Pets Could Face Problems Under New Flight Restrictions

With newer flight restrictions now in effect, it seems humans won't be the only ones having to deal with this situation when flying the friendly skies. Cats, dogs and other small pets traveling with their humans might also suffer under the new guidelines.

While liquids such as shampoos, soda, bottled water, and other items are now banned as carry-on items, human baby formula and even medications are allowed as long as they are properly identified belonging to the human. But where does that leave our four-legged friends?

The Transportation Security Administration wants pet owners to know they shouldn’t be too worried, as canned cat and dog food, as well as their medications (liquid or otherwise which is properly identified and prescribed by a vet) will be allowed among a person’s carry-on items.

"Sealed canned cat food is allowed through the checkpoints. Some pouched cat food with gravy may be turned away. It is at the discretion of the screening manager at the checkpoint," said Jennifer Peppin, a TSA spokesperson.

If passengers still have doubts as to whether or not their cat or dog’s favorite pouched food will be allowed through, the TSA had another suggestion instead of having to throw it away in the trash.

"Passengers may want to place pouched food in their checked luggage if it contains gravy but the canned food should be fine," Peppin added.

So far, the TSA has not seen any problems with canned pet food being included as part of a passenger’s carry-on items, but it is possible that it could be closely inspected if the food is not sealed or in its proper container. But so far, so good at least according to Julie Rodriquez, a spokesperson from Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.

"The TSA in Phoenix has not had an issue with cat food at the checkpoints since these new restrictions went into effect," Rodriguez said.

Of course, one such watery creature could face problems getting through security checkpoints at the airport. Small aquarium fish are not allowed to travel with passengers on flights under the new guidelines, according to the TSA. So the best idea is simply not to bring them with you of course some airlines do allow them.

US Airways is one such airline that allows cats, dogs and even fish to fly with their owners on domestic flights, as long as the person pays an $80 fee to do so. However despite the fish issue, US Airways is also re-assuring its customers they won’t face too many issues when it comes to their cat’s or dog’s needs when flying, according to one of the airline’s spokespeople.

"Canned and pouched pet food is allowed on US Airways flights. We haven’t seen any problems so far, but if the food is being carried in a strange container, then it will be closely inspected to make sure it is indeed dog or cat food," said Valerie Wunder of US Airways.

Wunder also suggested that before a passenger flies with their cat or dog, that they check the TSA or even US Airway’s web site before their scheduled flight as they list all the current banned items.

As for the aquarium fish, it is possible they may be able to fly with their humans soon but it is unknown how long that will be.

"We’re hoping it is only temporary at this point," Wunder added.


To see a list of all banned or allowed items as carry-on you can check out the TSA Web Site at www.tsa.gov or US Airways web site at www.usairways.com.



To contact the writer of this story you can email them at catprotector@catgalaxymedia.com or call 480-980-8541