I am planning on traveling on SWA with my 2 cats because I am moving cross-country and would rather fly than drive for 3 days straight. However, I am concerned about people with severe cat allergies on my flight, and would like to help avoid an allergic reaction if such a person is on board. I plan to give the cats a bath before the flight, withhold food and water a few hours before to prevent accidents, and grab seats at the back of the plane. I hope Southwest will somehow inform those with severe allergies that there are cats on board so that these people can sit as far away as possible. The last thing I want is to cause someone to have health complications, and I will definitely not be letting the cats out of their carriers.
But some of the people on this board are severely overreacting: dog fights? circus? dogs chasing cats down the aisles? The risk of small children disturbing a flight is much higher than the risk of pets who are not allowed out of their carriers causing a disturbance. And for those of you who say you will not continue to travel with SWA because of this policy, which airline will you switch to? I'm just curious, and honestly just want to know because all other airlines allow pets in the cabin. If someone really wanted to avoid taking a flight with an animal on board, maybe the airline could designate a number of flights that will or will not allow pets, so these people with allergy concerns will be assured there is no danger of pets on their flight? In any case, people, it is not the end of the world; calm down and try to be more willing to make things work for both you and the pet owners.
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