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Mexberry

Jun 8, 2012, 9:23 AM

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Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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We as I am sure others do bring our cats or small dogs under the seat in the aircraft. There are too many instances of pets being lost or neglected when they travel as cargo, especially with the heat at this time of year. We are in PV at present, and just recently received an e mail from Alaska Airlines that effective immediately the Mexican Authorities have banned pets traveling in the cabin and must now go as cargo. For us , we feel that we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. We cannot drive back as we do not have a car here. Alaska told us that we could use their rigid sided travel boxes, if there are any available, which is not much use when checking in 2 hours ahead only to find that there are none available. West jet however have not been notified of this rule change, as of yesterday, so I guess we could cancel at our cost no doubt our ticket, and book with WestJet and hope that they are excluded( for some Reason only known to the Mexican authorities) from this regulation.
This change has real implications for those of us who live 6 months here and care about the welfare of our pets. We will not return if this reg. remains in place , which means Mexico will not benefit from our pensions being spent here. This is a heads up for any out there who normally travel with pets in the cabin. As of now it is prohibited to Mexico.

morgaine7

Jun 8, 2012, 9:38 AM

Post #2 of 39 (5883 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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The Washington Post wrote about this a few days ago:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...JQAchdK4U_story.html
and it has been discussed on FlyerTalk as well:
http://www.flyertalk.com/...bin-pets-mexico.html
Some suspect that the sudden implementation of this policy was not initiated by the Mexican government but by the airlines in the US.

Kate

Mexberry

Jun 8, 2012, 9:47 AM

Post #3 of 39 (5876 views)

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Re: [morgaine7] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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I read some of those articles. I cannot understand why an airline would , without any notice, implement such a policy and not allow those who are already here, flying on the assumption that we could return under the same conditions that we arrived, an exemption to fly north.
To me this is Mexican bureaucracy at it's finest.

johanson

Jun 8, 2012, 9:51 AM

Post #4 of 39 (5874 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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I had no idea, that would have devastated me between '97 and '04. I moved with my dachshund to Lake Chapala as a snowbird in 1997 and would commute back each summer with "Snoopy". In those days, I never had any problems. At '04 Snoopy left us at the age of 16. Today I have 3 rescue dogs and 3 rescue cats. And when I go north I hire someone to house sit these animals. And I couldn't bring more than one with me if I wanted to. I have a condo up north.

So if this topic was brought up before, I could very well have missed it.

I miss my animals and will be visiting them this July. I wish you the very best finding a solution.

Mexberry

Jun 8, 2012, 11:07 AM

Post #5 of 39 (5856 views)

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Re: [johanson] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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What we do not understand is why Mexico would want to do this? About now many will be making their winter get away plans. If they cannot bring their pets then they won't come to Mexico, at a time when this place needs all the visitors it can get.

Marlene

Jun 8, 2012, 11:21 AM

Post #6 of 39 (5852 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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There is a list of many other countries with the same regulation, and I agree with a previous poster who suggested this was more of an airline decision, rather than something Mexico desires to enforce. Westjet Airlines stated they have no plans at this time to disallow pets in their aircraft cabins to Mexico. Go figure.

rockydog85251

Jun 8, 2012, 2:44 PM

Post #7 of 39 (5817 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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I got the following response from the Mexican government after I wrote to them about this new policy and the costs (loss) of tourism dollars of the seasonal visitors...... Mu husband thinks they will only allow service animals but that is not the way I read it, where they refer to "pets". I'm waiting to hear back from a friend that works at US Airways.......should know more on Mon or Tues. In any event someone needs to get tier story straight:

