Over the past several months, United Airlines has been in the news with horrible stories about their treatment of dogs. A dog died after being forced to fly in an overhead compartment, then three dogs were loaded onto incorrect planes and sent as far away as Japan. As a result, the carrier has suspended all animal shipments while it tries to get its act together. While that seems like a good thing, there has been at least one unintended consequence: a Coast Guardsman is now facing a $31,000 bill to fly her English Mastiff, George Jefferson, home from Japan!
When Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer McKay brought her 221-pound dog with her to Japan two years ago, she paid $3,200 to ship him on United. The extra large dog flies in a 100-pound crate, which puts him over the weight limit for most airlines.
McKay, who is being re-assigned to Washington, DC in June, needs to stop by Texas first to pick up a car she has stored there. (Life in the service!) Only United and All Nippon Airways can get her to Houston, and All Nippon wants $31,000 to ship the dog! (IMHO, that ought to include a mani-pedi, massage, and steak dinner for the dog, McKay, and her son!)
Before you suggest Air Mobility Command, they will only accept animal shipments up to 150 pounds, including the crate.
United hopes to have its animal transport system – new and improved, hopefully – up and running by May 1st, so there is a possibility McKay will be able to schedule George for a June flight, but she is not the only military family stressing over how to get pets home. This has also affected service members on Guam, where United was the only choice for transporting animals back and forth to the mainland. Seems like this is something the military would recognize as a need and make provisions for when they move people around the globe.
Suggestions are welcome!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!