Con Text: Pawsengers

Hi, I'd like to check in for my flight.Certainly, sir. Can I have your name, please? Yes, it's Rover.

And your travelling companion? Fifi.

So that's two pawsengers, Rover and Fifi, travelling first class on Pet Airways flight K-9 to Los Angeles. Can I see your pawsport, please? Here you go.

That looks in order, sir. Now, have you any baggage to check in? Just carry-on luggage – my chewy toy and a smelly old bone.

Anything to declare? Just how delighted I am that someone has finally decided to start an airline dedicated exclusively to pets. Fifi and I are so sick of travelling in a shoe box in the cargo section – but now, thanks to Pet Airways, we can fly in the main cabin, and enjoy the same in-flight comfort as humans.

Well, that’s why Dan Weisel and Alysa Binder founded Pet Airways back in 2005. Fed up of seeing their Jack Russell terrier, Zoe, being treated as canine cargo, they decided to start up their Pet Airways, an airline exclusively designed to fly people’s pets. According to Weisel, flying cargo class is a frightening, emotionally damaging experience for most pets, and many die in transit. Pet Airways is designed to allow pets to reach their destination in comfort and safety.

So, how does it work?First, you'll be dropped off at the Pet Lounge, staffed by qualified pet attendants who will take you to your plane and get you settled in a fully lit, climate- controlled aircraft. During your flight, you will be fed, watered and brought to the toilet by people who really care about pets. When you arrive at your destination, your owners will be waiting to pick you up.

It sounds better than home. I may never want to disembark. Currently confined to within the US only, Pet Airways begins its first scheduled flights on July 14th, flying to and from New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles. If the idea takes off, don't be surprised to see the Pet Airways paw logo in airports around the world.

Well, I'm really looking forward to this flight.Bone voyage, sir!

By the way, what's the movie?You have a choice between Bolt, Marley and Me or Hotel for Dogs.

Great. And can I have a window seat, please? I like to stick my head out the window while travelling.

Try at home: "I see Michael O'Leary is planning to charge a flea levy on all pet flights."

Try at work: "I'm sorry, Ms Hilton, we don't have caviar on the menu – it's just Pedigree Chum."