UPRIGHT AND LOCKED
Sick Puppies
Starting in July, consumers will have access to information on how many pets traveling in the baggage holds of U.S. commercial aircraft are killed, lost or injured while in each airline's care. The new Department of Transportation policy requires U.S. carriers to start reporting such incidents by May 15, and reports will begin appearing in DOT's monthly Air Travel Consumer Report ( http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/atcr05.htm ) July 1.
The government will check the airlines' self-reported data against consumer complaints to verify accuracy, DOT spokesman Bill Mosely told CoGo.
Animal rights groups have been lobbying for better treatment of airborne pets for years. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals applauded the new rule, but said more measures are needed to ensure safe air travel for pets. "The transparency will continue to nudge the system forward . . . [and] will help travelers make intelligent decisions" about which airlines and airports to use when flying with pets, said Stephen Zawistowski, ASPCA senior vice president and head of national programs.
The ASPCA wants to work with airlines and airports to "set up a staging area for pets at airports, to ensure they have enough food and water, and ensure they are the last put in a cargo hold before departure and the first taken off [after landing]," Zawistowski said. "A lot of problems have occurred where animals were left on the tarmac in very hot or cold weather. We would like to make sure baggage handlers are well trained and that pilots are informed when animals are in the hold."
Consumers can report pet mistreatment to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Care Staff, APHIS-REAC-AC, 4700 River Rd., Riverdale, Md. 20737, 301-734-7833.
WALLET WATCH
Nebraska's Moment?
Slap some more money into your vacation fund this year, because the average cost of a family trip is on the rise, according to AAA's annual vacation survey. Plan to shell out, on average, 5 percent more than you did last year-- not including the extra bucks you'll pump into your gas tank for a road trip.
A family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average of $247 a day for meals and lodging in the United States, although you'll find significant variations. In Nebraska, the cheapest place to vacation, that same typical family will pay, on average, $184 a day for meals and lodging. That's nearly one-third the cost in Hawaii, the most expensive destination at $ 518 a day. The District was the second most expensive, at $441 -- a figure that is somewhat unfair because it reflects only city prices. New York and Rhode Island are the next most expensive destinations, at $307 each.
To save a little money, book as far in advance as possible and seek out hotels that offer free breakfast or have suites with kitchens to prepare your own meals .
TRAVEL TICKER
