On the next charter flight to Hawaii, there will be some special four-legged passengers: dogs with the privilege of traveling on an airplane the same way as their two-legged human companions.

Instead of sitting inside a crate in the plane's cargo hold, these canines get to sit beside their owners in the cabin, where they will be served drinks and snacks.

Dogtravel Co. LLC of McLean, Va., has a charter flight scheduled from Long Beach, Calif., to Honolulu on Monday. A return flight is scheduled next Tuesday.

It is reportedly the 1-year-old company's first flight to Hawaii, although the plan has not yet been filed with the state Department of Transportation.

“;We're a 100 percent dog-friendly flight club,”; said founder Chris Shoulet. “;We cater a lot to the dog-show folks and also to people who want to relocate or go on vacation with their pets and not leave them behind.”;

Charter flights are based on requests and can range from a private party as small as four to a larger group of 75 or more. Though the flights are primarily for dogs, some cats are allowed in carriers as carry-ons.

It is a high-end niche market for those who can afford it, admits Shoulet, but she has a good following from those who travel the American Kennel Club dog-show circuit.

Passengers have ranged from Great Danes to pugs, Bernese mountain dogs, Labradors, golden retrievers and beagles.

The company is member-based, with fees of $29.99 a year (covering one person, one dog). Shoulet estimates there are about 5,000 members in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Flights range from $5,000 and up, depending on the number of travelers, route and time of year. Peak travel season is in December, when most dog shows take place, and during the holidays.

For the flights to and from Honolulu, the cost will be about $7,500 per passenger (canine and human), unless more travelers come aboard, which could push it down a little.

Shoulet said there are currently four confirmed passengers for each flight.

Randy Grissom of Maui is one of them.

Grissom, who is relocating back to the mainland after being laid off by Maui Land & Pineapple Co., said he wanted to bring Zack the springer spaniel and Iris the Himalayan cat back safely.

Five years ago he flew here with his pets in the cargo and remembered going through an ordeal. This year he wanted a smooth trip back.

“;It was worth it for me,”; Grissom said. “;I know a lot of people think I'm nuts, but I'm willing to do it for peace of mind in getting my family back home.”;

The price is inclusive of meals, drinks and taxes, with no extra charge for luggage.

None of the flights are on commercial planes, but on private charters that comply with Aviation Research Group/U.S. regulations, according to Shoulet.

Travelers to Hawaii are responsible for complying with the state's quarantine rules, although the company offers assistance with information.

Shoulet, who owns five dogs and two cats, was first inspired to launch the company after organizing evacuation flights for animals rescued from Hurricane Katrina. She believes it is a safer way to transport pets because the cargo hold's air pressure and temperature can differ from the cabin.

To avoid problems when canines get on board, all dogs must be at least 6 months old, house-trained, microchipped, and bathed within 48 hours of travel. Owners must provide proof of flea and tick treatments a week before departure, as well as the vet's approval for travel.

There is a limit of two pets per person.

If a dog exhibits signs of aggression before boarding, it will not be allowed to get on. The same goes for humans.

Dogs can use a pet-o-potty at the back of the plane. When seated, they are strapped to a specially designed harness seat belt.

Shoulet said travelers now meet routinely prior to the trip to do a pack-bonding walk in a park near the airport. This helps ensure a smooth and peaceful ride.

Most show dogs, however, are well behaved, she said, and she has encountered surprisingly few issues with dog behavior on board.

Shoulet said she has so far not been affected by the slowing economy, although she is fine-tuning the fledgling company and seeking investors.

“;The people that have the money to do this still have the money to do this,”; she said.

Upcoming flights are scheduled between New York and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; New York and Long Beach, Calif.; and Washington, D.C., and Long Beach.