It's A Bird, It's A Plane...No It's A Flying Pet

Get the low-down on how to make your beloved pooch, cat, bird, or even ferret see the world with you.

London (PRWEB) November 27, 2008 -- While the financial industry continues to chew on the credit crunch, the pet industry experienced a boom with £1.8 billion spent on pet services in 2007* and has enjoyed further growth in 2008.

Celebs like Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton and Rihanna have set a trend for fluffy flyers, appearing for boarding carrying the latest designer travel bag complemented by its very own designer doggie. Given the global inclination towards all things celeb related, pet lovers everywhere are following in their flighty footsteps. And why not - if the stars can travel with their pups why shouldn't you?

Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK's leading flight price comparison site, guides consumers with its Flying with Pets tips page comprising the ins-and-outs of flying with pets.

The page includes details of obtaining a pet passport under the PETS scheme which allows animals from certain countries entry into the UK without a six month quarantine period. Provided they have been micro chipped, vaccinated and blood-tested, they will be cleared for travel and issued with their very own EU passport, a process which can take up to seven months.

Moreover, depending on the traveller's airline of choice, pet frequent flyer programmes are also available. Virgin's Flying Paws allows animals to win gifts for themselves and air miles for their owners, while other international airlines such as British Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa allow pets either on board or in the hold (depending on airline policy and pet size). Cats and dogs are the most widely accepted travel companions, however Virgin Atlantic will take ferrets and American Airlines accepts birds during domestic flights.

Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk says, "Owning a pet is similar to having a child, they are an integral member of the family and just as precious. So if you're like me and can't leave home without your favourite fur ball, call the airline before flying to reserve your pet's travel and check which animals they allow. Travellers may also want to find out whether pets can go as hand luggage or not - some owners may not want their canine classified as cargo."

Cost-wise there are always administrative charges, and if you'd like to go the low-cost airline route, try Flybe and Germanwings who allow pets in the hold.

For more information have a look at Flying with Pets. And if you're ringing round to book your pet's ticket, you won't want to waste time with an automated telephone service. Speak to a human being and take advantage of Cheapflights.co.uk's Telephone Cheat Sheet.

• http://www.smallbiztrends.com/2007/12/pet-industry-trends-for-2008.html/, exchange rate taken on 17 November at 1 GBP:1.5 USD

In 2003 Cheapflights launched its successful US site www.cheapflights.com . It is estimated that last year circa £2.0 Billion sales were achieved by advertisers through deals published on our UK and US sites. In 2007 Cheapflights launched its Canadian site www.cheapflights.ca and its first non-English language site, www.cheapflug.de in Germany in autumn 2008.

With over 8 million visits globally recorded in January 2008, Cheapflights is a leader in flights deals information and continues to develop its unique and highly successful product.

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