For pet owners, air travel can be a stressful experience. While many airlines offer pet transport services, questions linger about the safety of our furry companions. A new report by Veterinarians.org sheds light on this concern, revealing airlines with the best and worst track records for pet travel.
Alaska Airlines Takes Top Spot
The data, spanning from January 2015 to December 2020, reveals Alaska Airlines as the leader in pet safety. Despite transporting the highest number of animals (over 730,000), Alaska boasts an impressively low incident rate – a staggering six times lower than the average for United Airlines during the same period. In 2020 alone, Alaska transported over 107,000 animals with zero reported incidents.
Airlines to Consider for Safe Pet Travel
Following Alaska Airlines are Horizon Air, Skywest Airlines, and Envoy Air. These airlines also boast excellent safety records, transporting a significant number of pets in 2020 with zero reported incidents.
Airlines to Approach with Caution
The report also identifies airlines with higher pet incident rates. Hawaiian Airlines leads this category with an average incident rate exceeding 2.0. Among airlines transporting over 10,000 animals a year, United Airlines takes the dubious honor, with Delta and American Airlines also appearing in the top three.
Planning Your Pet’s Flight
Regardless of the airline chosen, pet owners should always research specific pet travel guidelines and fees. For international travel, contacting the airline directly is crucial to ensure compliance with regulations.
Peace of Mind for Pet Parents
By choosing a pet-friendly airline with a strong safety record, pet owners can take comfort knowing their furry companions are in the best hands while traveling the skies.
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