Travelling is fun and nowadays offers comfort and convenience; however, when it comes to pets, not a lot has changed in the last decades. Pets still have to travel in cages, by themselves, and on the bottom of the plane. All this has changed thanks to an American couple that has decided to put together an airline for pets.

Companion Air is, in fact, the first airline specifically created for pets and their owners. It flies safe and reliable jet-prop aircrafts, to operate from small local airports, and to provide a spacious cabin for pets and their owners. The use of smaller aircrafts allows this company to operate more jets at a reduced cost. Smaller airports consent them to be on time and also to grant layovers of 15 minutes instead of hours, resulting in less stress for the pets and the owners as well.

The company utilizes the concept of "flex scheduling". That is, the company takes reservations and then optimizes and organizes its routes around the reservations; while satisfying the customers’ needs it maintains its operating costs as low as possible.

Sometimes passengers may have to travel through one of the Companion Air’s hubs or make a stop along the way to pick up or drop off a passenger. Although their routes are intended to minimize stops, sometimes passenger loads and locations make having to stop necessary. However, their hubs are comfortable and designed for pets and their families with TVs and refreshments.

The company also offers snacks or catered lunches on their flights; the electronic receipt has all the information about what to expect once on board. The aircrafts provide pet related reading materials and other items of interest.

The aircrafts have an area for human passengers and a pet cabin with room for two human passengers; when in flight, pets are allowed in the cabin one at a time only and for a limited time so others can visit as well. Pets are not allowed loose during takeoff, landing, or turbulence.

Of course there are some requirements that must be followed prior to flying Companion Air; 10 days before the departure, the pets need to be checked by their veterinarian to ensure they are healthy and they need to be accompanied by a health certificate. Pets must be at least eight weeks old and must have been weaned before traveling.

Kennels must be enclosed and must allow enough room for the pet to stand, to sit, and to lie in a natural position. They must have a solid leakproof floor covered with absorbent lining, must be well ventilated, have grips or handles for lifting to prevent personnel from having to place their fingers inside the kennel and risk to be bitten. Kennels have also to be marked “live animals” or “wild animals” on the top and on the side with directional arrows indicating proper position of the kennel.

It is important that the pet is familiar with the kennel, so that it does not feel enclosed into an unknown place on board of the plane. It is also fundamental to carry a leash and not to leave it inside the kennel or attached to it.

When at the airport, travelers should keep their pet under control and if the pet becomes noisy or agitated they should move to a different area; all pets should have a sturdy collar and two identification tags, with permanent address and phone number, as well as the address and phone number at which the traveler can be reached while travelling.

Travelling so close together, will definitely make pets and their owners feel more comfortable.

For additional information, visit the Companion Air official website.