No Quarantine on Continental to London
Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) is the first U.S. airline to be approved under the United Kingdom`s “Pet Travel Scheme” (PETS), which eliminates the usual six-month quarantine for cats and dogs traveling to London.
Continental customers whose pets meet guidelines established by Great Britain`s Dept. for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs may travel with their animals on Continental flights to London without the pet being quarantined.
“Quarantine has always been a hairy problem for pet owners who want to `play fetch` as soon as they arrive in England,” said a Continental spokesperson. “But now our participation in the Pet Travel Scheme makes the process as fast and smooth as a greyhound.”
Before finalizing travel plans, customers should get further information on Britain`s PETS program at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm .
Continental also is offering double OnePass miles through July 14 to customers traveling with pets under the airline`s new PetPass program. Through the PetPass double-mileage promotion, Continental customers will earn two OnePass frequent flyer miles for every dollar spent in transporting their animals as cargo (includes transportation, taxes and surcharges, but does not include the cost of excess valuation, kenneling or purchasing kennels). After July 14, PetPass will continue to offer one OnePass mile for each dollar spent, through Dec. 31, 2003.
As travelers prepare for summer vacations, Continental plans to continue transporting animals through its PetSafe program. The airline is increasing the number of dedicated personnel and air-conditioned vehicles at its hubs in Houston and New York/Newark to carry and protect animals from the heat. Continental continues to staff a “Live Animal Desk” for customers shipping animals through Continental Cargo. More information is available at continental.com .
Continental Airlines is the world`s seventh-largest airline and has more than 2,200 daily departures. With 130 domestic and 95 international destinations, Continental has the broadest global route network of any U.S. airline, including extensive service throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and carries approximately 41 million passengers per year on the newest jet fleet among major U.S. airlines. With 48,000 employees, Continental is one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America. In 2003, Fortune ranked Continental highest among major U.S. carriers in the quality of its service and products, and No. 2 on its list of Most Admired Global Airlines. For more company information, visit continental.com .
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