Moving to FL with a pet! What a hassle!

Alana,

I thought Delta had a thing called 'Delta Cargo' that shipped pets too large to fit in the cabin?? Not doubting your research on all of this but could have sworn I read about that somewhere...

Nope. Talked to them today.
They used to, back when 4Star flew cargo for them, years ago but no longer.

United has a Petsave program but they won't fly animals in cargo out of VI, either.

The delta rep gave me a website called ipata.com to check out but haven't done so as yet.
Apparently, Orlando is not a hub. So no pet cargo transport on American from here to there.

Thinking my best bet is to fly into Tampa on American and get a shuttle or limo service that will transport dog ( I lost 2 of my girls within 2 months of each other just recently and am so sad not to be taking all 3 with me) from there to Lady Lake. I called the shuttle service that I normally use from Orlando to the Villages and Lady Lake and they don't service Tampa but gave me a number to call for a service that does.
Called a friend that lives in St. Pete to see if she has any recommendations.

I can see why many people would leave their animals behind because it's definitely challenging.
I won't do so.

Good fares to FL right now on all airlines I checked today.
(American, Delta, United)
Will post more on saga and end results as it continues and I learn more.

I know what you mean, I book flights to St. Thomas for the end of March for two and it was $581.00 round trip. Here is an idea for you. In Lake County Florida there is what we call the Party Line, which is a radio show that come on daily I believe it's from 10:00am to 11:00am through the AM radio station WLBE, 790 on your radio dial. There number is 352-787-9523.

If you call the program, they can get you on the air and you can ask for someone who is willing to drive down to Tampa Airport and pick you and your pooch up and transport both of you back to Lady Lake. There are a lot of folks out of jobs around and they would be willing to do most anything for a price. I know of a fellow who makes runs to the Orlando Airport almost daily and offers his services if someone is in need of a ride to the airport.

I know my nephew used Delta Pet first, but they fly out of Atlanta to St. Thomas and I believe back to Atlanta. You do realize that the Villages is full of Trump supports8-)

mike

Okay! Found a taxi service ( the one the Villages Shuttle Service recommended) that will take me home to Lady Lake from Tampa.
$110 dollars later.

Luckily I have enough miles on my American Advantage card to qualify for a free one way ticket as between the cost of transporting Hershey, 2 bags, taxes and making reservation by phone, I'm looking at about a $310 price tag, including the Tampa - Lady Lake leg without airfare.

I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel!
If only it would stop raining, so I can finish the outside projects.
Hoping to be outta here by Jan. 18.
Fingers crossed, guys!

Have to say, Airlines suck these days.

I know what you mean, I book flights to St. Thomas for the end of March for two and it was $581.00 round trip. Here is an idea for you. In Lake County Florida there is what we call the Party Line, which is a radio show that come on daily I believe it's from 10:00am to 11:00am through the AM radio station WLBE, 790 on your radio dial. There number is 352-787-9523.

If you call the program, they can get you on the air and you can ask for someone who is willing to drive down to Tampa Airport and pick you and your pooch up and transport both of you back to Lady Lake. There are a lot of folks out of jobs around and they would be willing to do most anything for a price. I know of a fellow who makes runs to the Orlando Airport almost daily and offers his services if someone is in need of a ride to the airport.

I know my nephew used Delta Pet first, but they fly out of Atlanta to St. Thomas and I believe back to Atlanta. You do realize that the Villages is full of Trump supports8-)

mike

Thanks Mike.
I can't fly into Orlando with my dog.
The Villages Shuttle which I normally use when I fly in and out of Orlando and is great referred me to a service out of Tampa and I spoke with them, earlier. Think I've got it covered, now.

Unfortunately, I do realize I will be subjected to trumplethinskin supporters!
They worship the likes of Palin and Gingrich. Woe is me!
But, I signed up and will have affordable health and dental care, at last, until the republicans screw that up and am looking forward to being closer to family other relocated island friends and a change for the New Year.

Obviously,l'll have to learn to zip my lips given the political nature of the area.

