Why more travelers are flying their pets by private jet

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that private jets were considered completely out of reach for anyone who wasn’t obscenely rich or famous, both in some cases.

But private aviation has become far more accessible over the years, and there’s been a particularly large shift since 2019.

Not only has usage skyrocketed as a result of the travel chaos brought about by the pandemic, with numerous companies reporting a surge in bookings from travelers new to the private jet world, more and more are taking their pets on board with them.

Global aviation companies have reported a 86% increase in the number of animals it’s flown over the last two years, and it’s not just cats and dogs we’re talking about.

Pampered pets

So, what’s brought about this sudden increase in animals receiving the private jet treatment?

PVJets suggest that the “fast increase in pet adoptions” during the height of the pandemic may have played a part.

We’re seeing an increase in the level of leisure trips versus business trips. You’re not going to take your dog into your meeting, but you’ll certainly take it to your other house, if that’s convenient for you.

We’re also seeing people that have much more flexible work schedules, so they’re able to travel with their pets more often, or use that vacation home they might have only gone to for a weekend, and stay for a week or two weeks or a month.

Shifting dynamic

So, it’s kind of a shifting dynamic in who’s traveling and why, which is leading to the increase in pets. We don’t think it [the upsurge] is because more people have pets. We think they’re just finding more time to be with their pets.

Flying privately allows your pet to stay close to you and familiar, comfortable people during the journey. Pets can stretch their legs and move freely instead of being crated, unlike on commercial flights.

Commercial airlines allow small pets under 25 pounds in the cabin, provided they fit in an under-seat carrier. Larger dogs must travel in a crate in the cargo hold, which can involve certain risks.

Comfort factor for pets

In January, new Department of Transportation regulations restricted pets as emotional support animals on commercial flights. This change affected airlines like JetBlue, Delta, United, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.

These rules stopped larger pets from traveling in cabins as emotional support animals. Some pet owners are turning to private aviation to avoid placing their pets in the cargo hold. Flying privately allows pets to stay with their owners during the journey.

However, the high cost of private jets limits this option to wealthier travelers. Some devoted pet owners have sent private planes to reunite with their pets during travel restrictions.

Stress free for pets

One of the biggest benefits that comes from traveling by private plane with pets is being able to avoid any situations that might be distressing for them.

You can drive up to the plane and get on with your pet without putting them in the stressful situation. This sentiment is shared we feel that the majority of private jet fliers who bring their pets along just want to be sure that the animals are settled while traveling.

It’s not just that you get to take a really cute picture of your dog for Instagram. It’s more the convenience of being with your animals the whole time and not having to worry about who’s handling them. Or if your animal is upset or not.

Once you really break it down, and you take away the dollars and cents, then it’s basically asking ‘is my family member going to be, okay?

That’s what I think a lot of pet owners are thinking. And I have dogs myself, so I understand.” says the founder of PVJets.

Source: CNN