If you’re planning to fly with your furry friend soon, then you might want to check your carrier’s plans for the busy summer season. Air Canada (ADH2) has issued a temporary ban on pets traveling in the cargo / baggage compartment of the plane.
In a tweet, the Canadian flag carrier announced that until September 12, 2022, it “will not be accepting new requests for pets traveling in the baggage compartment.” The carrier said that all current pet bookings will be honored.
UPDATED INFORMATION: Until September 12, we will not be accepting new requests for pets travelling in the baggage compartment. All current pet bookings will be honoured.
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) July 11, 2022
Find out if your animal can travel with you in the cabin: https://t.co/Den1vZ6nLF pic.twitter.com/Id9VyJfUeE
The airline also said in a separate tweet that the temporary policy does not affect trained service dogs or smaller pets (dogs and cats) traveling with the passenger in the cabin.
“For customers who wish to travel with a pet that cannot be in the cabin with them, there are still several safe solutions available via Air Canada Cargo,” the airline said.
On its website, Air Canada (ADH2) stated, “Due to longer than usual airport delays, and for the safety and comfort of your pet, we will not be accepting new requests for pets traveling in the baggage compartment until September 12, 2022.”
“You’re welcome to bring your cat or small dog in the cabin with you provided it is small enough to stand, turn around, and lie down in its carrier under the seat in front of you. Just make sure to let us know in advance, as space is sometimes limited,” the airline elaborated.
Netizens appeared to be supportive of the airline’s decision, with some calling the move “compassionate” as pets can end up spending longer than necessary inside kennels with delays and cancellations.
The announcement came after Air Canada (ADH2) said in June 2022 that it will be making “meaningful reductions” to its flight schedule in July and August 2022 in response to operational issues caused by the unprecedented demand for air travel.
Air Canada (ADH2) isn’t the only airline to suspend cargo travel for animals. Airlines like Delta and United, which accepted pets in cargo prior to the pandemic, discontinued the service in 2020 due to staffing shortages and changing schedules.