Pet Travel Trends: Spoiling Furry Friends in the Sky
Booming Pet Travelle Demand Leads to Expanded Services and Perks for Canines, Felines, and Other Pets
In today's world, treating pets like family members is no longer just an idea, but a way of life. Pampered pet travel is fast becoming the norm, especially for high-end travelers who want their beloved pets to join them on their journeys. With increasingly popular private and charter flights, pets are no longer confined to crates or uncomfortable seats in the cargo hold. Instead, they're being served gourmet treats, settling down on plush organic sleep mats, and enjoying calming natural flower-infused water.
Airlines are eager to attract these discerning travelers by offering a range of pet-centric amenities. For instance, RetrievAir, a charter flight operator, introduced a pet-friendly service to nine U.S. cities in May, complete with free treats, water bowls, abundant space for pets to roam, and an average per-segment price of around $800, significantly lower than commercial airlines' exorbitant carry-on fees of around $150 per flight.
Meanwhile, VistaJet, a high-end private flyer catering to the wealthy, went the extra mile for a traveler who wanted to bring their Sulcata tortoise along. This Sahara Desert dweller, accustomed to warm, dry climates, was given heated floors on the VistaJet flight to feel more at home, demonstrating the lengths to which luxury services will go to accommodate pets.
Industry experts attribute this trend to the increasing number of Millennials and Gen Z who see their pets as full family members. A significant 12% increase in pet ownership was recorded in the latest annual report from the American Pet Products Association, with these younger pet parents routinely taking their pets on daily shopping runs, to pet-friendly workplaces, and even on vacations.
Privately owned pets in America are expected to generate $157 billion in revenue this year, covering food, veterinary care, accessories, and travel expenses among other services and products. Travel agencies are witnessing a surge in pet travel inquiries, with companies like VistaJet reporting a 17% year-over-year increase in pet travel, with one in four members bringing a pet on their trips. While dogs are the most common pets on such flights, exotic creatures such as Blue-tongued skinks and even tortoises are also regular passengers.
While private and charter flights come at a premium, they cater to a lifestyle that values exclusivity, luxury, and enhanced pet comfort. Other air travel services like JSX, a semi-private carrier, allow medium to large dogs to travel in-cabin outside carriers if an adjacent seat is purchased, providing a relatively more comfortable experience than traditional commercial flights.
In a recent interview, RetrievAir cofounder Benton Miller revealed that demand for pet travel comes not only from younger pet owners but also empty nester Baby Boomers with ample resources at their disposal. Miller stated that demand for pet travel is on the rise, with RetrievAir experiencing their first fully-booked flight this month.
According to Miller, "People worry about whether it's loud, noisy, 'Are the dogs barking?' But almost all of them go to sleep and the pet parents relax." With free drinks, the opportunity to share a sip of champagne while your pup sleeps beside you, and a host of pet-friendly amenities, pet travel on private and charter flights is truly a luxury experience for discerning pet owners.
In the world of luxury travel, charter flights and private airlines are offering token amenities tailored for pets, such as gourmet treats, Organic sleep mats, and even flower-infused water, catering to the high-end travelers who value Including their pets in their journeys. With the rise in pet ownership among Millennials and Gen Z, travel agencies observe a notable increase in pet travel inquiries, with companies like VistaJet reporting a 17% year-over-year surge in pet travel, indicating a developing lifestyle trend of prioritizing pet comfort even during travel.
