First class check in for falcons in Dubai

[puppysparkes]

A work college sent me this photo yesterday. Apparently taken by a Air NZ pilot in Dubai who said this is where the falcons are checked in to first class before travelling with their owners. Has anyone traveled with a falcon on board, did the falcon appear comfortable and what service did the falcon receive:!:

 

[smit0847]

Yikes!

Why do they travel IN the cabin?!

 

[puppysparkes]

My guess is money talks. I found a bit of info which confirms they travel in the pointy end here: Unsual things about Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

"Another interesting thing about the Falcon Hospital is, the birds that go for medical care there do not only carry their international passports with microchips and visas, many of them fly First Class on international flights. Of course, they must bear their rings. They are won hoods in the course of travel".

 

[Hvr]

Yikes!

Why do they travel IN the cabin?!

Because it is too windy outside?


Seriously, I suggest that their owners have enough money to pay for them to travel inside and reimburse the airline for rectification of any damage caused by scratches and/or solid emissions.

 

[under the radar]

they are probably more well behaved/less disruptive/less demanding than many 'civilized' human pax...(and of course money talks at the end of the day)!! :shock: on a cost/benefit analysis..the falcons win!!

 

[RooFlyer]

All very well, but who gets the points?

 

[Happy Trails]

I once carried an injured sea eagle from YTHV (Thevenard Is.).
It was OK as hand luggage on the charter to KTA (Twin Otter I think, definitely no first class), but had to be checked for the flight to PER.

 

[Flying Fox]

About time an airline offered these services as I always have problems checking in my falcons when flying with QF

 

[tuapekastar]

About time an airline offered these services as I always have problems checking in my falcons when flying with QF

Indeed, it's not fair. They only accept Commodores.

 

[medhead]

This has been discussed in detail around here, probably in the qantas emirates merger thread. There is even a photo of the falcons on board.

The birds are only allowed to fly between the Middle East and Pakistan where falconing is a big sport. Can't remember if this rule is for both EK and EY.

Do a search.

 

[Hvr]

Indeed, it's not fair. They only accept Commodores.

But not Admirals? No wonder they get their rear up and go to vice.

 

[Shelf]

View attachment 20398

A pecking order checkin ?

 

[puppysparkes]

This has been discussed in detail around here, probably in the qantas emirates merger thread. There is even a photo of the falcons on board.

The birds are only allowed to fly between the Middle East and Pakistan where falconing is a big sport. Can't remember if this rule is for both EK and EY.

Do a search.

Yeah a few hits were returned when I did the search before creating the thread. I did miss the pic you speak of. Can someone link me via PM or a mod merge or delete the thread if appropriate. Cheers.

 

[medhead]

Yeah a few hits were returned when I did the search before creating the thread. I did miss the pic you speak of. Can someone link me via PM or a mod merge or delete the thread if appropriate. Cheers.

Didn't mean to merge the thread or anything. I was a bit short with words, just meant to search for the other picture, if interested.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Here's the pic

 

[markis10]

Chicken or Beef?

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I00002narrQD2jzw/fit=1000x750/IMG-8813.jpg

 

[puppysparkes]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Flying Fox]

Chicken or Beef?

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I00002narrQD2jzw/fit=1000x750/IMG-8813.jpg

I'm sure that the falcon has on his boarding pass - SPML FALCON DIET

So what's the etiquette here if this gentleman needs to use the bathroom?

Does he simply turn to the person next to him and say, 'excuse me, you mind holding my falcon for a bit?'

 

[Julesmac]

I'm sure that the falcon has on his boarding pass - SPML FALCON DIET

So what's the etiquette here if this gentleman needs to use the bathroom?

Does he simply turn to the person next to him and say, 'excuse me, you mind holding my falcon for a bit?'

Even more puzzling - what does the falcon say when he needs to go to the loo?? Seriously - Is this all fair dinkum?? I see the birds perched on the seats and the chaps in teatowels are sitting on the floor....it;s not April 1st is it?

 

[markis10]

Even more puzzling - what does the falcon say when he needs to go to the loo?? Seriously - Is this all fair dinkum?? I see the birds perched on the seats and the chaps in teatowels are sitting on the floor....it;s not April 1st is it?

Its fair dinkum:
General information
Etihad Airways accepts the carriage of falcons and guide dogs to lead the blind in the main aircraft cabin provided that all the necessary health documents and important licenses have been obtained.


Any other animals must travel as cargo and are not permitted within the aircraft cabin or checked baggage.


• Falcons are accepted in the cabin also.
• Guide dogs to lead the blind are permitted in the aircraft cabin for flights from Abu Dhabi to USA and vice versa only provided necessary documents are provided. However they may only be accepted as checked baggage free of charge. (Please contact local Etihad Airways office for detailed information).