ferrets on america west

Question
QUESTION: is america west the same as u.s. air? if not how do i get ahold of america west and how do i get my ferret in the cabin with me she is a baby and i am a minor and everyone just rejects ferrets. pleeeaase help

ANSWER: Dear Autumn:

No, unless they've recently merged, I don't think US Air and America West are the same airlines, but you can call either one and ask.  I do know that America West is the only airline that allows ferrets onboard IN THE CABIN with you.  It is not safe to send a ferret in the luggage area, especially in the summertime, as they cannot tolerate temperatures over 80 degrees F. It is only safe for them to ride IN THE CABIN with you.  You will need to buy him/her a ticket and he/she will need to have rabies and distemper shots up to date (be sure to get benadryl shots before the vaccinations and never get both vaccinations at the same time). You will need to have all vet paperwork with you when you travel, in addition to a letter stating the ferret is in good health. YOu *may* need to show it at every plane change, so keep it handy.

Being a minor won't hurt, however, only two pets are allowed on any plane - first come first serve, so be sure if you are traveling with your ferret that you arrive extra early in case there are other pets hoping to get on the same plane. Even though you have a ticket for him, they can refuse to take him if there are already two pets onboard.

Hope that information helps. It's easy to travel with ferrets - they usually sleep in their little carriers (be sure to get the airline approved carrier and keep food and water available to the ferret all day) if you have a nice soft bed in it for him. You can offer him food and water throughout the day often (if you leave it in the cage, it makes a mess).  I think you'll be surprised how fun and easy it is to travel with a ferret - just remember you MUST use America West (that was the last information I knew anyway). Also, when you are booking your ferret, be sure to spell out FERRET because they almost always think we are saying "parrot" when we try to book a ferret and they are not so anxious to allow them onboard as a nice quiet little ferret :-)

Have a great trip!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i cant find any numbers for america west it just comes up as us air

Answer
Hi again Autumn:

I would go ahead and call USAIR and ask if they used to be America West, then ask if they permit pets IN THE CABIN, then tell them you have a ferret (spell it out so they don't think it's a parrot) and then get all the information they will give you.

The only information I have is America West, so if they have sold out to USAIR, then possibly they carry pets onboard also.  GOOD LUCK!

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers