Pet Airways, a pet-exclusive airline started by Delray Beach residents, will open a Fort Lauderdale route next Tuesday.

Husband and wife Dan Wiesel and Alysa Binder started the company and flew its first ``pawsengers'' this summer. They offer five stops: New York, Washington, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles.

Fares begin at about $99 each way. The Fort Lauderdale-New York flight will run about $250 one way. A pet's flight on a traditional airline costs about $100 each way for under-the-seat travel.

Stowing a pet as luggage costs upward of $175 one-way.

Pet Airways flights run once a week up the east coast and once across the country.

The service can take up to 50 pets -- dogs and cats only for now -- on one of its three Beechcraft 1900 turbo-prop airplanes.

-- PALM BEACH POST