Airlines fail on dog travel

Calcutta News.Net
Thursday 22nd July, 2010

Hundreds of air travellers have experienced the trauma of losing an animal during airline flights.

While some US airlines have proven to be better than others in pet care in the air, during a four year span from 2005 to 2009, 224 dogs were killed or injured in airline holds.

Continental had the worst record with 58 deaths, injuries or lost pets, followed by Delta/Northwest with 43 incidents between the two airlines, Alaska Airlines at 36, American Airlines at 33 and United at 17.

The US Department of Transportation has said the reporting of many animal accidents was undisclosed as the government doesn't keep track on the number of animals transported each month.

Continental airlines responded to the figures by saying it had transported approximately 550,000 pets over the past five years in its PetSafe program and had also made a substantial investment to ensure the safety and comfort of all animals being transported.

A company spokesman said Continental offered a separate check-in area, air conditioned vans to keep animals cool on the way to and from the aircraft and additional training for staff to handle dogs.

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