Joel Antonio Arrioja Pérez joel.arrioja@senasica.gob.mx 9:37 AM (1 hour ago)

to me, Gloria, Aquiles, Web

Dear Wilma Bodrak
What is happening is the application of a statutory provision of the 2007 by the aeronautical Authority consisting of a Circular compulsory which indicates the following: "The combination of live animals in the passenger cabin and passengers should not be allowed, except in the case of dogs Guide and other service animals accompanying a disabled person".
By which the transport of animals must be made according to the guidelines established by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the manual of procedure laid down by each airline, to not be subject to sanction by the aeronautics in each airport authority.
Here you a link to a publication by the international airport of the city of Mexico: http://www.aicm.com.mx/informacionalpasajero/Archivos/NuevaMedidasSeguridad.pdf , where noted that for international flights "Permitted the entry of dogs guide or pets, which must be registered with the airline that travels." For pets the passengers boarding pass must be the indication of "cabin or Pet in Cabin".
It is important to users to document your pet before the airline as part of your baggage for to collect in the band of baggage, if it documented as it loads, it will be sent to the customs of cargo by the customs authority and will be treated as commercial imports and need the intervention of a broker, increasing costs.
In any case you must confirm with the airline used for your trip to Mexico.
Note: For clarification of any doubts in particular, on the issue of mobilization of animals in the cabin, please contact the Local airport's DGAC of entry to Mexican territory or email http://www.sct.gob.mx/...uejas-y-sugerencias/
From the health point of view, there are no restrictions for travel and the entry of dogs and cats and they can enter the country complying with the relevant requirements.
Then I give the SENASICA website http://www.senasica.gob.mx , as well as the direct link http://www.senasica.gob.mx/default.asp?id=602 detailing information for travelers, with the purpose of informing users about our activities.

Atentamente.

MVZ. Joel Antonio Arrioja Pérez
Jefe de Departamento de Operación
de Inspección Fitozoosanitaria

Subdirección de Inspección en Puertos y Aeropuertos
Dirección General de Inspección Fitozoosanitaria
Municipio Libre 377 piso 8-A, Col. Sta. Cruz Atoyac,
Delegación Benito Juárez, México, D. F. C.P. 03310
Tel. 01 (55) 59051000 ext. 51126 joel.arrioja@senasica.gob.mx
Willie

Mexberry

Jun 8, 2012, 4:10 PM

Post #8 of 39 (5795 views)

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Re: [rockydog85251] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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Well done Rockydog! At least you have a reply and as the letter writer's English is superior to my Spanish I cannot complain about the clarity.
I think the jist is that service dogs are ok and if the airline permits pets in the cabin, then that is ok also. Anything sent cargo will be treated as a commercial import and a broker is required.
Hopefully an explanation will be forthcoming from the airlines and government.
Mexberry

Mexberry

Jun 8, 2012, 4:20 PM

Post #9 of 39 (5784 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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I called WestJet and was told that they were accepting pets as normal and they had not been notified of any changes. ( Perhaps Canadian pets are better mannered, who knows!) We have been loyal Alaska Airlines clients for a decade or more, using their credit cards etc. We will not continue to fly with them if this turns out to be an airline decision to leave us stranded in Mexico.
Mexberry.

Marlene

Jun 8, 2012, 4:33 PM

Post #10 of 39 (5777 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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Hopefully you are able to get home using Westjet, instead. I think you may have a case to receive a refund on your return Alaska ticket, if you flew down with a dog and it was already booked for the return. It would be worth a try, for sure. Good luck and keep us posted.

happyjack

Jun 9, 2012, 7:17 AM

Post #11 of 39 (5700 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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Livestock should never be allowed in the cabin of an airliner. It is unsafe, unclean and could generate huge lawsuits. Major bus lines and rail lines do not allow them, why should an airline?

Marlene

Jun 9, 2012, 8:15 AM

Post #12 of 39 (5682 views)

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Re: [happyjack] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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I think you are safe from livestock on airplanes. Luckily I can't think of the last time I saw a cow or a horse onboard. :-)

(This post was edited by Marlene on Jun 9, 2012, 8:16 AM)

johanson

Jun 9, 2012, 9:58 AM

Post #13 of 39 (5646 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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I remember sitting next to a pig. He was so fat that he overflowed the divider arm wrest and left me with about 7/8 of my seat. I normally never put fat people down because I was over weight for much of my life; Still am but only 5 K. But this was a maybe 4 hour flight to Vancouver and it was hell. This was after my Dachshund had passed away so thank goodness I traveling alone. (Sorry to temporarily highjack this subject)

happyjack

Jun 9, 2012, 1:04 PM

Post #14 of 39 (5613 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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dogs, cats, hamsters, etc.. are all livestock.look it up.:)

Marlene

Jun 9, 2012, 1:31 PM

Post #15 of 39 (5602 views)

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Re: [happyjack] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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Can't say as I have ever seen a hamster onboard either...hehe

However this shakes out, there will continue to be an allowance made for documented service/support animals in the aircraft cabin.

