News Release
Continental Airlines Announce New Enhanced Animal Acceptance Policy
HOUSTON, May 22, 2000 -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL and CAL.A) today announced a new enhanced animal acceptance policy that will ensure a safe and comfortable travel experience for pets. Effective June 1, 2000, all pets traveling on Continental will be accepted only as cargo and will be coordinated through the carrier’s QUICKPAK Live Animal Program.
Under the new ‘pet safe’ program, Continental will no longer accept pets as checked baggage effective June 1, 2000. Pets will be accepted as checked baggage for customers who purchased tickets prior to May 22, 2000, and are traveling on the return portion of their itinerary after June 1, 2000.
Continental will continue to accept small pets for travel in the cabin in applicable markets.
Continental’s QUICKPAK cargo service offers same day, airport-to-airport delivery with extra amenities designed to ensure an animal’s comfort and safety during transport. QUICKPAK features include:
- Dedicated 24-hour Live Animal Help Desk
- Dedicated employee team and climate-controlled vehicles for connections over Houston and Newark hubs
- Confirmed bookings 24 hours prior to departure with health certificates
- Tracking and tracing capabilities from the animal’s origin to its destination
- Insurance
Extreme weather guidelines will apply to ensure the pet’s comfort and safety. Pets shipped with QUICKPAK can’t be accepted when temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit at point of origin.
"This added service demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, reliable and comfortable service to all our customers -- and pets are no exception,” said Senior Vice President-Airport Services Mark Erwin. “These changes will further enhance our ‘pet safe’ program, ensuring stress-free travel for pets and their owners."