Traveling with your beloved pet can be a rewarding experience, but the uncertainties surrounding airline policies can often cause stress. The Guaranteed On-Board™ (GOB) program by Worldwise, Inc. aims to alleviate these concerns, offering a level of assurance for pet owners flying domestically within the USA and Canada. By ensuring your pet’s carrier meets specific airline requirements, you can enhance your travel experience and avoid potential last-minute boarding issues.
Understanding the Guaranteed On-Board™ Program
The GOB program is designed to provide peace of mind to pet travelers. Upon accurately filling out the designated form and submitting it, you will receive an email containing a GOB confirmation PDF. This document, along with valuable pet travel tips and recommended documents, will be crucial for a smooth check-in process. The core of the program lies in the guarantee that your pet will be allowed on board, provided the carrier adheres to the established size regulations.
Key Conditions and Potential Voidance of the Guarantee
While the GOB program offers a valuable assurance, it’s essential to be aware of the conditions that could render the guarantee void. These include, but are not limited to:
- Carrier Size Issues Beyond the GOB Carrier’s Specifications: The guarantee specifically pertains to the size of the GOB-approved carrier. Any issues arising from aspects other than this will void the guarantee.
- Inaccurate or Dishonest Form Submission: Providing false or incomplete information on the GOB form is a direct violation of the program’s terms.
- Failure to Present Required Documentation: Not printing and presenting the emailed GOB PDF(s) at check-in will invalidate the guarantee.
- Incomplete Form Submission: The GOB form must be filled out for each individual flight.
- Pet’s Threat Level: If your pet is deemed a threat to the safety of yourself, itself, or others, boarding may be denied.
- Late Arrival at the Gate: Failing to arrive at the gate on time can result in denied boarding.
- Carrier Condition: A damaged or poorly maintained carrier may lead to boarding denial.
- Pet’s Health or Safety Concerns: Issues related to your pet’s health or safety, irrespective of the carrier, can impact boarding.
- Exceeding Carry-On Baggage Limits: Standard airline regulations regarding carry-on baggage still apply.
- Flight Cancellations: If the flight is canceled, the GOB guarantee for that specific flight becomes null.
- Voluntary Decision Not to Fly: If you choose not to take the flight for personal reasons, the guarantee is void.
Submitting a Claim
In the unfortunate event that your boarding is denied due to a valid GOB carrier issue, you must have the Guaranteed On-Board™ form accurately filled out and signed by a gate agent. This signature should include their employee ID and the specific reason for the denial. A copy of this completed form must be sent to customer@worldwise.com for verification and review. Please allow up to four weeks for the processing of your refund claim.
Important Considerations for GOB Program Participants
It is crucial to remember that the Guaranteed On-Board™ program is exclusively for domestic flights within the USA and Canada. Furthermore, each airline maintains its own unique in-cabin carrier sizing requirements. Therefore, while the GOB program aims to facilitate travel, not all carrier sizes included in the program are guaranteed on every airline and their respective flights. Always double-check the specific requirements of the airline you are flying with to ensure a seamless travel experience with your pet.