Air Canada to allow small pets to ride in cabin

Traveling with pets just got a little bit easier: Air Canada has announced that it will, like Southwest Airlines, accept small pets in aircraft cabins beginning July 1.

The Calgary Herald explains that Canada's second-largest airline, WestJet, already allows small pets to travel inside its cabins.  Air Canada at one time also allowed pets to travel onboard -- a policy it discontinued, citing concerns over the comfort of human passengers with pet allergies.  (WestJet itself hasn't been immune to this concern; the Herald reports that the pet-friendly airline came under fire earlier this year when a passenger with a dog allergy complained that she'd suffered an allergic reaction when she was seated near a dog on a flight.)

To combat allergy issues, both Air Canada and WestJet ask that allergy sufferers identify themselves when making a flight reservation so they may be seated as far as possible from any pets that may be on the flight. 

Air Canada's new pet regulations allow a human passenger to bring one dog or cat aboard in a leak-proof, well-ventilated pet carrier that is large enough for the animal to comfortably sit upright and turn around.  The carrier may only be stowed under the passenger's seat and a fee ($50 for flights within Canada and the U.S.; $100 for international flights, with some countries excluded).  

Pre-registration is required for all pets traveling onboard, and limited space is available (each flight will accept only two to four pets, depending on the size of the aircraft).  For more information and additional regulations, check Air Canada's website.

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-- Lindsay Barnett

Photo: A passenger walks past Air Canada jets at Vancouver International Airport.  Credit: Andy Clark / Reuters

Comments

[Jenna]

Ugh! No! Yuck! And no, people, you're purse dog is NOT cute!

[Craig]

While being a pet owner who use to travel with pets, my biggest concern is what about fresh air while they are under the seats? During two seperate trips, my dogs got overheated as they had no air.

I think having the ability to take my pets is great, but if they have to be on the floor a fresh air tube/duct should be added to aid in their comfort.

[Mike]

I'm allergic to kids. Can I be seated as far away as possible from them?

[Amy]

I'd much rather fly next to a dog or cat than someone's screaming brat.

[Bill]

My alpha mini-pinscher wants to know when he can sign up for pilot training.

[Dan]

I'm allergic to the smell of dog poop for 5 straight hours.

This is a ridiculous idea.

[Gimme A BREAK!]

Bad enough the baboons DRIVE with a beast on their laps, now everyone has to listen/smell these varmints onboard, while the owner yaps MINDLESSLY, on their cell phone?

[80Million]

The airlines are trying to cater to a large population. There are 80 million pets in the US alone and they are simply trying to make a dollar or two in order to survive. I'd rather sit next to a dog then someone's abnoxious 5 year old that MUST travel cross country to go to Disneyland...

[John Bard]

Is there a website that informs you which airlines allow just PEOPLE on board? With no pets, cellphones, or young children? Because they've got my business.

[Brian]

OK, so AirCanada joins Southwest as an airline I'll never fly. It would be great if EVERYONE flying AirCanada simply claimed pet allergies on a particular day, bollixing up their plans and demonstrating the ridiculousness of this new policy.

[Rochelle]

How on earth can you fit a carrier underneath the seat of an aircraft? I can barely fit my own handbag!

[Cat Sitter in the City]

This is great, although a cat tall enough for my cat to sit upright in isn't going to fit underneath the seat in front of me, and my cat is pretty small.

[Amy]

"I'm allergic to kids. Can I be seated as far away as possible from them?"

I hope you don't mind, Mike, but I'm stealing this line the next time I book a flight.

"This is great, although a cat tall enough for my cat to sit upright in isn't going to fit underneath the seat in front of me, and my cat is pretty small."

That's what puzzles me about this policy. Years ago, a friend of mine flew cross-country with her cat and had to buy a special carrier for the trip -- one that was flat enough to fit under the seat, which meant the poor kitty had to lay down the entire flight. Now they're saying one has to have a carrier large enough for the pet to sit upright, but also saying the carrier will go under the seat in front of you. That doesn't add up.

[Richard Taillefer]

For a long time, I was travelling on Mexicana because they allowed cabin dog. Now that Air Canada do the same, I am pleased to travel with a company that keep my money in my country. This opening in mind should be valid on other type of transportation, i.e. bus and train. May be we should sue them. There are still some company that do not allow pets in cabin and frustrated customer should find and fly them.