March 2012 Airline Pet Travel Report

The March, 2012 Airline Pet Travel Report contains pet incidents for the month of January, 2012.

Alaska Airlines reports the injury of four dogs. Two of the dogs received injuries to their mouth from apparently trying to escape their kennels. The other two dogs were able to escape their kennels and received injuries after their escapes. Alaska Airlines does not indicate that their should be any corrective action on these incidents.

American reports the injury of one dog and the death of another. In actuality the injured dog died so PetFlight will be reporting two deaths. In the incident reported as an injury the dog arrived in obvious distress and started to have a seizure when delivered to baggage claim. The dog later died at a local veterinarian's office. The second death was a dog named Cup Cake that escaped the kennel and was found deceased on the tarmac. American reports the the Newark, NJ gate agent, against American policy, accepted a snap-together kennel for transport.

Delta reports the death of one dog and the injury of another. A 1 1/2 year old Yorkshire Terrier arrived in Atlanta, GA deceased from Frankfort, Germany. Delta reports that the aircraft's HVAC system was working correctly and that another animal in the same bin arrived safely. A three year old Cocker Spaniel named Bentley arrived in Atlanta, GA from Sarasota, FL with an injury to his mouth. He was seen by a local veterinarian and resumed the remainder of his flight two days later.

This months incidents again points out how important it is to use a quality, air travel approved kennel and zip tie the kennel halves as well as the kennel door closed.

Pet Travel Incidents by Airline during January, 2012.
Airline Losses Injuries Deaths
Alaska Airlines 0 4 0
American Airlines 0 0 3
Delta 0 1 1
Total 0 5 4

See all incidents included in the March, 2012 report.

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Source: March 2012 Air Travel Consumer Report.