What it will be like for a pet to fly this holiday season

Travel for humans during holidays is tough enough: Long lines, crowds everywhere, extra bags full of presents. Throw a pet in the mix, and it's a recipe for disaster. But Sheron Long, a frequent traveler and author of "Dog Trots Globe — To Paris and Provence," say it's worth the trouble. "Every trip was better when Chula could be with us," she said of her Shetland sheepdog. "She was so excited, I could imagine her dog's eye view of the world. It causes you to explore and go see different things and meet people." The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates more than 2 million pets and other animals are transported by air each year. Pets aren't allowed on Amtrak trains, Greyhound buses or cruise lines, but they can go on many regional train, bus and boat lines. The majority of four-legged carry-on passengers are dogs, but some airlines allow rabbits, birds and other small animals. Experts say before including a pet in travel plans, consider whether it would enjoy the experience. "Some dogs don't like to travel, some love