HELP! Getting 40# dog Stateside. Delta has embargo since last April.

Posted by: @northsidekevin

So the dog, a small, very smart Aussie, has been the wife's companion per her mental health provider and flew down in-cabin on Jet Blue.  No problem.  NOW that's over, and I guess I can understand why, so leave that alone.  

Delta has an embargo on moving pets.  No cargo.  Jet Blue flies Airbus, so no go in freight.  I've hated American since they "controlled" us years ago with the San Juan hub.  There was a time when they were the ONLY choice for awhile.  And boy did they take advantage of it. 

How does one go about getting the dog North for the summer and back . . . ah, she'll sail back, so return isn't a big issue.  We just need to get her out of here in April.  How?    

How comfortable are you flying small planes, like a Cessna 172? I'm not saying I know anyone who would do it, but it would be worth finding a flying school in STT or San Juan and asking time builders if they will do it? Will be way cheaper. Otherwise you will have to charter a jet and you are looking at $15k. I asked this last month and someone posted a cargo company that will fly your pet to Florida..think that was $1500. 

I used petcargo.com to bring to STX, don't think that's an option going back.  They use amerijet and I would contact them, but I read somewhere they stopped as well for a bit.  I'm not sure if that's 100% correct.  Don't email them, call them as they don't respond to emails well.  Hope that helps.

With the COVID vaccine and coming out of this dark sick winter, things continue to change so what we know today about moving our pets to and from the VI may be different in a month.

Currently, your only choice is American Airlines Cargo (aacargo.com). They won't book until you're within 10 days of transporting your dog. This is a different service than checking your pet as luggage, which is not available now because of COVID.

Amerijet may be flying individual pets again by mid-March based on Facebook discussions. I have called (left unanswered messages) and emailed Amerijet but haven't been able to get confirmation on this. 

I am trying to move a similarly sized dog from FL to STX same time frame. At this time, I suspect I'll use American Airlines Cargo from MIA to STX. (FYI AAcargo is NOT moving dogs FROM STX to MIA right now - so you're "lucky" to have that service available on STT 🙂 )

Yes, there is opportunity to share a charter - but that means flexible time frames and someone willing to reserve the plane - though you don't need a lot of lead time. Charters are booked round trip no matter what and it's not too complicated to have the plane drop in STX and pickup in STT. 

As of Feb 1, 2021

I just talked with Amerijet sales. They can confirm they will ship dogs between MIA to SJU. 

However, you will need to confirm transport beyond SJU with sales@amerijet.com attention Liza.

You need to tell her breed, dog weight and kennel size in the email - and when you want to transport.

What I don't understand is why airlines including AA, restricted dogs being able to travel in cargo on your flight, at all. 

It was stressful and difficult enough before but almost impossible now unless you can afford to charter a flight.

Last year, I was scheduled to leave STT at the end of March. I was called by AA at 10 P.M. and told that if my 60 lb. dog and I weren't on the flight the very next day which was a week earlier than scheduled, I wouldn't be able to get her back to FL.

What a mad scramble to get everything packed, done and be ready to leave the next very morning.

Luckily, I'd already gotten her health certificate or Hershey and I would still be there. 

Obviously, we won't be traveling back and forth this year.

Good Luck northsidekevin.

Let us know how it goes.

Posted by: @Alana33

What I don't understand is why airlines including AA, restricted dogs being able to travel in cargo on your flight, at all. 

It was stressful and difficult enough before but almost impossible now unless you can afford to charter a flight.

Last year, I was scheduled to leave STT at the end of March. I was called by AA at 10 P.M. and told that if my 60 lb. dog and I weren't on the flight the very next day which was a week earlier than scheduled, I wouldn't be able to get her back to FL.

What a mad scramble to get everything packed, done and be ready to leave the next very morning.

Luckily, I'd already gotten her health certificate or Hershey and I would still be there. 

Obviously, we won't be traveling back and forth this year.

Good Luck northsidekevin.

Let us know how it goes.

AA is not restricting pets as cargo - they are restricting pets as checked luggage.

When I talked to aacargo recently, the sales rep said they would work with me to get my dog on the same flight as me from MIA to STX. But I know things change daily.

If you're following news about AA, they are not doing so well and another big employee furlough is expected.

Thanks GatorsMom.

