The skies aren't so friendly for some pets

Little Neytiri caused a big uproar recently on an AirTran Airways flight from Atlanta to Milwaukee when his 10-year-old owner took him out of his cage and cuddled him on the taxiway.

After spying Carley Helm holding her two-inch turtle, the crew ordered the plane to return to the gate, where Helm and her sisters were told they must dispose of their pet if they wanted to reboard the flight.

They put him on top of a trash bin, hoping their father would retrieve him. He couldn't find him, but an airline administrator did and after several stressful days the reptile was reunited with his tween owner.

The moral of the story: If you want to travel with a pet, it's important to research a carrier's policy regarding animals in the cabin before booking your trip.