Mexberry

Jun 9, 2012, 4:22 PM

Post #16 of 39 (5576 views)

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Re: [happyjack] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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We all have 'pet peeves', on planes mine include drunks and nattering neighbours.I cannot ever recall having a problem with a pet. If you do not like pets on board, then travel first class where they are not allowed.
Mexberry.

rockydog85251

Jun 9, 2012, 6:49 PM

Post #17 of 39 (5552 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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They are/were allowed in 1st class - at least on US Airways! I have found that most pets are much better behaved than most children and a lot of adults....jijiji!
Willie

Mexberry

Jun 10, 2012, 6:29 AM

Post #18 of 39 (5520 views)

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Re: [rockydog85251] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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My understanding is that underneath the seats in first class, there is insufficient room to slide in a pet carrier. If the owner was to purchase a seat for the animal, then I suppose that is a different matter.
Mexberry.

rockydog85251

Jun 10, 2012, 8:22 AM

Post #19 of 39 (5499 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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Been there - done that in both classes of service! I am a retired airline employee but things may have changed.........
Willie

salto_jorge

Jun 11, 2012, 1:36 PM

Post #20 of 39 (5416 views)

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Re: [rockydog85251] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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Has anyone traveled with their service dog/animal recently.

I have a ticket to the states at the end of the month on USAir and I expect the service beagle to be on the plane with me ( Not blind, bad heart plus more) ! We have ID cards, he has shots and wears his vest. He either sits or stands in a soft sided dog transport bag between my feet. It is for his protection so that folks do not step on his feet. As a service dog he is not a pet and where we are in the states I am not his owner but his guardian like a child.

(This post was edited by salto_jorge on Jun 11, 2012, 1:40 PM)

Mexberry

Jun 12, 2012, 9:26 AM

Post #21 of 39 (5310 views)

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Re: [salto_jorge] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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If you go to www.usairways, travel tools, policies and procedures, service animals. It would appear that you will be ok, however best check with us air as they limit the number of animals on each flight.
Mexberry

VitaBella

Jun 12, 2012, 12:50 PM

Post #22 of 39 (5270 views)

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Re: [Mexberry] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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In Reply To

Pets in cabin count toward your carry-on baggage allowance. Pets must remain inside their approved container under the seat directly in front of you.
Carry-on pets are Not allowed to/from Europe, South America, the Middle East, Mexico, Antigua, Bridgetown Barbados, Montego Bay, Jamaica or St. Lucia.
Only dogs and cats are allowed to/from Costa Rica. Please contact the embassy or consulate at least four weeks before you travel. Call 800-428-4322 for more information.

Marlene

Jun 12, 2012, 10:07 PM

Post #23 of 39 (5221 views)

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Re: [BE Oberland] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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I think you are confusing Pet regulations with Service Animal regulations. This is the link:

http://www.usairways.com/...alneeds/animals.html

VitaBella

Jun 13, 2012, 7:40 AM

Post #24 of 39 (5181 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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I'm not talking about service animals which come under a Federal law.
Pets in passenger cabinRules and regulations Carry-on pets are Not allowed to/from Europe, South America, the Middle East, Mexico, Antigua, Bridgetown Barbados, Montego Bay, Jamaica or St. Lucia.

http://www.usairways.com/...ecialneeds/pets.html

http://www.banderasnews.com/...snewnopetspolicy.htm

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jun 13, 2012, 7:56 AM)

Mexberry

Jun 13, 2012, 9:19 AM

Post #25 of 39 (5154 views)

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Re: [rockydog85251] Pets traveling in the aircraft cabin

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I had a conversation with a fellow Canuck yesterday regarding pets in the cabin, and he thought that as the Canadian airlines flying to Mexico seemed to have been excluded, so far anyway, from this regulation that perhaps this was a retaliation by the Mexican aviation authorities against US airlines because of some previous regulation imposed on Mexican carriers by the US regulators. A tit for tat response, which although I have no evidence for this, it would make sense in the context of an ongoing dispute.
Mexberry.

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