@Carlos ********

No problem. Just trying to clear up some misconceptions.

The pressures and discomfort on the ears is a good point I dont have any answers on.

Some animals were lightly sedated with a xanax like medication for anxiety. Most were not was my understanding and that it required extra steps.

@Carlos ********

Our A320’s had cargo hold heaters. ~23c sounds about right for a cabin temp.

The 787 was even more advanced and had multiple zones including a specific hold that could even be turned into a fridge for perishables. Certainly not a design afterthought!

More likely a small turboprop would be noiser, bumpier and have a less sophisticated heating system such as the cabin air vents you mention.

The level of pressurisation you experience would be about the same between turbo props and airliners (8000ft) regardless of how high the plane actually flys. The latest long haul 787/a350’s are pressurised to an even lower altitude (6000ft) which might be a consideration to what airline you choose compared to an older a.

@Jo *********

I agree and don’t deny deaths and injuries occur. Even people die on a very regular basis flying due to these same factors!

This is a valid issue and why the suitability of transporting a particular animal needs to be done on a case by case basis and avoided where possible.

At least where I worked the animal was assessed by a Vet before and after every sector. Time spent on the ramp (noisy/fumes) was also planned and minimised.

Temperature in the cargo hold (at least on the Airbus A320) is selectable and able to be set/monitored by the flightcrew. No doubt the case for other modern airliners.

Flight crew are explicitly made aware if animals are being transported and have procedures to follow when that is the case. Ive even seen live fish, birds and even bees loaded!

Never been in a cargo hold during flight but wouldn’t be surprised if it was quieter than the cabin due to the amount of bags. It still is insulated the same as the cabin.

Not trying to dispute you, just worked in the industry and know some of the dedicated teams who look after the animals at airports. They take their jobs very seriously.

@Carlos ********

This is false. All airliners including regional turboprops have pressurised cargo holds and are carefully monitored.

If it wasn’t, 100% of animals transported would die.

@Jo *********

Apologies if you were not referring to keeping them uncaged in the cabin next to the owner.

The next alternatives for people not wanting to travel is abandoning the pet or putting them down before moving away, which is unthinkable and disgusts me, but does sadly happen.

Please don’t get me wrong, I love animals and have grown up with pets.

I certainly don’t think transporting animals around the world is good for the animal and it absolutely is stressful on them, but as a once of relocation its often required

@Carlos ********

Yes, the entire tube of the aircraft is pressurised and circulating airflow. Otherwise everything would be frozen solid from the -60c outside temperature at cruise.

@Sam ***********

Some do depending on airline and size, however you are right that its not mandated they do anymore.

Many try to fly them in the cabin as its cheaper than the hundreds/thousands of dollars more to do it properly

@Jo *********

Cool: Torment them to hours of stress in the cabin surrounded by hundreds of people, possible danger to themselves and others if they escape your control in flight, almost certain death in an evacuation, aggravation with other passengers, damage to the cabin if the animal drops its bowls.

Most animals will simply go to sleep through the whole flight once airborne in the hold. Dogs that get anxious can get semi sedated.

If you want a real world example of the dangers in the cabin, im personally aware of and seen the pictures of a kitten that was carried on a US airline. It escaped out of a bag and crawled into the seat mechanisms infront without anyone knowing and got torn apart when the seat was reclined.

Plenty of cases where dogs freak out and attack passengers or animals in the US. That has a similar result of the animal being ‘dispatched’ to end the scene or it dieing from its injuries.

Pets in the cabin is animal cruelty and pure selfishness to keep the owner entertained. The exception are proper real service animals that are trained to an incredible standard.

Worked for an airline that transported pets. They are arguably treated better than the passengers and very well cared for at every stage.

Very strict procedures and if an animal gets hurt or dies it's a very big deal. The cargo hold is by far the safest and less stressful place for your animal. Baggage handlers at any reputable airport will ensure they are last on and first off as well as being securely strapped down in the hold. The hold is pressurized, heated identical to the cabin and has a dim light.

Speak to your vet beforehand about medication to relax them and if they are fit enough to travel. Some breeds like pugs can have breathing issues at high altitude. Such a trip requires careful planning.

Often the same people that call out animals being transported in the cargo hold are the same bat shit insane individuals who call for their emotion support {cat/dog/pig/miniature horse/alligator/peacock/turkey} to travel in the cabin jammed under a seat for free.

@Michael ******

That would be interesting, requiring a tax clearance certificate now for obtaining a residency certificate.

That would certainly complicate living in Thailand