I booked a flight from SFO to Dublin, Ireland by way of Atlanta on Delta. I spoke with the reservations department myself as did the travel agent from Quinn Travel (San Francisco, CA). We were told that I could bring my small cat as carry-on provided I obtain the proper health certificates. This was noted on my reservation.

I did all that was required and had all paperwork with me but was still refused boarding on the plane. The first “issue” was that the hard-side carrier was too large for carry on with a pet. The size of the carry on was well within the limits of regular carry on but I was made to purchase a soft-side carrier for the trip. After I had done that I was told (by the same agent) that Ireland would not accept pets from in the cabin travel and that my cat must travel as cargo. Then I was told (yes, still the same agent) that Ireland had an embargo against pets traveling into the country from May to September 15, 2009. I contacted the Irish government when I got back to my computer and NO SUCH EMBARGO EXISTS. (Padraic Lavin, Animal Health & Welfare http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets)

I am out a great deal of expense due to Deltas misinformation and lack of professionalism. My out-of-pocket expenses above: $745.62 for veterinary bills (that must be incurred again for my cat to travel due to time period restraints, etc.) This does not include the three weeks I shall have to find a place to stay with my cat while I wait until it is safe to re-dose my cat with the required flea/tick/worm medication required to travel.

I am also severely inconvenienced as I am trying to move to Ireland and am currently stuck here. I have no income as I am relocating and this delay is a financial hardship.

As of 09/01/09 Diana M. Keller, Coordinator Customer Care at Delta has refused any/all compesation. Even for the bag Delta made me buy!! (All reciepts had been faxed to Delta)