Question
Giorgino and Fabio
HI! or Buongiorno! I am so happy I stumbled upon this website! You seem like a true expert Jerry, and think you can surely help me here. Ok...here is my situation. I am moving back to Florida with my 2 Sicilian cats that who are 11 months now. I understand that I have to get a "pet passport" and make sure they have the appropriate shots at least 30 days before going. Projected date of departure to Florida is, June 1rst 2009. My thing is, I really don't want to check them both as "luggage" but, I'm also aware I can only put one pet under the seat. (I'm also aware that some airlines only allow for 2 animals up top anyhow and have to pre-book the pet). I also feel I should mention, I was a flight attendant for about 10 years and did mostly Military Charter all over the world, so like you, I'm also a savvy traveler. That said, it's also an extremely looong haul. Catania, Rome, Atlanta (if I choose Delta) with a 5 hour layover, then Tampa. At least 20 hours transit...but more considering my travel time to the airport, and back to my home in Florida. It will be around 24 hours. One of my boys is pushing 5.5 Kilos and I'm thinking he's already going to be 6 by the time we go. Which is my next question. How strict are they on that weight restriction? (I'm aware I'm in Sicily and this will be either Alitalia or some other airline--and those folks, depending on how lucky you get, can be fairly rude - not their fault, they just work for a crummy airline, sorry) or how much do they go by 'the book'. I don't know...I just feel that it's rather hard on one or both of my cats to be in baggage hold. I've heard horror stories about what happens sometimes. Since I haven't yet found anyone to travel back stateside with me, I either have to; 1) buy an extra seat?? 2) check one and not the other 3) check both and be sick to my stomach all the way back, or 4) rent a boat and float home ;) I wish! No, what I really wish is that I could just buy some first class seats like I could in the past, and not worry about a thing. I would just like your honest opinion about checking them as luggage, and everything else I mentioned. I know not to feed them at least 8 hours before, and truthfully, I know that cats can live without food for more than 24 hours and be fine. Water--well, I don't think they'll dehydrate that fast, but still it is very dry up there, yet putting water below - I'm sure it will spill(?) It's just so hard to travel with 2 of them if I bring them both ON the aircraft with me...changing planes, etc. I have no idea what is the best option, and since you are the expert, maybe you can help me sort it out because I'm really torn about it - in any case.
Truly, thanks...I appreciate your time and knowledge.
Kind regards-
Colleen, Giorgino and Fabio- aka, Signore Morbido (Mr. Soft)
AnswerThis is a tough one. First, you do not need the pet passport to come
to USA. If you plan to return to EU with the cats, then get one.
You will only need health cert issued within 10 days of travel, and
a valid rabies vac.
Buying a seat for them is not an option. No way. Please consider other
passengers. Bringing a pet in the cabin is NOT a recommended venture.
They will be perfectly safe in the cargo area. Bring them as excess
baggage, and you would make these arrangements with the passenger
reservation people of the airline.
You might wish to contact the following pet shipper in Italy for
advice and/or assistance.
www.relocat.it in-fo@relocat.it I have worked with them many times
and they are very good
Let me know how this works out, and if I can help further
Regards, Jerry Mishler