This is a huge change for me.
I've really never lived anywhere else, except for school, travel, etc.
I may very well find myself running back home within a year.... or not.
I'm not burning any bridges.
Fingers crossed!

Happy New Year to you and yours.

Have to say, Airlines suck these days.

What? After all those mergers with claims of the many benefits coming to the flying public now that they don't have so much competition to focus on? Gee, all the financial reports I read indicate the airlines are rolling in the dough, It's got to be only a matter of time before those profits trickle down to some benefits for the actual flyers. Hmmm. Maybe one has to sit up front in the big seats to see those benefits. Well, at least you don't have to take the freighter to Miami.

They're making money while screwing you...and me and the rest of us.
That's why their profits are up.

But, I signed up and will have affordable health and dental care, at last, until the republicans screw that up and am looking forward to being closer to family other relocated island friends and a change for the New Year.

Maybe you'll run into margaritagirl sometime.

???

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,254215,256975#msg-256975

(tu)

I'm guessing you don't want to rent a car for some reason.

its stressful moving to begin with, especially so with an animal. im glad it all ( so far ) is working out. and the cost isnt terrible. just think what it would cost to charter.

Alana, I'm hoping if nothing else comes out of this last election that the repubs at the very least straightens out the health care situation enough to where the Islanders will have the option of decent health care and not just medicaid. If your lucky, you might be able to move back home WITH health care. The Islands will miss you for sure.

mike

I'm guessing you don't want to rent a car for some reason.

You're right!
After driving on the left all my life, rarely exceeding 30 mph, I'm not going to be hopping in a rental to drive my "sure to be exhausted" self and my dog anywhere, straight off the plane. I'd much rather pay to be driven to my destination and ease myself into the right hand driving experience.
I'll be buying a 2011 Subaru Outback when I get up there.
Luckily, family and shopping are within 10 minutes of my new home.
Baby steps, people, baby steps.
This is all very new to me.

Thanks Mike and Speee1dy.
I will miss it here, especially friends and my gorgeous views but really ready for a change.
I'm excited to actually have health and dental insurance.
Mail delivered to my door, not having to give my garbage a scenic tour of the island before I dispose of it, recycling curbside, driving on smooth, well maintained and well lit, clean roads, less expensive and reliable electricity,
and less expensive and fresher produce, etc.
I'm willing to give it a try!
It's been daunting getting it together to do.

So sorry to hear that the airlines SUCK with transporting pets these days! Best of luck with your move, Alana, and I know St. Thomas will miss you, for sure, and you will miss it!

Keep us posted on how it all goes for you!

Thanks pilatesgal318.
It's definitely going to be different!
Finishing packing up stuff to ship.
Got the house rented so quite a relief to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Still have lots to do!

The airlines do make it difficult traveling with pets that aren't small enough to go in cabin.

YOU ARE WELCOME ALANA

I wish you luck Alana! Hope that it's everything you are hoping it will be. It will be a huge adjustment no doubt! I REALLY hope you continue to check in here and let us know how it is going. I had to spend about 5 months in Davenport, FL (just outside of Orlando) a back in 2014-2015, and I just couldn't wait to get back home. So I'm extra curious to hear about your settling in up there. Keep us posted!

Will do.

Thanks Mike and Speee1dy.
I will miss it here, especially friends and my gorgeous views but really ready for a change.
I'm excited to actually have health and dental insurance.
Mail delivered to my door, not having to give my garbage a scenic tour of the island before I dispose of it, recycling curbside, driving on smooth, well maintained and well lit, clean roads, less expensive and reliable electricity,
and less expensive and fresher produce, etc.
I'm willing to give it a try!
It's been daunting getting it together to do.[/quote

Aahhhh all that stuff is really over rated. You should be able to travel back and forth once you get your health care situated. You could spend a certain amount of time in the states and then in the Islands, especially if you keep your little apartment open. But remember, just because you will be up in the hussle and bussle of the states with all the new goings on doesn't mean that you get to ignore us on VINOW.*-)

mike

mike

 

lol

:@)