As of 06JUL, Air Canada has stopped accepting new requests for pets to travel in the baggage compartment on flights until 12SEP. Small animals will still be allowed in the cabins of “most flights,” so long as they can lie down in a carrier under the seat in front of the passenger, reports CBC, via Air Canada’s social media.
Until September 12, animals will no longer be able to travel in the hold of the aircraft. Find out if your animal can travel with you in the cabin: https://t.co/xOnAMPDAiw pic.twitter.com/tPNsy9mFxh
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) July 6, 2022
The airline says the new change is due to current airport delays and for the comfort and safety of pets. Media reports in recent days have shown crated pets in baggage compartments going missing or being delayed for hours and even days as chaos continues at many Canadian airports.
All current pet bookings will be honoured by the airline it says, and the change does not affect trained service animals. Air Canada also points out that there are several safe options via Air Canada Cargo for pets who cannot travel with their owners in the cabin.
For more information on Air Canada's pet policies, visit its web site.