I still don't understand why they instituted the restriction on having your pet travel as "luggage" with you and are still enforcing the ban. It doesn't make any sense to me.

They're not transmitting covid.

They're in a kennel from the time you arrive at the airport until you get out of the airport at your destination with the exception of being taken out of the kennel briefly while TSA checks the dog and the kennel.

They allow puppies, kittens, cats and smaller dogs that fit their size/weight criteria to travel inside the passenger compartment of the plane with you but not in luggage hold? 

@Alana33

If my wife and I are travelling, why can't we pay for a 3rd seat? This would give us the whole row. The airline gets a seat sale and that solves the problem?

@stxdreaming1

I tried to buy a seat in business class for Hershey. I was told NO.

Posted by: @Alana33

They allow puppies, kittens, cats and smaller dogs that fit their size/weight criteria to travel inside the passenger compartment of the plane with you but not in luggage hold?  

No one wants their luggage holds to smell like dog pee.

@vicanuck but it's ok for the passenger area?

 That's just a silly comment.

@Alana33

In the passenger area, the pet owner is highly likely to clean up the pee immediately after it happens.

In the luggage hold, that's not so easy.

@vicanuck Dogs are transported in kennels so not like they're running around peeing/pooping in luggage bay.

I put 2 non skid rugs down, one on top of the other, in the kennel for Hershey when she travels but it's mainly so she's not laying on a hard, cold, slick, plastic surface for the 12 hours it generally takes us to get back and forth between Orlando/STT and finally get home. 

Hard to find good connecting flights timewise on BOEING aircraft. 

She's made 3 round trips so far without any "accidents" in her kennel. She's a good traveler.

I hate having her fly in cargo as "luggage" but boarding her for the 2 months that I'm back on STT isn't really an option. Nor is an expensive charter flight.

Don't have to worry about that this year, luckily, as rented house for 3 years and usually I'm back to take care of projects and get new tenants in place, enjoy the gorgeous views, catch up with friends.

Just hope the ban isn't permanent.

Posted by: @Alana33

Thanks GatorsMom.

I still don't understand why they instituted the restriction on having your pet travel as "luggage" with you and are still enforcing the ban. It doesn't make any sense to me.

They're not transmitting covid.

They're in a kennel from the time you arrive at the airport until you get out of the airport at your destination with the exception of being taken out of the kennel briefly while TSA checks the dog and the kennel.

They allow puppies, kittens, cats and smaller dogs that fit their size/weight criteria to travel inside the passenger compartment of the plane with you but not in luggage hold? 

 

 

 

 

animals do get covid. se we are at least transmitting to them.

Available evidence suggests that the virus is predominantly transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and close contact, but there are also examples of transmission between humans and animals. Several animals that have been in contact with infected humans, such as minks, dogs, domestic cats, lions and tigers, have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.Nov 6, 2020

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/pets.html

Posted by: @speee1dy

Posted by: @Alana33

Thanks GatorsMom.

I still don't understand why they instituted the restriction on having your pet travel as "luggage" with you and are still enforcing the ban. It doesn't make any sense to me.

They're not transmitting covid.

They're in a kennel from the time you arrive at the airport until you get out of the airport at your destination with the exception of being taken out of the kennel briefly while TSA checks the dog and the kennel.

They allow puppies, kittens, cats and smaller dogs that fit their size/weight criteria to travel inside the passenger compartment of the plane with you but not in luggage hold? 

 

 

 

 

animals do get covid. se we are at least transmitting to them.

Available evidence suggests that the virus is predominantly transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and close contact, but there are also examples of transmission between humans and animals. Several animals that have been in contact with infected humans, such as minks, dogs, domestic cats, lions and tigers, have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.Nov 6, 2020

 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/pets.html

I think the airlines are trying not to commit during a time when 1) they are downsized by economic circumstance and 2) their workforce may be undependable because of COVID infections among employees and their families.

I would rather they not take pets than leave them sitting on the tarmac somewhere because they don't have the staff.

Also, carriers - especially cargo carrier Amerijet - are transporting COVID vaccine freezers as well as testing and treatment supplies.  

AA is laying off another round of employees as I type this response.

