I must express my dissappointment with the new PAWS policy. Aside from the obvious allergy issues, there is no way Southwest has the time or flight attendant capacity to ensure that each pet carrier brought onboard is leak proof. This will be the next major issue behind allergies. It will only take time for someone's pet to have an accident that seeps into the carpet due to a non-leakproof holder. Voille, the next person to place their carryon under the seat will have a pleasant surprise when they disembark the plane. Also, many cat paws can and do reach through the grates and air holes which can potentially scratch the persons ankles in front of them. I applaud all the pet owners who are conscience about having a correct carrier, having your animal treated for fleas, bath them regularly etc...However, Southwest caters to a lower cost passenger and therefore you will find many of those who don't believe the rules pertain to them as well as many who won't even read the rules. We witnessed it before the new PAWS policy when people snuck their pets onboard and we will certainly see it after the new policy goes into effect. Fleas are another huge problem, once in the carpet, the only way to stop a flee infestation is to chemically treat the aircraft. So now you will have added chemicals on your flights to breath. Additionally, some people are allergic to fleas and yes they do bite humans. Lastly, do I really want to listen to barking dogs or meowing cats while onboard. Yes, some pets will be perfectly behaved, however, this will not always be the case. If SWA feels they must implement this policy, they should restrict these passengers to the last row of the aircraft which will alleviate many potential problems such as allergies, pet accidents and pet noise.
Airlines should be for carrying people to and from destinations. Pet owners can use a variety of other modes of transportation to bring a pet. I am saddened by the fact that Southwest believes the revenue generated by their new pet policy is more important than the passengers who have made their carrier a success. Southwest HAD poised themselves to be carrier of choice among business travellers. That may be changing soon and the revenue generated from your last minute bookers aka business travellers will be lost to those who book ahead of time to take their pets.
In closing, I have to laugh at something every kid has heard growing up....if so & so jumped off a bridge would you? Just because all the other carriers are allowing pets doesn't mean you must. Perhaps you aquired passengers because of this fact and not in spite of it.
...The proud owner of 6 dogs and cats.
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