(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Airplanes are more crowded than ever and one travel expert says passengers should think twice about bringing their pets along for the ride.
Angie Rice, co-founder of Boutique Travel Advisors in Scottsdale, Arizona joined the Noon Business Hour to shed light on this frequently-discussed topic.
Airlines have always allowed service and therapy animals on board planes, but the policy surrounding other types of animals has changed due to passenger and crew complaints.
"It got lenient for a while and I think things are tightening up again," Rice said.
"Some airlines are looking at the costs associated with allowing for pets to travel to a higher degree and therefore they're imposing an expense for people to travel with their pets."
She said passengers need to ask themselves why they want to bring an animal on board. For example, does the pet need to travel for its own health reasons such as medical treatment or is care not available for the pet while the owner is traveling?
Rice emphasized that these are all questions that should be asked.
"I think knowing why this pet needs to travel with you is something that definitely needs to be taken consideration before you just decide that it's safe and ok for this pet to travel with you," she added.
Rice said travelers should assess if it's in the best interest for the pet to fly. For instance, if the pet does not do well while traveling by car, then they probably won't do well on an airplane either.
She also recommends resources that allow for caregivers to look after pets while owners are away.
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