Air Canada has announced that it will not accept new bookings for animals flying in cargo hold until mid-September.
Pet policy at Air Canada is temporarily changed. In general, Air Canada allows a cat or small dog to fly with you in the cabin. And passengers with larger pets can bring a cat or dog (up to 100 pounds of pet and carrier combined) in the luggage compartment.
This week, however, the airline announced it would suspend bookings for animals in the plane’s luggage compartment until mid-September. Pets will still be allowed. travel in cabins in this time.
Why is Air Canada temporarily changing its pet policy?
Air Canada has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately. Among the major airlines, the Montreal-based airline is currently the leading airline in terms of flight delays. And criticism of the airline, especially from Canadians, is at an all-time high.
It also clarified that Air Canada is having problems handling baggage. Pictures of suitcases piled up near baggage belts at major Canadian airports are going viral on social media.
Of course, pets in luggage require more attention, time and manpower – two things that Air Canada seems to be lacking at the moment.
Whether this decision was made to increase efficiency or as a precaution to keep pets safe, remains unclear. But Air Canada certainly has some work to do to sort through crashes, cancellations, and routine operational issues. And Air Canada’s new pet policy goes into effect immediately.
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Pet safety affected by airline chaos
The temporary change to Air Canada’s pet policy follows an unfortunate incident reported in the Canadian media where a dog was left inside the carrier for 21 hours at Toronto Airport. Although Air Canada is not the airline that flies that animal, their statement about the new pet policy seems to be weighing in.
“Due to current airport delays, for the safety and comfort of pets, we will not be accepting new requests for pets traveling in the luggage compartment until September 12, 2022,Read a statement from Air Canada. “All existing pet reservations will be honored. This does not affect trained service animals, nor smaller pets traveling in the cabin. “
Options remain for Flying Air Canada pet owners
Air Canada will honor all pet bookings made before July 6, 2022. And the new policy doesn’t affect cats or small dogs flying in the cabin, as long as the pet is small enough to stand, swing body and lay down in its holder under the saddle. There have also been no changes to the airline’s policy regarding trained service animals.
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For passengers who want to fly with their larger pets, there is an option. Air Canada Cargo continues to carry animals between Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Halifax.
Unlike the usual ground crews who handle daily passenger flights, Air Canada Cargo has dedicated vehicles and handling equipment to get animals on and off the flight as quickly as possible.
While Air Canada Cargo is happy to carry cats and dogs, it is a relatively specialized service and is reasonably priced. Additionally, reservations for cats and dogs flying to and from the United States are not available at this time.
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Air Canada did not comment on a possible extension of the baggage hold ban, which is currently set to expire on September 12. But the airline said these types of temporary bans apply to pets flying in The luggage compartment is not unusual.
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