The feline has landed!

I'm so relieved!!
I brought my beloved kitty to Continental Airlines air cargo yesterday for her trip to Heathrow!  I was a bit of a mess, but the people at Continental were great.  When she landed at Heathrow, my husband said it took about 4 hours to clear her.  But during that time she was let out of the crate and given food and water.  They freshened up the crate as well.  When he got her home, he said she came right out and started exploring!

I was given every reassurance in the world before her trip, but you still can't help but worry.  But, I can now attest that though it's a pain to get all those PETS Scheme requirements accomplished ahead of time, it's quite a smooth process when the time actually comes to send the pet.
And now I get to see both the kitty and my DH tomorrow!!
I feel so happy today.......

That's good, she arrived safely!

Just a question ....... presumably pets also suffer from jet lag? Is that right? Or are you not able to tell because she sleeps so much anyway?

I've been wondering that myself   

She does sleep a lot being a cat and all.....i'll have to see if she seems jet-lagged tomorrow....

Glad your kitty arrived safely.      when my 2 cats arrived here in the UK I was so glad to finally have them here with us my cats where in a kennel for 6 months in the States. so whenever the cats see the carriers they both run & hide lol.    

Congrats!  I cannot hear enough of these good stories.  My 2 cats fly Virgin from Boston to Heathrow next Wednesday and I'm already unbelievably anxious about the whole thing.  Like you, I've done all the right stuff...but they're my babies and I just worry.

So happy to hear it was a good experience. 

Congrats!  I cannot hear enough of these good stories.  My 2 cats fly Virgin from Boston to Heathrow next Wednesday and I'm already unbelievably anxious about the whole thing.  Like you, I've done all the right stuff...but they're my babies and I just worry.

So happy to hear it was a good experience. 

If they're going from Boston to LHR is it nonstop?  I hope so...that will make it even easier.  I am so proud of my girl...she has settled in so well.  And I'm so glad to have her here!  What an ordeal the process is, but it's worth it.

If they're going from Boston to LHR is it nonstop?  I hope so...that will make it even easier.  I am so proud of my girl...she has settled in so well.  And I'm so glad to have her here!  What an ordeal the process is, but it's worth it.

Yes, non-stop.  I think I'd lose my mind if it wasn't.  I'm going a bit insane as it is.    Of course, they're currently locked in the bathroom b/c our movers are here.  A darkened airplane with the lull of the engine might seem positively peaceful. 

Gosh, Ophinky! I'm just missing you!

My cat and I fly out of Logan to Heathrow on that flight the day before. I'm going straight from my real estate closing to the airport. I was originally scheduled for the 26th before I realized it wasn't necessary, I had time to make it.

If our pussoes were all on the same flight, I'd keep an eye out for them 

According to the flight package Virgin sent, the ARC is 4 miles from my terminal. It doesn't look four miles, but it doesn't look walkable with luggage, either. On a happier note, they told me by phone the ARC will take payment by Visa or Mastercard now. Per the paperwork, I needed British pounds or a check on a British bank with a check card.

How's a Yank flying in on her own supposed to do this, anyhow?

Gosh, Ophinky! I'm just missing you!

My cat and I fly out of Logan to Heathrow on that flight the day before. I'm going straight from my real estate closing to the airport. I was originally scheduled for the 26th before I realized it wasn't necessary, I had time to make it.

If our pussoes were all on the same flight, I'd keep an eye out for them 

According to the flight package Virgin sent, the ARC is 4 miles from my terminal. It doesn't look four miles, but it doesn't look walkable with luggage, either. On a happier note, they told me by phone the ARC will take payment by Visa or Mastercard now. Per the paperwork, I needed British pounds or a check on a British bank with a check card.

How's a Yank flying in on her own supposed to do this, anyhow?

You can get cash at the airport off a US debit/credit card.

I'd take a cab to the ARC even if it was walkable mile wise, because of luggage mostly, and because there might not be sidewalks to the cargo area where you'll need to go. 

Edited cuz oops.

The UK handling charge is £245 (ow). Isn't that more than a cash machine will give at one time? Would be in the States.

The UK handling charge is £245 (ow). Isn't that more than a cash machine will give at one time? Would be in the States.

I think the daily limit is 500 pounds.  Also, you can go to an AmEx (or similar) to get the cash before you leave. 

I didn't have to pay anything at the ARC, but I reckon it is an airline dependant thing?  I just had to cough up the proverbial lung at the BA world cargo center in Atlanta; it was all inclusive.

Gosh, Ophinky! I'm just missing you!

My cat and I fly out of Logan to Heathrow on that flight the day before. I'm going straight from my real estate closing to the airport. I was originally scheduled for the 26th before I realized it wasn't necessary, I had time to make it.

If our pussoes were all on the same flight, I'd keep an eye out for them 

According to the flight package Virgin sent, the ARC is 4 miles from my terminal. It doesn't look four miles, but it doesn't look walkable with luggage, either. On a happier note, they told me by phone the ARC will take payment by Visa or Mastercard now. Per the paperwork, I needed British pounds or a check on a British bank with a check card.

How's a Yank flying in on her own supposed to do this, anyhow?

Oh wow!  Good luck tomorrow!  The cats' crates are looming large in the emptied living room!  We've got the movers coming back and then head out on Wednesday.  It's about stinking time! 

A huge relief on the visa/mc at the ARC.  My head is so full of details that I'd surely forget cash.

Much luck!