Qantas changes pets policy - now freight.

[foles]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

Being able to check in my dog at the airport was a big plus for me and I referred plenty of pet owners to Qantas for this reason. Years previously I swapped from Virgin to Qantas for this very reason and endeavoured to build up status with Qantas, now, there is no longer any advantage for me to fly QF. I guess business is business but my loyalty is now extinguished.

 

[nlagalle]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

Mind you, I still think they should be allowed in the cabin in their bag, like they are in the US and Europe. Totally uncivilised having to put them in the hold. Poor babies.

Please no.. i much prefer them out of the cabin..

 

[Musongman]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

Decades ago, when I worked for Ansett at SYDKT, our passengers were required to check their pets at the freight building, quite close in those days, and no extreme pre check-in time that I recall. Mostly they managed to get the pets on the same flights as their two legged friends.....but not always...LOL!!

 

[brideshead]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

The implementation of this new policy is very unsatisfying. I booked and paid for a ticket in November BNE-ADL. After reading AFF I called the plat line to check the situation for flying with my dog BNE-ADL and was told that no matter the ticket date I would have to use QAN Freight. Called them and too busy with the deluge of people calling in. Sent in email booking request, informed no space on aircraft. No suggestion to change flight, nothing in the way of service at all. If I had know that I would have booked a different flight.

It looks like a much better option is booking as unaccompanied baggage on Virgin who actually have a process set up to do this.

 

[Jaryd]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

Hi Brideshead. This isn't correct.

Call them back, tell them you had a ticket prior to December 1 and that you are entitled to take your dog as luggage allowance. They will start to say 'new policy' but escalate it and ask to speak with their team leader.

Qantas have called me to discuss this as I thought I was in the same position - they clarified that I proceed as normal to airport, check dogs in as luggage in the terminal.

Just be firm when you call them.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

You aren't for a minute suggesting QF can't interpret or implement their own policy are you? :shock: !

I told them I knew this would happen. Apparently it's our role as customers and AFF members to train their staff for them.

 

[Jaryd]

In the absence of a response from Red Roo - see attached.

This is clearer than the website.

 

[tomo69]

I'm not sure of the policy pre Dec 1 but this is my experience.

Last year I took the mother in laws little ball of fleas from MOV to BNE just as part of my luggage allowance. I first thought I would need to use animal forwarding company and obtained a couple of quotes. It would have been cheaper to buy her a new dog. As I was at the airport the week before I just happened to ask and the CSA said just put it in a cage and check it in as luggage, which I did happy days . Didn't cost a cent.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

I'm not sure of the policy pre Dec 1 but this is my experience.

Last year I took the mother in laws little ball of fleas from MOV to BNE just as part of my luggage allowance. I first thought I would need to use animal forwarding company and obtained a couple of quotes. It would have been cheaper to buy her a new dog. As I was at the airport the week before I just happened to ask and the CSA said just put it in a cage and check it in as luggage, which I did happy days . Didn't cost a cent.

Technically in terminal pets as part of your baggage allowance was only permitted in SYD/MEL/BNE.

Now we all pay and have to stuff around at freight terminals, or we paws our travel plans...

 

[dolfie2]

"New pets policy simpler fairer" what a load of BS,

Pets are a living and important member of the family unit and are more valuable than a surfboard or a set of golf clubs or any other oversized baggage that can be checked in with you at check in.

So "simpler fairer" put all all oversized luggage on Qantas freight.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

"New pets policy simpler fairer" what a load of BS,

Pets are a living and important member of the family unit and are more valuable than a surfboard or a set of golf clubs or any other oversized baggage that can be checked in with you at check in.

So "simpler fairer" put all all oversized luggage on Qantas freight.

100% with you there. Plus there are some humans inflight that would be better accommodated as freight.

 

[brideshead]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

The implementation of this new policy is very unsatisfying. I booked and paid for a ticket in November BNE-ADL. After reading AFF I called the plat line to check the situation for flying with my dog BNE-ADL and was told that no matter the ticket date I would have to use QAN Freight. Called them and too busy with the deluge of people calling in. Sent in email booking request, informed no space on aircraft. No suggestion to change flight, nothing in the way of service at all. If I had know that I would have booked a different flight.

It looks like a much better option is booking as unaccompanied baggage on Virgin who actually have a process set up to do this.

As a follow up to my above situation, I called QF back and was told that ADL does not allow pets in the terminal so all pets have to go via freight forwarding companies. OK that's fine but Qantas Freight close at noon on a Saturday! That would mean reticketing etc and a whole lot of trouble. Compare this to the competitors who have much better hours. In the end I've gone with jet pets.

 

[MrJetset]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

I had no idea of the previous policy and have been trying to arrange for our recently rescued Jack Rusell to fly with me. Read all the docs and purchased an IATA approved crate from Petbarn.

