Usually we don’t recommend flying with pets. Sometimes though, we know it can’t be avoided.

We pet lovers have happily noticed over this last decade that many business establishments have become pet-friendly. Restaurants permit dogs to sit with their owners on the porch. Many clothing stores are now allowing pets, and in fact hand out dog treats and leave water dishes at their doors. Well, now the aviation industry has decided to follow suit!

Southwest Airlines just today announced their new pet-friendly policy, PAWS (Pets are Welcome on Southwest). After hearing complaints from customers and employees alike, Southwest Airlines will now allow a limited number of small cats and dogs onboard the aircraft with their owners. There is a fee of $75 each way, and customers can begin purchasing their pet tickets on June 1, 2009, with travel beginning June 17. Southwest Airlines insists that the implementation of this new policy will not effect to the efficiency of the airline.