16 replies to this topic

[Studio del Sol]

Picked this up on Expat Exchange. Maybe it's time to make a phone call to the Mexican Tourism Board on not being able to fly your pet in the cabin with you. Apparently it was handed down in May, and it's article 2.1.2 of the DGAE (whatever that is--maybe Spencer knows) Circular.

The Mexican Tourism Board is collecting call information to pass on t the Minister of Tourism who is heading up the effort with the $%&/()s that put this law in place to have this element struck down. I suggest that you all call in on their 800 number: 1-800-446-39426 (yes there is an extra digit there) and register your complaint. Tell them that you are protesting article 2.1.2 of the DGAE Circular dated May 2012.

Mexican Tourism Board: 1-800-446-39426

Dunno if you need Spanish, but here's a stab at translating...
I want to register a complaint to protest
Quiero registrar una queja que prostestar articulo dos uno dos del DGAE ....

[Malaya]

Here is the link for the online petition.

https://www.change.o...n-cabin-policy#

[Studio del Sol]

Thanks. I signed the petition then called Alaska Air. I told them customers were very upset over this and there were petitions out as I spoke. Also I explained that this directive is not a law and applies only to Mexican domestic flights. The rep (who was very nice and seemed understanding) tried to find the source of their ruling and could not "I'll get back to you..." Maybe that will happen, maybe not.

It would be helpful if anyone has the actual 2.1.2 directive and could post it here. At least then we have something to work with.

[Jeanette]

There's another side to this entire thing that you guys need to accept (and I don't like it either). The airlines prefer it this way. Why? People complain about pets in the cabins - sorry, but it's true. This is why some airlines (including Southwest) don't allow pets on the airline at all.

But perhaps the biggest reason the airlines like this "new" Mexican government rule is revenue. The cost for flying a dog in cargo is about 3 times as much money as the cost to bring the dog into the cabin. Do you really think the airlines are going to campaign AGAINST getting that extra revenue? I don't. I think the whole thing sucks, but I don't think you'll find much support from the airlines for changing it.

[Studio del Sol]

Maybe. Maybe not. Most airlines limit the amount of cabin pets. On my last sojourn, I was the only one with a pet and first class was empty. How much revenue is that? My guess it's either a convenience for the airlines or someone at the top didn't know how to translate Spanish. Alaska Air told me straight up that it wasn't their policy, but Mexico's. Did the gal lie to me? Quien sabe. The way I look at it is this is all the more reason for the Mexican Tourist board to put pressure on the airlines, and for people to threaten to boycott airlines. Sooner or later one will want the passengers with pets when some revenue is better than lost revenue. The ole supply and demand game. My attitude is if you don't try, nothing happens for sure. If you do try and nothing happens, you did what you could. If something changes as a result of trying--hotdam!

addendum
I spoke to the Mexican Tourist Board rep. He is taking complaints. He does not know exactly how the circular originated (no surprise there), but their office is working on it. He referred me to this site below, where there is a good amount of information. Read down to the questions. He also said the MTB is concerned how this will affect tourism and asked that people call the number above to register a complaint.

http://jaltembabayli...icy-for-mexico/

[Jeanette]

My attitude is if you don't try, nothing happens for sure. If you do try and nothing happens, you did what you could. If something changes as a result of trying--hotdam!

We can CERTAINLY agree on that!

[Studio del Sol]

I talked to a fellow at the Mexican Tourist Board. He is encouraging people to call and complain. He says "we are working on it as it is bad for tourism." and that he believes the directive applies only to pets flying in Mexico. There is some good information at

http://jaltembabaylife.com/blog/

scroll down to the bottom where there are updates on the issue and answers to questions by
MVZ. Joel Antonio Arrioja Pérez
Jefe de Departamento de Operación
de Inspección Fitozoosanitaria
Subdirección de Inspección en Puertos y Aeropuertos
Dirección General de Inspección Fitozoosanitaria
Municipio Libre 377 piso 8-A, Col. Sta. Cruz Atoyac,
Delegación Benito Juárez, México, D. F. C.P. 03310
Tel. 01 (55) 59051000 ext. 51126
joel.arrioja@senasica.gob.mx

[PV Kids]

As someone who is married to a woman who is EXTREMELY allergic to cat dander, I am quite OK with no pets in the main cabin. The effects on her when she just sits where a cat was are not pretty. At the prices they now charge for an airline seat we should be at least able to be sure no animal dander will be present.

[Catinmex]

As someone who is married to a woman who is EXTREMELY allergic to cat dander, I am quite OK with no pets in the main cabin. The effects on her when she just sits where a cat was are not pretty. At the prices they now charge for an airline seat we should be at least able to be sure no animal dander will be present.

I am also very allergic to cat dander, so much so that there doesn't even have to be a cat present....just the dander on the clothes of the owner is enough to give me an extreme allergic reaction. So, whenever I fly, I take my prescription meds before hand to ensure that the worst does not happen. A cat in a carrier poses no more threat to me than the owner. But, that's just me and my situation.

