Im just going by what ive been told, almost everyone i know that has sent their pets and been on the same flight will ask, they might have not bothered to ask the pilot, but i guess i liked being (falsely?) reassured, but oh well, it was worth a shot to ask, i don't doubt they know what they are carrying, its their job, i know that. But, I had to ask, at the very least someone may see it and ask anyway.
Oh well, i dont work or an airline, i dont know how its all organized
thanks for your input anyway