On April 29, twenty passengers boarded a Gulfstream G4 plane flying from Teterboro airport in New Jersey to Farnborough airport, southwest of London – nine dogs, one sphynx cat, and ten humans. This was the first K9 Jets flight of a private jet charter company based in Birmingham, England, founded in response to the growing desire of pet owners to travel with their pets in a comfortable and safe atmosphere.
People wishing to transport their pets on commercial flights must comply with numerous rules that vary depending on the airline. Service animals, which are not considered pets, are allowed in the cabin, but other restrictions apply, such as size limitations – larger pets must be transported as cargo. However, many owners of large dogs fear that during transport in the cargo hold, their pets may be subjected to temperature fluctuations, poor ventilation, and improper handling. Some airlines even refuse to transport large dog breeds.
If the animal is within a certain size range, it must be transported in a carrier – in 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration approved new rules that prohibit pets from being held on laps or leashes during flights, and they must be in an appropriately sized crate. These carriers must fit under the seat in front of the passenger, which may cause some discomfort for those seated in front of or next to them.
According to the US Department of Transportation, in the last decade over 200 domestic pets have died during flights, with the majority being dogs. The department recommended that owners of short-nosed dogs such as pugs and bulldogs consider the risks of transporting them as cargo, citing much higher mortality rates than for other breeds. According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, short-nosed dogs have more difficulty breathing than other breeds. These dogs experience breathing problems due to their short snouts and their respiratory conditions worsen during flights at high altitudes in cargo holds, where the temperature can be very high or too low.
Private carriers step in
Meanwhile, private air carriers have stepped in to offer comfortable and safe options for transporting pets. Some, such as NetJets and VistaJet, have special programs for domestic animals. On VistaJet flights, pets are fed select meat cuts, offered various toys, and provided with a sleeping area on a soft carpet. Once a person buys a seat, there is no need to pay additional costs for transporting a pet or to purchase an additional seat. Several companies even help customers navigate the restrictions imposed on keeping animals in a particular country and gather all the necessary documents for entry, which is another advantage for their owners.
Initially, K9 Jets offers flights between New York and Paris, Lisbon, and London. Tickets for eight out of seventeen listed flights from May to the end of September have already been sold out. In the fall, the company may expand the service to additional cities, including Dubai. One-way tickets between New York and Europe cost about $9,000 per seat. Domestic animals cannot fly without human accompaniment.
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