has anyone used Bohlke Airlines for travel w/dog?

What story did Seaborne tell you? As far as I know you can still bring the large kennels on thier sea shuttle. I'm not so sure about the air shuttle that flies from ground to ground location though.

In my case we ran into some issues getting our dogs from Seattle to STX last year. It turned out the easiest way was to leave Seattle in the A.M and get to a major connection point (e.g., Miami or even San Juan if possible) and stay overnight. Then take the first morning flight direct to your destination before any heat restrictions kick in. I was originally planning to use Seaborne for the STX leg but due to an unplanned overnight at LAX my plans got messed up and I stumbled into the early AM flight option.

I thought they stopped the seaplane service to SJU.

I have shipped several dogs and specifically one lab that was over 100lbs using American Cargo planes out of STT. Cost was more in the $300 dollar range. These are Cargo planes though, no passengers.

Trade - Seaborne still goes to Isla Grande but they do it in the new "wheeled" planes to the airport, not landing on the sea.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! Seaborne said that the kennel was too large and would need to take it apart to get it thru the doors, but someone else that I spoke to previously said that size was ok. Maybe the guy yesterday didnt want to know, or go thru the trouble of finding out. I think I am going to call again and hope to talk to someone else!
As for Bohlke they do fly out of Isla Grande, not sure if they offer daily service or not. They quoted $1300.00 for 2 of us and the dog, they figure the dog will take up one "seat". Laurie who I spoke with was very helpful and pleasant!!

Betty~ you said American Cargo as in American Airlines Cargo?

I know that I read in a previous thread about a pet friendly hotel in SJU, does anyone remember or have a name of a good clean hotel there?

Have a great day!
Cheryl

Cheryl, yes. Not fun for me or the dogs to get them to STT. We have to take the ferry or vomit comet. Usually with American cargo there is an overnight stay involved but it usually goes through MIA or other big airports like that and they have kennels there that will pick up the dog and care for them overnight and get them on their plane.

Cheryl96's;.... Bohlke is a great business, has been around a long time and offers a great service. Laurie is real nice. Her in-laws are the owners of the business and they are big dog lovers themselves (own a malinois). good business to deal with. If you decide to do the trip ... will it be one way for you? If so , and that is the choice you decide to make.. could you PM me and let me know when? I volunteer some for the local animal shelter and there is a possibility that your effort to get a dog here could help us to save the lives of a few that are here and need to go stateside. Just an idea, but let me know if you decide to charter.

Thanks!

Divingirl, don't you still have to go through the hassle of TSA at the airport here? That was what was nice about the seaplane. Just get on and go.

At least on STX Seaborne has their own "terminal" and TSA is not required. They are located in a hanger at the end of the row of buildings just east of the terminal building. They have a pretty nice lounge to wait in as well.

I once flew from STX to STT on Seaborne Airlines with an over sized dog in an over sized kennel.

The guys that loaded the kennel in the cargo hold were extremely helpful. They somehow wiggled the kennel and made it fit in their cargo area with no extra charge, and more importantly, without saying "no way, won't fit".

No extra Hassle!!! Score one for hose guys!!!!

I can't say if Bohlke is good with pets one way or the other, but I can say that Laurie and Norma on STX are very knowledgeable about rules and regulations with pets coming into the VI. Call Phone: (340) 778-9177. Fax: (340) 772-5932. Ask for Norma, very professional.

We transported our 3 over 100lb rotties via Continental to San Jaun then chartered a plane to STX.