Temperature Control:
Checked-in Baggage: The cargo hold where pets are kept as checked baggage may not always be optimally temperature-controlled. It can be exposed to extreme temperatures during the loading and unloading processes, especially if the aircraft is on the tarmac for extended periods.
Handling:
Checked-in Baggage: Pets are often treated similarly to regular baggage, which can lead to rough handling. The personnel responsible may not have specific training in handling animals, increasing the risk of injury or stress to the pet.
Space and Comfort:
Checked-in Baggage: The space in the cargo hold for checked baggage is limited and not specifically designed for animal comfort. Pets might be confined in cramped conditions without adequate ventilation.
Monitoring:
Checked-in Baggage: There is minimal monitoring of the conditions within the general cargo hold during the flight. Issues that arise might go unnoticed until the flight has landed.
Regulatory Compliance:
Checked-in Baggage: Regulations for transporting pets as checked baggage may be less stringent, leading to variable standards in safety and care.
Examples of Airline Policies
United Airlines: The discontinuation of the PetSafe program and the focus on manifest cargo for pets reflect an emphasis on safety and compliance with higher standards.
American Airlines: By requiring pets to be transported via American Airlines Cargo rather than as checked baggage, the airline ensures better conditions and more specialized care for pets during travel (United Airlines).
Conclusion
While both methods involve transporting pets in the cargo hold, manifest cargo offers a safer and more controlled environment. This includes better temperature control, specialized handling, more space and comfort, continuous monitoring, and stricter regulatory compliance. These factors collectively contribute to the decision by many airlines to phase out the checked-in baggage option for pets in favor of manifest cargo.
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