I booked a first class flight to SeaTac, WA in 1/2012 for an 4/2012 trip to take my daughter and son-in-laws dog to them. I was almost painful in describing what I wanted and in my questions regarding taking the Wearied on board. I checked their pet policy, purchased the carrier recommended by the airline and secured the vaccines and health certificate. So imagine my surprise when I was at the airport three (3) hrs early and told the dog "not couldn't move around or stand up. First if all, there is approximately 14" of room under the seat....why was the carrier suggested? Secondly, as the dog couldn't stand up under the seat anyway...how does it make a difference? I was then referred to Continental to "purchase a bigger crate" but if what I purchased wasn't enough then anything else would require a cargo hold ticket. In, that's right....$325 more. I was luckily prepared and advised them of the following:
-first....they suggested the carrier (I'd printed the paperwork out off their site)
-second...the room under the seat would preclude any animal from standing during a flight
-third....if they were sending me to Continental....maybe that was a more pet friendly airline and since they hadn't been honest in presenting their product...I wanted a refund to go to the other carrier. That seemed to enlighten ten rep who called her manager "Harmony" who squared it all away in minutes. Ms. Harmony and the first class attendants were wonderful. "Donna" as the rep was making a calk citing poor information from a practical standpoint. The counter reps need to understand their companies rules; and the fact a good owner that follows them, armed with everything from their website; will prevail. As I got off the plane other passengers said they didn't even know a dog was on board. She slept; not stood the entire 6weekend hr flight. Shame on US Airways for not being pet friendly enough to follow their own rules and try to either upsell me a cargo ticket it send my business elsewhere. I think if I ever do it again....it'd be with Continental. 2fd581b