@gators_mom

I need to get my dog from Florida to San Juan PR. As she is 30 lbs I don't think I can pay the pet fee with American or Spirit and take her as a carry-on. I take it that Amerijet is my best option? How would this work logically? Would I drop her off on the morning of the flight at the airport? I recall you (or maybe someone else) saying there was a local dog sitter in the area? My only concern is leaving her with someone she doesn't know...not sure she would handle that too well. 

Any idea on pricing for all of this, or what other options there might be?

@stxdreaming1

I am working this as well - trying to get a similar sized dog as you and 2 cats from FL to STX. It's like a puzzle with constantly moving pieces.

As of 3/7/2021, Amerijet can get your dog to SJU or STX now though they don't fly everyday. You work with Peace of Mind Kennel in FLL and they will accept your dog on behalf of Amerijet and then transport to the airport. Amerijet flies at night but Spirit has a late flight that can get you into SJU in advance of when Amerijet lands with your dog. 

AA cargo WILL fly your dog - even a big guy - from MIA to SJU right now too but NO PETS IN CARGO TO THE VI. When I talked to them, they said they would make every effort to get your dog on the same flight that you're on.

In April AA Cargo may expand a pet route to include STT but only for smaller dogs and cats (max kennel size 400) since they are now using 737 Max planes to STT (also STX but no pets to STX). Peace of Mind can help you get your dog to AA Cargo, too.

Welcome to Peace of Mind Pet Shipping and Resort | Formerly Bobbis World Kennels (petboardship.com)

It all comes with a price ... but I don't think it will be a deal breaker for you. FYI Peace of Mind is still pricing for me. I suspect that with either American or Amerijet you can anticipate $1000-$1500 to move your dog inclusive of kennel fees and ground transport.

For those trying to get pets to STX - the issue with Amerijet is that they fly from MIA to SJU at night - and then your pet/s will sit on the ground in SJU for 8 or so hours before transferring to the plane to STX. I'm not thrilled about that so we may charter a small plane from SJU to STX rather than leave pets unattended. I've also asked Peace of Mind if they have a person in SJU who might check on my dog in particular.

I'm open to chartering from $$$outh FL as well. 

@gators_mom

If I go with Amerijet, can't I drop my dog off at FLL before the plane takes off? Dont really want to leave the dog with strangers. 

If I go with AA cargo, that is only a 2 hour flight or so...still not keen in having the dog in cargo but honestly might be the best option to SJU....

Wonder what type of a plane Amerijet uses to fly from FLL to SJU...

Any rough idea on what the charter costs are? (MIA - SJU)?

Sorry just saw this post and you may want to still check out this FB post and see if they changed the date as it was going to be today.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1937213256575588/permalink/2520416941588547

Thanks for the info Gator's Mom.

Good to know tho I won't be traveling back to STT this year. Hopefully things get better and back to normal for pet travel options. 

$400 RT between Orlando/STT with dog on same flt. beats the heck out of having to spend $1500 or more, each way, plus ones own cost of travel, just to transport large pet. This is not in the budget for many people.

Traveling by air with pets is surely a 1st world problem.

Many years ago at a rum hut by the road down island when I mentioned I was from St Thomas - the bartender said St Thomas people -"dey is rich!" --  'I said 'well not everyone' --- He explained " "Dey hab a place you can take a dog to get a haircut!! Dat is Rich mehson! Pay money to get a dog haircut??"

@alana33

I must be missing something here. Where are you getting $400 for a dog on the same flight from Orlando? Are you talking about keeping the dog in cargo?

Yes. Been traveling back and forth between Orlando and STT since January 2017 with my 65 lb. dog in cargo/luggage compartment on same AA flt. with me until this year. Cost for her in kennel was $200 each way.

We usually come back for 2 months as I still have a home on STT that I rent out. Luckily, Tenants in place for a couple years.

She's made 6 trips/3 RT. Too bad they don't issue frequent flyer miles for dogs.

We had to leave a week early last March as AA instituted the pet in cargo travel ban. Called me at 10 PM to tell me if I wasn't on flt. leaving the next day, I wouldn't be able to get her back to FL with me. We made it but a mad scramble to do. Luckily I had already taken Hershey in to vet to get her travel paperwork done as they're only good for 30 days.

@alana33

Oh ok. I have a friend who is a Captain with AA. Based on what he has told me I dont think Id ever put my dog in cargo. Glad it has worked for you though.