By Dennis and Patti (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #203) on Saturday, January 8, 2011 - 12:32 pm: |
Has anyone used Insellair from Miami to Bonaire with their pets in the cabin? We are coming in August & want to bring our 4 fur babies (cats) with us but don't want to put them in the cargo compartment we'd even buy extra seats f that would allow the whole family to travel at the same time
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By Roy - 'Rayman' (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3965) on Saturday, January 8, 2011 - 12:48 pm: |
Hi Dennis & Patti
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By Dennis and Patti (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #204) on Saturday, January 8, 2011 - 4:51 pm: |
Thanks Ray! That was helpful, to find that site. Now at least we know pets can be carried on- still don't know if they'll let us take 2 each or if we can buy 2 seats each to accommodate this kitty issue- I called reservations yesterday, waited 20 minutes, was told by clerk no pets were allowed in cabin. When I told her customer service had already emailed me that was ok but I needed clarification on the two ticket thing, she wanted to know who had emailed me- I don't speak Papiamento and although I called the US number listed the language barrier made it impossible for me to communicate-so I still don't know if 2 seats will buy us 4 kitty spaces under the seats or not. The clerk kept telling me to find out at the desk when leaving. I explained we had to plan this in advance and was currently 12 hours drive from Miami-still no go and no service and no answers-maybe someone out there can help clarify so we can make this possible-
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By Trish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #147) on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 2:43 pm: |
Dennis & Patti
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By Dennis and Patti (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #205) on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - 3:41 pm: |
Hi Trish-we're into week 3 with Insel. Finally got reply from Camille Brown, Supervisor in Curacao- all she did was cut and paste the rules! Did not answer the big question- can we buy 2 tickets each to carry 4 kitties under seats?? It's hard to believe their seeming lack of direct response.-- I'll try Michael's contact next -anything Michael touches usually works! Also read the thread you sent- I have allergies and am in love with Zysal (generation 2 of Zyrtec) and I sure hope That fellow is faring well with his allergies and on a different flight so we don't endanger his life with our furkids. Cargo is not an option for the babies, though I'd like to see some humans shoved in there...in the dark, with roaring noise, all alone.. You know there are only 2 kinds of people in the world-animal and non- animal so we're used to that. Anyway
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By Pietri Hausmann (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #481) on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 8:28 am: |
are you coming to Bonaire to live and this is a move? or for a very extended time? .. otherwise .. i myself would not do it...i too love my little furballs but it is very iffy to transport them.. and be sure the papers are in order ....
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By Trish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #148) on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 10:47 am: |
Sadly, I'm not surprised about the 3 weeks & still no definitive answer. Makes you wonder if you do get an answer will you be told something different as you try to board the plane. Hoping Nicole will be able to give you the answers, keeping my fingers crossed for you!
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By Antoine Dodson (BonaireTalker - Post #65) on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 12:06 pm: |
Not to digress from the actual question but I am surprised that any airline would allow it. All it takes is one cat allergy on board and the airline will have their hands full.
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By Patrick Matthew White (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #141) on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 10:03 pm: |
Antoine:
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By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #902) on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 10:22 pm: |
Antoine
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By Dennis and Patti (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #206) on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 11:07 pm: |
Hi guys! Interesting thread. First, Pietri, we used on live on Bonaire and yes, we are always concerned about limited ( though sincere and caring) vet care, supplies, equipment, etc. We always took light jets for the babies' sake but are trying, once again, to attempt commercial and again finding out how hard it is to keep them safe. I also worry about the 8,000' elevation adaptation in the cabin now that they are older. Love to live back on island but until medical and veterinary care is more than just adequate it is a huge concern- although I must say the time I spent in hospital there nothing bad happened to me- can't say the same in the US- if he wonderful nurses I'd be a goner!- nurses like Patrick I'll bet- thanks so much for your words Patrick-you are sooo right! Anyway, another update on Insel- again the Cust service rep says cats in carriers ok but only upon final approval of pilot- when I ask how and when this can be achieved other than at last moment ,no reply..yet. Still plugging away- called American (AA) (to try to fly into Curacao then Bon)today- much more reasonable communication but apparently one person cannot buy 2 seats just to bring extra cat carrier- perhaps fallout of terrorism policies- luggage rule or some such nonsense. And the beat goes on, those little jets are looking better every day-no hassle, quiet, kitties on laps-credit card here we come..
