Bangkok Airways won't transfer my cats?

[revgreen]

I'm looking at flying Qatar airways Chicago -> Doha -> Bangkok -> Chiang Mai. I will have 2 cats.

 

I noticed on Bangkok Airways (provider of BKK -> CM) website the following:

 

• AVIH for International transfer to Domestic is not acceptable.

https://www.bangkokair.com/traveling-with-pet

 

Does anyone know if I'm reading this correctly? Qatar Airways said for the final flight I have to check with the domestic carrier as the animals are out of their hands after arrival in TH.

[impulse]

Technically, I think there's a quarantine requirement when your cats first land.  Someone else will have to come along to state how it really works, but I can see how BKK Air would be reluctant to offer a transfer when they can't really promise whether your cats will be quarantined or not.  That's not up to them.

 

BTW, some threads indicate that a "service fee" can grease the skids and there are professional pet transfer services that can make it happen.  But I don't claim to know how that works.  I'm just positing a theory why BKK Air cannot claim in the open light of day to do such a transfer.  Look at my moniker for my full disclaimer.  I could be wrong...

 

[orchis]

I think it means no through-check-in until final destination as they would with your regular luggage, you wd have to check them in domestically again with BKK airways.
For documents check with them.

[revgreen]

3 minutes ago, orchis said:

I think it means no through-check-in until final destination as they would with your regular luggage, you wd have to check them in domestically again with BKK airways.
For documents check with them.

So I should plan a longer layover in Bangkok to deal with this?

[revgreen]

17 minutes ago, impulse said:

there are professional pet transfer services that can make it happen.

Too bad those places are quoting $4000 USD+++ !!!!

[impulse]

13 minutes ago, revgreen said:

So I should plan a longer layover in Bangkok to deal with this?

 

Too bad those places are quoting $4000 USD+++ !!!!

 

That $4K should be your first red flag.  (Edit:  I'd be asking myself how much of that money is going to grease the palm and pay the fees to the incoming official)   I'd suggest you start your planning by finding out exactly what it's going to take to get your cats into the country.  They're not going to be handled like normal luggage.  Moving live critters across international borders can be complicated and expensive.   It's more than a matter of extending your layover to move the cats from one carousel to another.

 

[orchis]

I would try to chat with them.
http://pglivechat.onetoonecontacts.com/pglivechat/Customer/Login?lang=EN

[OneEyedPie]

Wasn't there a thread on transporting pets abroad earlier today.  I had a quick squiz and looked quite comprehensive and informative.

[orchis]