Sandy the Dog: Migrating from KL to Kuching via MASKargo (Change of plans)

If you read my earlier post, I was planning to take Sandy along as excess baggage on my flight. BUT, due to the confusion and blurness with MAS procedures (they insisted that Sandy, the Yorkie, is a restricted breed), I needed some back up.

I checked with Dr Kee from Caring Vet to find out if Sandy was a snub nose dog (MAS doesn't allow any snub nose dog breed on flights). Last night she emailed me and confirmed that Sandy, a Yorkshire Terrier, does not fall into that Branchycepalhic breed. Mini yorkies, maybe, but not Sandy for that matter. Yey. Sandy is good to go.

This morning, I called MASKargo Animal Hotel to ask them for advice. 1st officer was nice, Mr Sazali. He confirmed that Yorkshire was good to go. I also asked him if it was possible to bring Sandy via MasKargo (i was browsing their website ( http://www.maskargo.com/animalhotel/) and got curious) Note: The Paw Printers migrated via MASKargo. I also asked for procedures and he was great. He gave me all the numbers I need to call and also what to do next.

• First, call up Animal Hotel office to get an Airway Bill number (AWB). (03-8777 1847)
• After that, call up cargo booking/reservation to book a space and to confirm destination. (03-8777 2017)
• Once booking is confirmed, call Animal Hotel again to inform them that reservation booking done. Get info.
• Finally, come about 5 hours before flight to arrange everything at Animal Hotel, Sepang.

Let's continue with my story. After I called Mr Sazali, I called the cargo reservation dept. The guy on the line insisted that Yorkshire cannot fly. He also told me to call Mr Sazali again to confirm, so I did. I told Mr Sazali what happened and he reassured me that Sandy can fly. So, I called reservation again, this time, i spoke to a different officer. This officer was friendlier. At first he told me the same thing, that Terriers cannot fly. I told him that I have spoken to Mr Sazali and already have all the permits done. So he said, in that case, all done and he will refer to Mr Sazali himself. 

So, since i've checked the MASKargo schedule on http://www.maskargo.com/, it already had the flight detail in mind. So when the officer asked for the details, all was easy and ready. Info needed was: Estimated weight (of dog including carrier), Flight details - date and time and since i'll be flying too, he needed my ticket number & reference number), also it would be convenient if I had the carrier dimensions as well for better calculation. After keying in everything, he confirms details with me and then all done. (all by phone)

Sandy's "Flight" ticket aka the AWB in the system. :)

Next, i needed to call Mr Sazali back. I informed him that reservations has been made and confirmed. I also asked for details and how much money to prepare. He did some rought calculations and told be to have about RM250 on standby. 

So far so good. Now all I need is a transporter. To transport Sandy and also me at the same time.