Should airlines bar pets from planes?

I'm over 50, and I have never seen an "ill-mannered" pet on a flight! Humans yes, pets no. I worry about putting an animal in cargo, and only tiny pets are allowed under the seat. $300 to put a 7 pound cat under your seat is robbery!

I've flown hundreds of times and had many unruly children on my flights, but NEVER an unruly pet. Also had the delight of sitting next to over-perfumed and unbathed humans on occasion - one who even soiled himself early in the flight. Considering all of the undesirable seat-mates I've encountered over the years, all of whom have every right to fly, I certainly see no reason to prohibit small cats/dogs. The fee should be minimal, especially considering there is NO fee for lap children. $300 is ridiculous!

The main reason why you don't see unruly pets is that, unlike children, airlines require you to keep your pet contained.

If they ban pets, they should ban children, drunks and people who talk constantly. The carelessness and ridiculous prices the airlines have placed on transporting pets is costing them money. Even before the new pets airling started business there are private pilots who are providing the service of moving animals for decent and reasonable fees and with a lot of TLC, as well as people who are forming chains of cars to transport pets. The Airlines need a major reality check, the more they impose these outlandish prices and fees the fewer people will fly and the more money they will lose.

Oh my $#@... what about those of us with severe allergies?!?! They might as well allow smoking in the main cabins! Just inconsiderate and rude... that's what cargo is for...

Pets don't belong on aircraft. please do us all a favor - leave them home or kennel.

airlines charge for everything and it's getting ridiculous!! pets should be allowed to fly (in their carrier) at a reasonable cost. $300.00 IS OUTRAGEOUS! I've personally seen for myself children who are unruly and LOUD and nothing is done about that. let the pets fly with their owners (most of them are somewhat sedated anyway) GO PET OWNERS!

I'd rather fly with a cabin full of pets rather than a flight with kids that act worse than any animal.

Don't Want....too bad people with allergies can't fly in cargo...God, bringing smoking back would be heaven!

Seriously, many wonderful pets have been lost or died in the cargo hold. Airlines need to take more care with their precious cargo...If I had to fly my fur-babies to a destination, I'd have to fly with them in cargo....

Yes, pets should be banned from the cabin. I can't get a freakin' bag of peanuts on an airplane because someone 10 rows back may be allergic to them. Yet, someone can bring into the cabin his or her dog to which I am allergic.

While I am not against folks who travel with "pets". I would hope that the "pets" pass a certain few criteria like: Fits in a size profile [exception for seeing eye dogs]; its kept in its container while flying; restricted to dogs and cats [no pigs, skunks, snakes; rats, chimps, etc]; if it craps in its container [lets hope the smell is not too bad].

Having said all that, it does appear to me that there is a great opportunity for a new business here. I have noticed that companies now are marketing to get your luggage from portal to portal. Humm. . . .

I am 64 years old and have been flying for over 40 years. I have even been jammed in the back of a small ski plane with 4 sled dogs and can honestly say that the dogs were better passengers to fly with than a lot of people I have had to endure. How about first class with two kids running around screaming and fighting each other for a 5 hour flight. I would pay to have a dog sit next to me instead of a human. You should not have to pay more than your ticket price to bring your family pet.

TO SPRING 531736; let the airlines know you are allergic to animals and there wont be any on your flight-dont wait until you get to the gate!

I would feel much more comfortable if my pet were with me on the flight than in cargo. If there were an emergency, I couldn't imagine having to leave my pet to die. He/she should at least have as much of a fighting chance to survive as I do! That being said, my pets don't travel with me anywhere unless it's a cross country move. They're safer at home than taking the risk of losing them in a strange place or having him/her get ill. If I would have to vacation with them, I'll take my car. That way, at least, they can stretch and see things and get waffled once in a while.

A cargo hold is definately NOT the place for animals or any living creatures. Personally I would not ever put my pets on a plane unless I could purchase cabin seats. Our kittly wouldn't be too bad, but having a German Shepherd Dog could necessitate the purchase of two seats. I'd try to drive them and my family to our destination.

However, that may not apply to a family who is moving cross country. I don't know what options would be available to their pets but I know that abandonment should not be one of them. Pets are family members! So, I had to vote 'yes' for air transport to cover that contingency.

Even though I am severely allergic to dogs and cats, I would sit with a plane full of animals than with kids any day. I do think there should be some restrictions and the fees should be more reasonable. I say if you have to charge $300.00 for something, then do it for bringing a kid on the flight. then perhaps more of them wouldn't take their brats on board. And I am saying this as a person who has kids albeit grown ones.

i wish all airlines would allow small animals to travel as carry on. i understand people have issues with animals so there should be requirement on placement in the plane,ie. front or rear only and notice to flyers as to the seats occupied by alimal carriers prior to boarding

I just had to say something, because I get a bit offended by all the negative comments about kids. My children (7 & 4) have traveled frequently since they were very young. They are always well-behaved & get complimented at the end of the flight. I do NOT drug them, instead I am prepared for the flight. I aways have snacks, videos, and activities for them. If there are poorly-behaved children, blame the poorly-prepared parents. That said, I have flown with far more obnoxious & rude drunken or self-entitled adults than I have ever encountered out-of-control kids in all of my years of flying.

Every December I take my cat on vacation to Puerto Rico for two weeks. I remember paying $80.00 each way on American Airlines. the fee is now $100.00. I don't mind paying that much for having my beloved pet with me for two weeks in a safe environment rather than paying more than $200.00 at a pet hotel or to a petsitter. I make sure that my cat is booked in the cabin with me the minute I purchase my ticket. I will admit, my cat behaves way better on the plane when he is laying on my lap than when he is inside his crate. I've experienced negative reactions from other passengers, but I have to say, most passengers praise me for having a well adapted kitty. I believe that it is my right to bring my pet on a plane, and that should not be taken away. I rather deal with someone who has a well behaved pet on board than someone with a annoying kid kicking your seat right behind you and do not take responsibility for it.

Well-behaved pets absolutely should be allowed on the plane, in the cabin area, with a FAIR fee. The point about "if dogs/cats were meant to fly...they would have wings" is just stupid. Humans don't have wings and we are up there @ 36,000 feet. And as others have remarked, I've flown on way too many flights were children behaved in such a rude fashion & w/o parental control. On the other hand, the dogs and cats I've seen on board, well, I would not have noticed they were even on the plane had I not seen them. Those who are allergic to the dander, come on, the air is already so dry, etc., the few pets, if any, who are flying in the cabin probably don't add significantly to your delicate allergic sensibilities.

I'd rather be in a crashing plane full of cats & dogs than have to sit next to some screaming baby, unruly six year old, or old lady doused with dime store purfume.

Thank goodness 54% of us aren't a-holes.