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Are You Considering Traveling With A Pet?

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Flying with pets requires planning ahead. From finding the right flight and shuttle services to researching the best pet-friendly hotels, owners need to make sure they have accounted for all details and planned accordingly. Arranging the right airport services ahead of time can be an essential part of keeping Fido or Fluffy more comfortable, too. By using the following preparation tips, anyone traveling with an animal can arrange the flights and shuttles they need with little hassle, thereby reducing the stress that both pets and their owners must deal with.

Research and Book Transportation

Not all airlines or airport shuttles will carry pets. Some have weight and size restrictions, or require that animals over a certain size be checked as luggage to fly in the baggage compartment. Before doing anything else, research those flights and shuttle services that allow animals and arrange for transportion with them. Confirm in advance whether a small dog or cat can be carried on; and if so, what type of carrier is required so there are no surprises at the terminal. If traveling with some other type of furry friend, confirm that it can be transported, and where it must ride.

Understand All Pet Travel Requirements

After finding an airline and airport services that will transport animals, owners must then research requirements so their pet will be allowed onboard. Airlines have strict policies on vaccination and the types of crates that critters must be contained to. They usually require proof of vaccination from a veterinarian, and some may require other health paperwork as well. If also booking shuttle services, consider how the crate will be transported and how easily it can be taken apart and rebuilt for use on the flight.

Prepare for the Flight

Once all travel arrangements have been made, passengers should prepare so the flight is as stress-free as possible. Make sure crates are large enough so that pets can stand comfortably, and provide blankets for comfort. Label crates boldly with “Live Animal” signs and tape a photo of the animal to the outside of the carrier. In the event of an escape, airline personnel will know what the pet looks like. For dogs or cats that will be carried into the cabin, ensure they are comfortable in their travel crate and bring piddle pads along just in case. In all instances, withhold food and water before the flight and have leashes, collars and other necessities handy. If the vet recommends a sedative, test it out at home first to make sure that it works. Give the sedative at the recommended time prior to traveling. After landing, quickly retrieve the pet from the baggage claim area and locate waiting airport services.

Traveling by air with a pet can be stressful for both the animal and its owner. To reduce this stress and facilitate a smoother trip, owners must carefully research flights and shuttles ahead of time to ensure they understand the requirements and so they make their travel arrangements with the right ones. It is also important to remember that while airport services can be a great help when flying with pets, not all shuttle services will transport animals!

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carry on, luggage, baggage fees

Carry-On vs Checked – Which Luggage Option Is Best?

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One common thing that most air travelers think about is whether to check their bags after shuttle services drop them off or whether they should carry them onto the plane. Some passengers like to have their suitcases with them on the flight so that upon arrival, they can get right on their shuttles for a quick getaway. Others prefer to let airport services handle them so they can board their flight with little more than a purse or laptop. The decision is different for everyone; however, there are some definite pros and cons to consider.

Bringing Luggage Into the Cabin

Taking luggage into the cabin on a flight can be a lot more convenient for some people; however, there are some definite pros and cons to this decision:

  • Pros – On the brighter side, carry-on luggage means there is no dealing with bag checking or baggage carousels. After being dropped off by airport services, taking suitcases with them allows travelers to avoid check-in lines and get to their flights more quickly. It also means getting to their ground shuttles more quickly upon landing. Taking suitcases on the plane allows travelers to keep their belongings close by, eliminating the chance of them being lost or delayed. Convenience is also a factor since travelers have everything they need during their trip with them at all times. Putting everything necessary for a trip in one container to take on the plane also promotes lighter, more efficient packing.
  • Cons – On the contrary, there is a limit as to what can be carried onto the plane in terms of size. Carry on bags must be a certain dimension or they may have to be checked in at the last minute. Considering this, it may be a challenge to get a suitcase stowed on a full flight. Multiple carry-ons can take longer to get through the security checkpoint after being dropped off by ground shuttles. Carry-on luggage is also subject to TSA safety regulations, so this needs to be taken into consideration when packing things like personal care items. There will also be less room for bringing souvenirs and gifts back on the return trip.