[Studio del Sol]

I sympathize with allergy prone people. At one time I was allergic to cats, too, to the point where I could hardly breathe. I'm also allergic to bee and wasp stings which result in a breathing problem. For the bee stings I use Benedryl topically and internally and then get to a clinic. I'd like these bees to stay out of my way, but of course, that's not gonna happen. I have to do what I can to protect myself.

With the cat it was the same, only I used an inhaler, until for whatever reason, my system did a readjustment. Now there are more advanced products, both OTC and by prescription which are safe for allergy prone folks. PV maybe your wife should talk to her doctor about them. There are also products for cats to reduce the dander that produces the protein most people with allergies are allergic to. The one I use on my cat before I leave on a flight is called Allerpet. Friends who couldn't go near my cat without sneezing, now pet her when she lets them. However, when they pet me, they sneeze.

Allerpet/C gently cleanses your cat's hair of saliva, dander and sebaceous gland secretions which contain Fel d1, the prime cause of allergic reactions. Allerpet/C used in conjunction with regular bathing and brushes can greatly reduce the amount of Fel d1 allergen in your home. For many people, that would nearly eliminate allergic reactions completely. Allerpet/C is formulated specifically for cats and people who are allergic to cats. Non-toxic and safe, even for kittens, it is easy to use and an effective tool in reducing cat dander in your home.

Many people are as attached to their pets as some of you are attached to your kids, spouses and significant others. I found out the hard way that to leave my cat for six months in the hands of someone else was a disaster. She was a rescue cat, torn up and terrified when she crawled under my deck seven years ago. I nursed her back to health (at some expense) over several months, and she's family. After six months away last year, I came back to a frazzled cat that had spent most of her time cowering under the bed. This year she went with me in a carrier, under the seat. No one near me was sneezing or gasping, puffing up or turning blue. There's probably more dander on me from cleaning her than there is on the cat and I don't think they would allow me in pet cargo.

[shortshrink]

Regarding the bee sting allergy...I used to be very allergic to bee sting. I went to a homeopathic doctor for the symptom of hives and he gave me a homeopathic dose of bee sting and it cured the hive problem and also the bee sting allergy. That was 30 years ago. Two years ago, I had hives and took the same remedy and the hives also went away immediately. The remedy is called "Apis/30"

[sandykayak]

I was going to start a new thread about the Apis/30, but hope it is still vaguely on topic....

my 6 lb Chihuahua is allergic to all shots..he goes into anaphalectic (sp?) shock and it's a scary and expensive trip to the pet ER. Any idea whether Apis/30 could work on a dog? I'm in Miami, so will need to look around and, of course, ask Sr. Google. thanks

This is why I couldn't take him in the cabin even if were still allowed. He was given a 3-year rabies shot (I don't give him any others) last time, but I couldn't bear putting him through that agony this year now that I know what it is! (vet said it's probably the "binders" (?) that are put into all shots). I got a dispensation note from the vet and DAde County allowed him to be tagged without the vaccination.

Even going in by land, Mex does not accept the 3 yr vaccination; needs to be injected within a few days. I've heard of dogs being vaccinated at the airport in Mexico when something wasn't to their liking; that could kill my dog if there were no emergency service close by.

So, I will have to drive - after I retire and have time for extended visits.

[Jeanette]

He does not have to be vaccinated "within a few days " of crossing the border. One year is the requirement. The health certificate must be signed by the vet no more than ten days before crossing the border.

Don't forget about treatment for internal and external parasites, and bring documentation for that, too.

[sandykayak]

thanks, Jeanette

and I found (there is quite a lot) a book on homeopathy and dogs and it does mention vaccinations (according to the reviews)
http://www.amazon.co..._pr_product_top

[Catinmex]

Regarding the bee sting allergy...I used to be very allergic to bee sting. I went to a homeopathic doctor for the symptom of hives and he gave me a homeopathic dose of bee sting and it cured the hive problem and also the bee sting allergy. That was 30 years ago. Two years ago, I had hives and took the same remedy and the hives also went away immediately. The remedy is called "Apis/30"

Just sent you a PM

[angela04101]

I don't know why we can't have special "pet flights". My medium-sized dog never qualifies for a flight now, and I too am severely allergic to cats. I know it would cost alot, but could be well worth it especially in emergencies. I've read about flights just for pets and their owners, all in-cabin. Never heard more about it. Anyone else heard of this?

[Jeanette]

I don't know why we can't have special "pet flights". My medium-sized dog never qualifies for a flight now, and I too am severely allergic to cats. I know it would cost alot, but could be well worth it especially in emergencies. I've read about flights just for pets and their owners, all in-cabin. Never heard more about it. Anyone else heard of this?

Here ya go -
http://www.petairways.com/