Having to book him with 3 days notice does not work for me. I normally book domestic flights with less than 24 hour notice. QF Freight do not provide a cost estimate unless you request it, and it took no less than 5 emails to get an actual quote which is not guaranteed despite having the weight of the puppy, the crate and the dimensions. The 'estimate' is the cost of a one way fare, even though I only take hand luggage only on this route.

With a 90 minute drop off requirement with no guaranteed time of delivery has left me determined to never, ever fly him. I would simply drive the four hours to the destination and enjoy his company while he sits in the passenger seat!FWI

FWIW, while I could afford the prices it's shameful that NGOs are having their work affected by the price increase as I just read on an industry website http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2014/12/nfp-dog-fight-over-flying-kangaroo-price-hike

 

[Jaryd]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

I had no idea of the previous policy and have been trying to arrange for our recently rescued Jack Rusell to fly with me. Read all the docs and purchased an IATA approved crate from Petbarn.

Having to book him with 3 days notice does not work for me. I normally book domestic flights with less than 24 hour notice. QF Freight do not provide a cost estimate unless you request it, and it took no less than 5 emails to get an actual quote which is not guaranteed despite having the weight of the puppy, the crate and the dimensions. The 'estimate' is the cost of a one way fare, even though I only take hand luggage only on this route.

With a 90 minute drop off requirement with no guaranteed time of delivery has left me determined to never, ever fly him. I would simply drive the four hours to the destination and enjoy his company while he sits in the passenger seat!FWI

FWIW, while I could afford the prices it's shameful that NGOs are having their work affected by the price increase as I just read on an industry website http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2014/12/nfp-dog-fight-over-flying-kangaroo-price-hike

Just go through jetpets if at short notice. I've found on certain routes that they are the same price as Virgin's Toll rate.

 

[roncritch]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

FWIW, while I could afford the prices it's shameful that NGOs are having their work affected by the price increase as I just read on an industry websitehttp://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/n...roo-price-hike

How far has Qantas sunk? I will not leave my dog behind in the summer because the kennels here are not suitable when the temperature in summer is is the mod 40's. Used to cost me $75 plus the crate but now looks like the price has risen dramatically. Really bad form that they cannot help people like SAFE who do a terrific job up here with strays etc.

There's back to profit and then there's profiteering Qantas. No amount of spin will change anyone's view on this topic.

 

[Jaryd]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

FWIW, while I could afford the prices it's shameful that NGOs are having their work affected by the price increase as I just read on an industry websitehttp://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/n...roo-price-hike

How far has Qantas sunk? I will not leave my dog behind in the summer because the kennels here are not suitable when the temperature in summer is is the mod 40's. Used to cost me $75 plus the crate but now looks like the price has risen dramatically. Really bad form that they cannot help people like SAFE who do a terrific job up here with strays etc.

There's back to profit and then there's profiteering Qantas. No amount of spin will change anyone's view on this topic.

That's very worrying... I didn't realise that the freight rate has increased that dramatically!

My Physio told me yesterday that she was quoted almost $300 to get her dog from Melbourne to Brisbane. I thought she was mad, but maybe that is now correct!

If so... This makes me very sad! No more weekend breaks with the puppies until they fix this problem!

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

That's very worrying... I didn't realise that the freight rate has increased that dramatically!

My Physio told me yesterday that she was quoted almost $300 to get her dog from Melbourne to Brisbane. I thought she was mad, but maybe that is now correct!

If so... This makes me very sad! No more weekend breaks with the puppies until they fix this problem!

Apparently that is the unaccompanied rates, if you're on the same flight the price comes down apparently. Still it seems $80 minimum each way, and depends who you speak to as to what price you get. Typical QF consistency.

 

[MrJetset]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

I'm flying my little handsome today for the first time ever.

They stipulate you have to book your pet three days in advance but I booked my flights yesterday then called Qantas Freight. Selected the option for pets and was told they were closed. I called back and just hit random numbers and to the agent's credit she confirmed him instantly.

Will report back, I'm rather nervous for him!

 

[Jaryd]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

I think this needs a bit more attention. I put my two on the plane back home last week, and the baggage handler agreed it was a stupid decision, but thought it might be one of those things that get left my the wayside.

I'm really, really hoping this gets reversed, but I'm not quite sure how to tackle it. Has anyone spoken with the RSPCA about increased handling times etc?

I just cant see how taking two small dogs goes from being included, to costing $320! It worked so well before!

 

[MrJetset]

Re: Travelling with small pets on the golden triangle

I have to say that today went pretty well. When I arrived at the freight terminal there were no staff in the office and it took about 10 mins. They weighed him, asked to see my booking and I paid in cash.

After I landed he was the first load off the QFLink plane and the ground staff were great, even giving my scissors to open his crate. Airport staff even came to pat him.

it really thre the FA when she gave me the most detailed emergency exit briefing I have ever had when after she finished her spiel I said "What about my dog?" She stared at my blanky despite repeating it three times when the other FA explained that my dog was on board. She snapped "No, you only help people in the cabin." The other FA smirked and looked back at me.