I currently live in Chaska, mn and I'm moving to orlando fl. now the
apartment I'm moving into does allow cats. so I can keep my wonderful
pet as long as I can figure out how to get him down there. since it's
a 5 day road trip with the way I have it planned.

I was thinking of having him stay with a friend who was going to fly
down to meet me soon. but that Idea sounds shot because I heard they
put the pets in with the rest of the checked luggage, so no climate
control, the presure will change as the plane goes up then comes back
down, and he might even get banged arround if the cargo shifts.  can
you confirm this?
and if that is so then what are my other more humane options for the
cat? I know if anything happend to him I'd never hear the end of it
from my mom or sister.
I would prefer something fairly cheep, as I don't got a lot of money
and the less complicated the better. my friend has offered to drive
insted of fly. saying he doesn't mind the drive and it costs about as
much. still there's the matter of caring for the cat during the trip.
any sugestons on that?

Hello kitramos:

Thanks for the question. 

The news for you is all good. Whoever was telling you about the status
of pets travelling on airlines was sorely behind the times. You should
be able to have your friend fly down with your cat - with your cat as
carry-on luggage, NOT in the luggage hold. I recently answered a
similar question for someone travelling with a largish dog:

Flying with Pets 
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=523022

and even though there were no airlines that would allow a large dog to
travel in the cabin, there were several airlines with priority pet
services that ensured the safety of pets travelling in the hold.

But, back to your particular case:

Looking at the arrivals listing for Orlando:

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority - Orlando International Airport -
Arriving Flight Schedule - June 2005
URL: http://www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/schedule/arrivals.pdf

I notice that Northwest Airlines and AirTran Airways have flights from
Minneapolis/St.Paul to Orlando. Links to the pet travel guidelines for
both these airlines can be found at:

TRIPSwithPETS
URL: http://www.tripswithpets.com/petpolicies.asp

I've pulled out the relevant sections for both airlines:

Northwest - Priority Pet
URL: http://www.nwa.com/services/shipping/cargo/products/ppet2.shtml
Quote: "Small dogs, cats, and household birds may travel as carry-on
luggage, in addition to the carry-on allowance for your flight...The
animal must be less than 15 pounds (with kennel), and must fit
comfortably in a kennel placed under the seat."
Cost: USD $80.00 or CAD $123.00 per kennel. 

AirTran Airways - Baggage Information
URL: http://www.airtran.com/help/baggage/index.jsp#pets
Quote: "We accept small, domesticated pets that will fit in an
approved carrier under the seat. This would mean no larger than 10"
high X 11" long X 20" wide. The weight of the pet plus carrier cannot
exceed 40 pounds or roughly 18 kilos."
Cost: Airfare for a pet is $65 one-way.

If there are other airlines your freind was thinking of travelling on,
I'd be surprised if any of them would not allow you to bring a cat on
as carry-on luggage.

In my opinion the stress of a relatively short flight at your friend's
feet is minimal as compared to a several-days-long drive cooped up in
the back of a car. You might want to check with your vet whether there
is any sedative that could be given to your pet prior to travelling
that would be make the journey less stressful.

If you need any further clarification, please let me know. 

Search Strategy (on Google): 
* orlando airport 
+ previous research experience

I hope this helps. 

websearcher

nice and quck response, and just what I was looking for.
this is such a handy service, espcialy with people like this working on it.

I'd like to add Alaska Airlines. They allow small animals under the
seats on flights. I used to fly between Las Vegas and Seattle about
once a month, for over 3 years. I had two retired racing greyhounds.
Alaska Airlines allows large dogs in the hold, and has a special
holding area, if pets are aboard. I saw small dogs and cats many times
in "airline approved" crates under the seats. They are available in
any large chain pet store, ask a floor person to be sure you get an
approved one.

You'll need to get a vet's statement as to the health and vacinations
of your pet, rabies must be current. It is only good for 30 days. You
will also need to purchase a clip on water dish and food dish for the
crate. The cat will want to go outside as soon as she lands, so
furnish her a leash.

That's all I can think of...

~~Cynthia

Hi kitramos:

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad I was able to be of assistance. 

This question was special for me becuase we have three cats. I've
never had to move them any great distance but I know if I had to, I'd
want them to be a comfortable and safe as possible.

I hope you and your feline friend have great success in the Sunshine State. 

websearcher

your certinaly welcome,
I'm actualy glad I didn't have to drive down with him.
so now that I conviced him the plane was the better option, with your
help, I got my cake and can eat it to :D

thanks again.