[nadeem1001]

I was a on an Emirates Flight and a there were a large number of passengers carrying birds of prey (falcons) on their arms in the cabin. Complaints were useless. I was told rich Arab Sheikhs had special privileges.

I was not allowed to leave the plane and threatened.

I had a tense and sad flight.

Is this in compliance with international airlines standards?

[The_Judge]

Q. Can my pet travel in the cabin with me?
A. No live animals—neither pets nor service animals—are permitted in the cabin of any Emirates aircraft. They can, however, travel in the aircraft hold subject to certain conditions and extra charges.

This is snipped from UAE Q&A section of their website. Maybe you were dreaming, nadeem.

http://www.emirates.com/th/English/h...ry=193385#faq5

[nadeem1001]

i was there and have many witnesses to prove this......

[nadeem1001]

Emirates rules apparently do not apply to sheikhs...This is what their staff told me.

[The_Judge]

Well there you have it.........sheikh=no rules. You can bring your bird of prey aboard.

I don't know what kind of an answer you're looking for. I quoted what their website says and you fall back on the sheikh thing.

[Etihad Representative]

Nadeem,

I work for one of the Middle East Airlines. I know that falcons are permitted onboard for inter gulf flights as long as they are caged etcetera, however I do not know regarding Emirates, but as most Middle East Airlines I know of follow this rule, chances are, Emirates are the same, however don't quote me on that! as you don't state where you were travelling from and to, I cannot help any furthr, bur 6 years out here has taught me that things are different in this part of the world in certain aspects. I know that we as a carrier do allow Falcons, however no more than two per flight, and only inter gulf, sheikh or no sheikh

I hope this information helps.

[Silent Bob]

Sheiks get to carry falcons???? Honestly... I wanna be a sheik. I'm not sayin that to be funny or anything, but how cool is that, that you can travel with a Falcon? If the birds weren't flappin all over the place, i don't see a problem with it. I'd worry if I'd bought my dog on board, he somehow got loose, all hades breaks loose.... still.... I wanna be a sheik...

[Etihad Representative]

Yeah it's pretty cool, but my god they can make some noise if the want too ... Falcons are worth so much money that they will not take them in the hold for fear of something happening to them ...

[Jetliner]

Originally Posted by nadeem1001

Is this in compliance with international airlines standards?

Just to clarify this point, there is no such thing as international airline standards. The regulations are made by each country, and the airline would have to folow those. That's why, as stated, they can be taken over the gulf, but not other places.

[abutterfinger25]

Actually, there are "standards". But those standards are devised by trade organizations and the industry and are not really leagally binding.

However, the "regulations" are made by each country or governmental coalition (like the EU). According to DOT and FAA regulations, the Falcons would need to be chaged if the airline accepts birds in the cabin.

[The_Judge]

I'm not sure if anyone can see my post taken right off UAE's website. It's like nobody can and you keep talking about being caged and over the gulf flights only. It says very clearly......Q. Can my pet travel in the cabin with me?
A. No live animals—neither pets nor service animals—are permitted in the cabin of any Emirates aircraft. They can, however, travel in the aircraft hold subject to certain conditions and extra charges

They don't even except service animals for people that need them. That seems to be cut and dried. Case closed. Can't fly. Any questions?

[abutterfinger25]

Effective May 13, 2009, If Emirates does not allow a service animal in the cabin of an aircraft flying into, or out of, the United States, they will face possible civil penalties.

[nadeem1001]

IATA Says

Dear Mr.Haque,
Thank you for taking the time to inquire with us.
The transport of Live Animals by Air is subject to the requirements of the IATA Live Animals Regulations which are the recognized field manual of the air transport industry.
Although the transport of pets in the aircraft cabin is not a procedure recommended by IATA is is certainly also not prohibited.
Whether or not pet animals - and one may certainly consider a falcon being a pet - is permitted in the passenger cabin and under which conditions is solely the responsibility of the Airline in question.
Although I can understand that you may have experienced some discomfort I am unable to see any threat scenario here or any issue regarding the safety of aircraft, crew or passengers.
As unusual as it seems there are local practices and habits which must be taken into consideration by regional carriers. Insofar I can just suggest that if you do not feel comfortable with the policies of certain operators that you try a different airline the next time.
Please don't hesitate to get back to us if you have further questions or if we may be of further assistance.
Best Regards,
Jens-Thomas Rueckert

<SPAN lang=en-us>Jens-Thomas RUECKERT
Manager Special Cargo Support
<FONT face=Arial size=2>Phone <SPAN class=yshortcuts id=lw_1225313376_3 style="CURSOR: hand; BORDER-BOTTOM: #0066cc 1px dashed">

[nadeem1001]

Dear Mr, Rueckert,

I am sorry to see IATA' s response which I will be plastering on the net.



For you to suggest I should try another airline is absurd. I can only find out that there are falcons on the plane when I am on board. When they do not allow me to get off what do I do? Does IATA protect me in any way. If I get off are they supposed to give me a hotal and comforts if no flight is avaialble for some time.

Should the airline disclose in advance that there are falcons on board?

So I can crry my dog. my cat and my parrot into the cabin

[nadeem1001]

The judge is obviously an emirate employee. There is a flight gull of people. Would the judge like to talk to them Will put together a conference call with at least 2 people.

This is real. Let Emirate deny it. Not incognito through judge or ironman or superman etc

[Etihad Representative]

Listen,

The fact of the matter is that it is down to the airline in question. Although Emirates state on their website that they are not permitted, I will reiterate once again, that rules in the UAE change, without notice. Exceptions are made, and that is final.
Believe me when I say that the UAE as a country is like no other, I urge you to come and see for yourself. It is a fantastic place but wow! Rules are made to be broken there, thats for sure.

Nadeem1001 I understand that this was probably a very disturbing incident for you and that you were no expecting it, and I am very sorry for what you went through, but the fact remains that they as a carrier, are allowed. I am very sorry and good luck to you.

[The_Judge]

Originally Posted by Cazzi B

Exceptions are made, and that is final.

That's funny.

[JetWiz]

The Etihad Airways website indicates they allow falcons onboard.
As both airlines are UAE based, I would assume EK allows falcons in the cabin, atleast on select routes, although no info was found on their website.

[shivanirani]

Emirates, horrible. Emirates crew terrible. They made me eat non-veg. Lied to me that it is veg. When I complained they started preaching me about my religion that Hindus do eat meat!!! How could they a bunch of ***holes, try to preach me my religion after feeding me non-veg. When I vomitted, they came and so humiliatingly told me, not to spoil the luxury class toilets !!! And I was crying bitterly and was in shock. I am a staunch Hindu girl who for several days go on fruits but has never eaten non veg in her last 22 years of life. But this Emirates crew made me do so and they way they reacted !!! Huh...Niether was I provided the customer complain or feedback book, they said it is not there and over...Rather I was threatened by them...They are a bunch of good looking people good for nothing. I hate Emirates, shall never travel again, by it. My journey was through the 2:30 pm flight of Emirates from Lagos to Dubai on 20 June 2009.
They need to be penalised for hurting my sentiments. Let God do no good to them and let us all move to other airlines.