[roses426]

I was extremely upset about my previous flight with this airline. Last year for Christmas break I took my rabbit home as a carry-on item. I had no problems then, and everything went pretty smoothly.

This time, I brought my rabbit to carry-on again, and the man at the check-in counter told me I couldn't take her. When I inquired he said it was a new regulation, but couldn't tell me why it was in place. Only cats, dogs and birds he said. I was shocked. I had no one to take care of the rabbit, and no time to figure out an alternative option. The man was anything but sympathetic. I asked to speak to the supervisor, who took 10 minutes to come over while I was standing there, luggage in one hand, rabbit cage in the other, crying. When she finally came over, she had a face of stone- no greeting, no hint of a smile, and absolutely no sense of understanding. She told me there was nothing she could do for me, and walked away. She could not tell me the reason for this new regulation either.

I have never been so disappointed in an airline in my life. I understand that regulations change. But I had no idea of this beforehand. No one was able to give me a reason for this restriction, and the staff was unsympathetic, uncaring and unwilling to do anything to help me.

An airline's job is to serve people- to get them where they need to go, as easily as possible, in a friendly manner. Regulations are regulations, but this was ridiculous, and the lack of caring from the staff was extremely disheartening. I have discussed this issue with several other rabbit owners who have had the same problem traveling on US airways who have completely stopped using them.

I have since decided to choose a different airline whenever I need to go home, rabbit or not. It sure would, however, be nice to know the reason for this new, out of the blue, absolutely ridiculous rule.

[Jetliner]

What has changed since last year (or about that time) is that America West and US Airways are not fully merged with America West actually being the buying airline. Basically it's America West with US Airways' name.

Since America West is now the airline, they are under their policies and regulations, which include animals in the cabin. Most airlines that do allow pet in the cabin restrict it to cats, dogs and birds. In fact, this is the first time I've ever heard of an airline allowing a rabbit (your first trip.)

Bottom line is it's always best to double check when booking the flight as things are always subject to change.