[countrynewsman]

Originally Posted by jimworcs

2. The size of the dog is irrelevant. Peoples actions in a crisis can cause significant problems. This is why in an evacuation,where seconds count, passengers cannot even retrieve their handbags when exiting the airplane. My only point was that an owner may try to "rescue" the dog and in doing so impede an exit.

Exactly! I can imagine what would happen if I were sitting in a window seat during an emergency and someone with a dog was in the middle or aisle seat. You can be sure that they will do everything to save the animal, and thus impede the evacuation.

The airlines may not have done a good job in providing safe passage for many animals in the baggage hold, and clearly need to improve. If the airlines can guarantee the same measure of comfort (pressurization, heating, etc.) for animals in the hold as passengers in the cabin, then I would say that all animals (except service animals...and that would need proof) be transported in the hold.

As to the $300 charge, does anyone know how the other air carriers charge for pets onboard?