Pet Airline Takes Off

Passengers are not free to move about the cabin on Pet Airways, a new company devoted to transporting Fido and Tabby around the country in twin-engine Beech 1900 turboprops.

But when it comes to airborne creature comforts, the Delray Beach, Fla.-based company claims to have other airlines licked. Its aircraft fly at 25,000 feet without passenger seats, making room for up to 50 dog and cat carriers that are checked every 15 minutes by an attendant.

The plane’s setup frees peripatetic pets from riding in cargo holds, something the Humane Society warns could expose animals to temperature extremes, poor ventilation and rough handling by cargo personnel.

Pet Airways operates out of Washington, New York, Denver, Chicago and Los Angeles and is looking to expand to 25 cities over the next two years, says spokeswoman Alyse Tognotti. One-way fares vary from $149.99 to $399.99, depending on an animal’s size and destination.

For information, go to www.petairways.com.

Blair S. Walker, who frequently writes for the Bulletin’s In the News section, lives in Miami.