Checking Luggage at the Curb or Terminal

After airport services drop passengers off, checking suitcases either at curbside immediately upon exiting the shuttle or at the counter also offers its share of positives and negatives:

  • Positive – Those traveling for longer periods of time or who need more items can bring what they need in their luggage. Rather than having to deal with multiple carry-ons, passengers can check their bags early and not have to worry about them again until they reach their destination. Checked luggage also makes getting through security easier and faster.
  • Negative – Unfortunately, checking suitcases does expose passengers to a certain amount of risk that luggage may be delayed, lost, or damaged. Upon landing, travelers must then go to the baggage return area and wait for their luggage with all the other passengers. Most airlines impose a suitcase limit per passenger as well as a weight limit, charging extra for exceeding weight limits. Dealing with checked bags in general can increase overall stress levels on a trip.

So travelers should decide whether to take their luggage with them on the flight or check it based on their need and personal preferences. After arriving at the terminal on the shuttle, handing over bags makes check-in and boarding easier. Carrying bags onto the plane gives passengers more control over their luggage and helps them get to their ground shuttles more quickly upon arrival at their destination. In either case, planning before heading to the terminal with airport services will prevent unnecessary confusion and travel stress!

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Air Travel – Is Cost The Only Factor?

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There are three main things that most air travelers are concerned with today: cost; convenience; and service. A lower costing flight typically equates to fewer airport services being offered, which can make flying uncomfortable and inconvenient. In light of this, air travelers should consider whether cost should be a main deciding factor when booking air flights and airport shuttle services. Depending on the destination and purpose of the trip as well as a few other details, a relaxed arrival using shuttle services, along with a full-service flight, may be a better option than the discount flight alternative.

Are Discount Flights Really A Good Deal?

Discount airfare websites are popular today due to lower prices and how easy it is to quickly book a flight. Yet what many people may not realize is that these discounts still come at a cost. Buyers are rarely getting anything for free; they are simply getting less than what is included in the full fare.

This will vary depending on the airline; however, it can mean no extras like meals or snacks as well as no ability to choose a seat. Most discount flights do not give the option to choose flight insurance and may limit the amount of baggage a flyer can have. In many instances, discount flights either cannot be rescheduled or may require a large rescheduling fee; cancellation frequently results in forfeiture of the entire fare. On addition, many discount flight fares do not include the various taxes and travel fees that airlines charge, leaving travelers to pay these additional fees separately.

What About the Time?

Lost time and lack of convenience are huge considerations for air travelers booking with discount carriers. To begin with, discount flights frequently fly at less desirable times. This can leave travelers restricted as to departure and arrival times, especially if shuttle services are not available at such times. It can also mean being forced to take connecting flights, with long stopovers and many lost time spent waiting. Even if the extra airport services are important, everyone’s time is valuable.

Being subjected to delays and restrictions that often come with discount air travel can cost passengers in other ways, such as time and fewer services. Discount air travel takes time control away from travelers, forcing them to plan travel based on the airline’s needs, not their own.

Full Service Flights Reduce Flight Challenges

For the reasons referenced above and many other reasons, air travelers who fly full fare and receive full service generally experience more enjoyable travel. From the moment that airport shuttle services are booked, to arrival at the airport and flying on to travel destinations, travelers have complete control over their trip. They can book the flight that they want, enjoy a direct flight, and meet shuttle services at their destination, avoiding the confusion and exhaustion of prolonged air travel. Full fare travel offers flight rescheduling or canceling, flight times, baggage and flight services, seat choice, and seat class.

Taking all of this into consideration, most discount flights actually cost travelers more than what it may seem initially. A traveler’s time and aggravation is valuable; however, by flying based on cost alone, travelers give up important airport services and conveniences, many times without even realizing it. On the other hand, a full-service flight complete with airport shuttle services to drop off and pick up means traveling in greater comfort with greater convenience. Therefore, before going online to shop for flights based on price alone, consider the hidden costs. A regular flight, booked with convenient shuttle services, might be just the thing to ensure a more enjoyable trip!

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