Flying with cat (Bangkok Airways)

[AngThong]

Already asked in the pet section, but no responses so far... Thought I'd try here as well.

Does anyone have any experience of flying with pets on Bangkok Airways flights? I contacted them and they said they do not allow pets in the cabin, but they have a pressurised and heated cargo hold where cats and dogs are accepted in a suitable crate. Need to go to Rayong with a wee kitten (4-5 months) and their direct flights to U-Tapao would be by far the comfiest option. I believe they only operate the smaller ATR-72 aircraft on this route.

They do want me to sign a waiver freeing them from all responsibility, should my cat come to any harm. I obviously won't fly if they have a history of hurting animals, just wondering if anyone knows...

Thanks

[Rooo]

I brought my dog from BKK in the hold, no dramas . German Shephard , the only thing was they were scared of an 8 weeks old pup.

[AngThong]

I brought my dog from BKK in the hold, no dramas . German Shephard , the only thing was they were scared of an 8 weeks old pup.

Grazie Bandit Airways it is, then!

[ikbenhet]

Just watch out that the don't sedate the cat.

Mine almost died during the trip from BKK to Samui.

[AngThong]

Just watch out that the don't sedate the cat.

Mine almost died during the trip from BKK to Samui.

Ok... How do I do that? AFAIK I have to drop off the crate at the check-in desk, and I bet any sedation would be done by people I'll never see... Write in large letters on the crate in English and Thai "Cat very allergic, give no medicine!" maybe...

Edited February 20, 2015 by AngThong

[Tropicalevo]

Some neighbours of mine used to bring their two cats to Samui every year from France - no probs (until one of the cats ran away!).

Another neighbour has just brought his cat from Belgium - again, no problem. (This one too ran away, but came back after a couple of days! )

I think that they do not allow pets to be sedated now.

[Mole]

You'll have to go to a vet to get the sedation medicaments to give your cat. The vet will know how much to give to your kitten.

Bangkok Airline insist that the animal be sedated. If they see that your cat is wide awake and not laying still and making noises etc, they may refuse to let you check in and take it onboard.

This is what they told me on the phone when I asked a while ago.

[AngThong]

You'll have to go to a vet to get the sedation medicaments to give your cat. The vet will know how much to give to your kitten.

Bangkok Airline insist that the animal be sedated. If they see that your cat is wide awake and not laying still and making noises etc, they may refuse to let you check in and take it onboard.

This is what they told me on the phone when I asked a while ago.

Really? All they told me is this:

"On the departure date, the on-duty Ground Service Supervisor maintains the right to refuse acceptance of any animal that smells unpleasant, exhibits aggressive or disturbing behaviour, or is in poor health (e.g. leprosy)."

Sedating all just because seems pretty aggressive. This kitteh will definitely not lie still if there are other options...

[2fishin2]

Sedating animals on aircraft doesnt happen. I have never heard of a reputable vet who would ever do that. Some airlines wont allow a pet to fly if they appear sedated or sick. Quit pulling the OPs leg

[Mole]

Pulling what freaking legs?

I'm merely just telling what the dam airline told me.

For the sake of it, I just called them right now to confirm and they told me first you'll have to notify them well in advanced of your flight that you'll be travelling with an animal. Some flights can't accommodate animals at all, but they confirmed that USM-UTP can.

When it comes to dogs, if the dogs are barking or making too much noises, they'll refuse it onboard. The same goes for the cat, if it's for example screaming all the time etc, they won't take it onboard.

Sedation is not necessary if the animal is quiet.

The cage must be sturdy and firmly shut. Also it must be a type which will have a closed bottom to hold any excrements.

[AngThong]

Pulling what freaking legs?

I'm merely just telling what the dam airline told me.

For the sake of it, I just called them right now to confirm and they told me first you'll have to notify them well in advanced of your flight that you'll be travelling with an animal. Some flights can't accommodate animals at all, but they confirmed that USM-UTP can.

When it comes to dogs, if the dogs are barking or making too much noises, they'll refuse it onboard. The same goes for the cat, if it's for example screaming all the time etc, they won't take it onboard.

Sedation is not necessary if the animal is quiet.

The cage must be sturdy and firmly shut. Also it must be a type which will have a closed bottom to hold any excrements.

Brilliant Mole, takk! Hope Toong's doing well... Sweet avatar

We'll train the kitten to spend time in the crate over the next couple of weeks, hopefully she'll feel safe enough not to get into her feisty mode once it's time to fly.

Edited February 20, 2015 by AngThong

[saweden]

Had a kitten sent to me from a catery in Bangkok on Bangkok Airways no problems at all.

There's a spray, (pheromone?) at the vet for cats. If you spray the box with it will feel comfortable and stay calm during the trip. It can be pretty expensive so if you can't buy it one of your sweaty t-shirts could work in the same way

Remember to bring a paper from the vet that states the cat is healthy and does not have rabies. I had to do that when I sent the cat back to Bangkok again on Bangkok Air. Got the paper for 200 baht from the vet office around Bankok Hospital. They would not take it without that paper. I also had the transport box door pretty much covered so that the cat wouldn't see anything frightening.

I think training the kitten to be familiar with the box is a very good idea. Good luck!

Edited February 21, 2015 by saweden

[samuijimmy]

Wishing Angtong, his cat and daughter best wishes to their move to their new area of Thailand!

Some good advice... above...^ You'll just need to find a vet and cage, on Koh Phangan, before leaving!

[AngThong]

Wishing Angtong, his cat and daughter best wishes to their move to their new area of Thailand!

Some good advice... above...^ You'll just need to find a vet and cage, on Koh Phangan, before leaving!

Thanks... Bought a cage already, lined it with a towel and the cat sleeps in there sometimes... Nice and comfy Need to start training her with the door on, carrying around etc. in a couple of days. As for vet... She's never been to one yet, need to sort that out next week.

[AngThong]

Happy to report that everything went fine. Didn't find a calming spray for the cat but she seemed to stay calm nonetheless. A special thank you to Bandit Airways staff - there was a delay of 3 hours due to repairs, and when I asked them to make sure the kitten was OK, they brought her to us! She was very happy to roam about instead of being locked up inside her crate. She seems and bewildered after the move but otherwise fine :-)

[saweden]

Happy to report that everything went fine. Didn't find a calming spray for the cat but she seemed to stay calm nonetheless. A special thank you to Bandit Airways staff - there was a delay of 3 hours due to repairs, and when I asked them to make sure the kitten was OK, they brought her to us! She was very happy to roam about instead of being locked up inside her crate. She seems and bewildered after the move but otherwise fine :-)

Glad to hear everything went fine!