scrubbedexpat097

Yes, I would even take my beloved motorcycle boots off for a toe nibbling

zennow

Aha, I understand, missed that post.

Anyway, this is what I found at http://www.heathrowairport.com

It does state that all animals arriving in the UK may only do so as manifested air cargo, I assume that is in the hold?

But it doesn't say anything about animals departing from heathrow, at least I didn't find it.

All in all if travelling with a pet I would always suggest calling and speaking directly with the proper airport officials and keeping a record of their names just in case something comes up.

chartreuse

I used to think that this was the case, but I found out I was wrong. The rule is, no pets in cabin arriving in the UK (except on exec jets, because they don't have pressurised holds), airline's choice when departing the UK. And United and Delta have chosen to allow pets in cabin departing the UK.

Jerseygirl

You're missing my point...it doesn't matter what the airline regulations/rules are regarding this...they have no say on British soil. Check with the airport authorities.

chartreuse

I did, I checked with City of London TS, who operate the animal reception centre at LHR. Apparently the airport rules allow pets in cabin outbound, at the airlines' discretion. I also double checked with Delta.

Jerseygirl

That's good news and interesting to know in case anyone else asks.

Do you keep kitty with you in the airport and carry it on board?

Bluegrass Lass

This somewhat surprises me. Given that people with allergies could be on the plane, I'm surprised that an airline would allow dogs/cats in the cabin, even if they are small. Esp since some people can be very sensitive to the danders, and there's obviousy no place to go for them to get away from it on a plane.

chartreuse

Yes, as I understand it you put her carrier through the x-ray, then carry her through the metal detector. There has also been talk about a little room where they give her a kitty pat-down, but I'm not sure about that.

chartreuse

It's actually very common on domestic flights in the USA. I've been sat next to puppies lots of times. It's only TATL where it gets a bit unusual.

Jerseygirl

That's interesting I've never seen anyone carrying a pet through a UK airport.

Bluegrass Lass

I've been on a few dozen flights, and I've never seen an animal on a flight, but I have seen them in airports. I just assumed they always went in the hold. I can understand allowing pets a bit more on a domestic flight only a few hrs long, but on a 8 or 9 hour transatlantic flight, I'm surprised an airline would let you do it.

lisa67

I'm extremely allergic to cats and the thought of sitting next to someone who has one in a pet carrier at my feet for a 10 hour flight makes me feel ill! (nothing against the cats themselves, they just make me really, really sick) (Before we boarded an internal flight recently in the US we were told not to bring anything on board that contained peanuts of traces of peanut oil on board as there was going to be a child on board with a peanut allergy..)

chartreuse

Oddly enough, SWMBO and I have considered this. That's why we'll be taking a block of two seats up-front on Delta where there's more space. I think that that's sufficient accommodation for anybody with allergies. Of course, some may disagree

Jerseygirl

Peanut allergy is a little different...just a wiff can cause a life or death situation. Many airlines do not serve peanut snacks because of this.

lisa67

Oh I agree totally JG, just had never come across this before and was suprised by it all...just felt sorry for the family who have to travel like this. I mean the airline couldn't guarantee that no one on the inbound flight had been eating peanuts or products containing peanut oil.