59:29-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/9/28/14233/2476

Last week, American Airlines and Sherpa Pet Group gave away two trips (one to Miami and the other to San Francisco) to pet owners who schlepped out to a PETCO store in New York with their suitcases packed, and ready to go. The stunt was timed to promote Sherpa’s new Guaranteed On Board™ pet-travel program. Which sounds fancy in name, but is really just a way to make sure crazy pet parents do their homework before bringing an overweight Fluffy to the airport in a non-compliant purse. Say, one from Juicy Couture.

When we first heard of Pet Airways we honestly thought it was just a prank. We really wanted to believe, but were skeptical that we were being taken for a ride. That’s why we were actually pretty excited once we learned that it was the real deal, and yesterday, pets all over the country finally had their travel dreams come true. The pet only airline launched their first flights from Republic Airport on Long Island.

Although things just started yesterday, the demand for the airline seems to be pretty strong. The airline’s founders said that they’ve been overwhelmed with the public’s response to their new offering, and that flights had already been booked up for the next two months. Maybe it's time for them to add a second plane; for now, they're just starting with one that can hold about 50 four-legged friends. ]]> kjb 2009-07-15T10:44:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/4/20/63832/2992

We were a little skeptical when we heard about Pet Airways a couple weeks ago. Of course we love kitties and puppies, but it just seemed too good to be true—especially since it’s not really the ideal time to launch a new airline. However, after an update on their Facebook page Friday afternoon, the new airline let everyone know that “pawsengers” can start flying on July 14. ]]> kjb 2009-04-20T09:26:41-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/4/16/7713/06760

While United has a problem with overweight people, animals on JetBlue have never been treated better! If you’re only a few TrueBlue points away from a free ticket aboard JetBlue, then you may just want to consider bringing your best friend along.

With the airline’s JetPaws program, flyers who bring along their four-legged friends will get two extra TrueBlue points each way. If you’re really into the JetBlue pet experience, remember to get your leash and collar before you leave for the airport. ]]> kjb 2009-04-16T09:36:39-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/4/6/7538/99699

Next time you go away on vacation, you may want to think twice about leaving Fido at home. Previously, bringing your puppy or kitty along wasn’t the best idea, as the cargo hold under your seat isn’t the most comfortable or safe place for pet travel. Not to mention that flying your pet somewhere just adds another fee to your already pricey ticket. However, your furry friends may soon have an airline to call their own.

Pet Airways, "The First Airline with Four Leg Room" is looking to take-off as the first airline exclusively dedicated to pets, and wants to make sure animals travel safely towards their final destination. All the “pawsengers”—their words not ours—will travel in the main cabin of the plane, and will be checked every 15 minutes to make sure they are doing well and that their crates are secure. Fares look to start around $150, but it's not totally clear how far you'll get for that price. ]]> kjb 2009-04-06T09:41:32-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/3/4/22599/05904

"One Tree Hill" star Sophia Bush took her pit bull Patch and her luggage out at LAX yesterday. Why are we posting this candid photo? Look at the size of that kennel!

These days, when carriers are starting to look at a second checked bag as a source of income instead of a courtesy to overpacking travelers, should pet owners be charged more for adding huge luggage pieces (like kennels) to overloaded planes?

On the one hand, most airlines require that pups like Patch have enough room to turn around (if not be totally comfortable) in their carriers. On the other hand, planes sure aren't getting any lighter.

Related Stories:
· Celeb Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Pet Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Airport Photo Shoots coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: JustJared]]]> egw 2008-03-05T09:09:59-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/