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In the post pandemic era, more and more people are looking to travel around the world along with their families to make exciting memories and add new experiences. Whenever we plan a trip or a vacation it is always a big decision whether we want to take our pets along with hers or leave them with somebody else. However, with Airlines coming up with their pet policies most people now opt to take their pets along with them on trips.
There are certain rules and regulations that you must follow if you are travelling with your pets on a flight. Being aware of these rules and procedures makes it easier for you and your pet to have a comfortable journey. In this article we are going to tell you about Air Canada Pet Policy International flights and Domestic flights.
Air Canada Pet Policy: Major Highlights
Air Canada Airlines allows you to bring your cat or dog in the cabin provided it is small enough to stand light down and turn around in its carrier under the seat. Airlines' pet policy also states that your pet cannot travel with you if you are an unaccompanied minor or seated in an exit or bulkhead row.
Air Canada Pet in Cabin
As per the Air Canada pet in cabin rules, you can bring your pet inside the cabin of the flight. You must have a pet carrier along with you. The carrier will be counted as a carry-on item which you are permitted to bring on-board. Your pet must always stay closed in its carrier in the space under the seat in front of you.
Under the Air Canada pet rules, you can bring your dog or cat along with you inside the cabin, without any hesitation, as long as your pet is small enough to sit comfortably in the hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. Moreover, the pet must be at least 12 weeks old in order to travel with you in the cabin.
Carrier Dimensions
Air Canada allows only cats and dogs inside the flight cabin. There are no restrictions on weight or breed of the pets travelling alongside the passengers. However, there is a maximum fixed dimension for pet careers for in-cabin travel.
The maximum dimensions for your pet carrier is as follows:
1. For Hard Sided Carrier
- Height - 23 cm
- Width - 40 cm
- Length - 55 cm
2. For Soft Sided Carrier
Height - 27 cm
Width - 40 cm
Length - 55 cm
Charges For Pet In Cabin
According to Air canada pet in cabin rules, charges for travelling with your pet in cabin by Air Cabin Airlines is as follows:
- One way travel charge within Canada/US - $50
- One way travel charge for international flights - $100
Air Canada Service Dog
Air Canada allows transport of professionally trained service animals and emotional support animals. However, the airlines does not recognise emotional support animals distinctively; they travel with you under normal Air Canada Pet Policy.
- Emotional Support Dogs : Air Canada also allows emotional support animals to travel along with their owner. Emotional support dogs are those animals that through their companionship relieves their owner’s anxiety or mental health conditions.
- Service Dogs : Air Canada allows service dogs to fly with their owners. According to Air Canada service dogs are those dogs that are trained to help someone with a disability. These disabilities can either be physical, psychiatric, cognitive, or sensory that may require assistance.
Air Canada Pet Rules Checked Baggage
If you want to travel with your pet by Air Canada Airlines and your pet is too large to fit under the seat in front of you, the airlines can transport your pet in the cargo section of the aircraft as per the Air Canada pet policy. You can even opt for this option if you have a pet other than a cat or a dog. However, warm blooded species are not accepted as checked baggage in Air Canada Airlines.
Reservation and Route Restrictions
Make a reservation for your pet at the time of ticket booking or within 24 hours after booking your ticket if you want to fly with your pet as checked baggage. The number of pets accepted by the Airlines in the baggage compartment is limited based on the type of the aircraft.
Check in your pet at the ticket counter at least 30 minutes before the scheduled flight time. As per the rules, if you want to travel with your pet as a checked baggage the weight of your pet and its carrier combined should not exceed 70 pounds otherwise your pet will have to travel via Air Canada Cargo. However, as per the Air Canada pet policy international flights rules, if your flight is international, you will need to connect with airline representatives.
As per the Air Canada pet rules, pets are not allowed to fly as checked baggage to Hawaii, Hong Kong, Australia, Barbados, Ireland, New Zealand, Jamaica, South Africa, United Kingdom or Trinidad and Tobago.
Pets as Checked Baggage Charges
The fee you will have to pay in order to travel with your pet as checked baggage in Air Canada Airlines is as follows:
- Domestic Flights (Within Canada and US) - $105
- International Flights - $270
What types of dogs does Air Canada permit on flights?
Air Canada Airlines allows most of the breeds of cats and dogs as checked baggage or cargo. However, it has a list of banned breeds that the airlines refuse to ship. The list of banned breeds of cats and dogs are as follows:
Restricted Dog Breeds
The airline does allow the boarding of Bulldogs, Affenpinscher, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Japanese Chin, Chow Chow, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, and some types of Spaniel dog breeds.
Restricted Cat Breeds
The airline does not allow the boarding of Burmese Cats, Exotic Shorthair Cats, Himalayan Cats, British Shorthair Cats, Persian Cats and Scottish Fold Cats because of their violent behaviour. It is in the general safety of the other passengers.
Conclusion
Air Canada, like most Airlines, enforces their pet policy to ensure the safety and comfort of both the passengers on the board and the pet itself. The Airlines requires a standard carrier dimension to make sure the pet can move, stand or sit comfortably in the space. Air Canada Airlines counts your pet carrier as your carry on luggage. You can take your pet inside the cabin with you or you can travel with a pet as a checked baggage. By submitting a minimal fee, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you and your pet with Air Canada. The airline also has special provisions for service dogs and cats.
FAQs
1. Does Air Canada welcome pets in the cabin class?
Ans. Yes, under the Air Canada pet in cabin policy, you can travel with your pet in cabin class. But, the airline only allows small cats and dogs in the cabin. Other animals are shipped through cargo or as checked baggage.
2. Can I bring my pet for free on an Air Canada Flight?
Ans. No, Air Canada charges an amount ranging from $50 to $270 based on the itinerary for travelling with pets.
3. Does Air Canada allow Service Animals?
Ans. Yes, the airline permits travelling with service animals that are trained enough inside the flight. You will have to register for your service animal and submit the required documents before checking in.
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