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By Dennis and Patti (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #207) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 12:06 am: |
Trish-thanks for the good wishes! Traveling is hard enough without all the other worries. I always say there's a fortune to be made for some investor who starts a truly petfriendly little airline. And yes, some anti-pet humans might fit nicely into cargo (sans catnip or wine) -we could call it empathy/sensitivity training perhaps...don't get me started on animal cruelty and all that-been fighting it all my life, like many others..
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By Antoine Dodson (BonaireTalker - Post #66) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 9:48 am: |
Patrick,
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By Trish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #149) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 10:50 am: |
Bravo Patrick, excellent post!
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By KOB (LBR32) (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #384) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 11:21 am: |
Trish -- agree completely, except for one minor point ... I had peanuts on my flights to/from BON in September (Delta). Enjoyed them thoroughly !! (No, I was not in first class, only coach).
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By Antoine Dodson (BonaireTalker - Post #67) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 12:25 pm: |
You guys are kidding right?
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By KOB (LBR32) (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #387) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 12:43 pm: |
Antoine -- I think there's some mis-communication here. Maybe I am completely wrong, but I was supporting the idea that people need to take personal responsibility for their travel plans, including being prepared for other travelers eating peanuts, wearing perfume, whatever.
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By Antoine Dodson (BonaireTalker - Post #68) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 12:58 pm: |
Im just saying that animals have a place on a aircraft and its in cargo. This is due to a variety of reasons. I listed allergies as a main one.
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By KOB (LBR32) (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #388) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 1:22 pm: |
Antoine -- well, I do agree with you. I don't want animals beside me on an airplane, but understand the point of view of those who do.
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By Trish (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #150) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 2:53 pm: |
Antoine - there are lines drawn by the airlines for in-cabin pets. The carrier has to fit under the seat, you cannot remove the animal from the carrier during the flight, they limit the number of in-cabin pets per flight (I think Continental is 5) & only allow 1 pet per passenger. And why wouldn't we be comparing animals to perfume & peanuts? An allergy is an allergy no matter what brings it on. In your original post you stated you were surprised the airlines would allow animals because "all it would take is one cat allergy on board & they would have their hands full" so I took that to mean your concern was allergies. Unless, like KOB, I missed something too.
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By KOB (LBR32) (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #389) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 3:08 pm: |
Trish -- yes, ma'am. Choice between little bags of peanuts, pretzels or biscotti wafers. I think it's a Delta thing. Being based in Georgia, where peanut farming is big biz.
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By Dennis and Patti (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #208) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 3:26 pm: |
Final word on the animal thing: I can only feel compassion for anyone who can depersonalize animals cause I know it's only a short step between that and distancing from humans-I can only wish that someday they are blessed with having a warm fuzzy creature find it's way into their lives so they can finally find that link..and yes, peace
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By Patrick Matthew White (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #143) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 8:02 pm: |
Dennis and Patti: I hope that you receive an answer soon regarding your travel plans. This discussion has turned into a whole different topic and really deserves it's own new post: "How do you deal with the annoyances of flying to Bonaire?"
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By Barbara "CB" Gibson (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6203) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 10:19 pm: |
Oh, for crying out loud..if that guy doesn't like your cats, have your seat changed and come sit by me, but I'm gonna want to pet them....
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By Dennis and Patti (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #209) on Thursday, January 13, 2011 - 10:53 pm: |
Barb- thanks a bunch! (from all six of us)
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