Dog boards plane vs. boarding

Actual conversation at work:

Paolo: So when are you leaving for Minnesota?
Cuddy:
Sunday.
Paolo:
Are you boarding Tusker? (Cuddy's dog.)
Cuddy:
Nope. We're taking her with us.
Paolo:
Wow. At least that'll save you a penny or two. Kennels are expensive.
Cuddy.
Actually, no. Her plane ticket costs more than ours. Our tickets were like $250 each and hers was like $300.
Paolo:
Damn!
Cuddy:
Yeah dude.