A frequent flyer from West Kelowna, B.C., is advocating for Air Canada to change its pet policy after being denied boarding with his small dog despite having the proper carrier. Devyn Plett, who often travels with his Pomeranian/chihuahua mix named Nancy, has had two incidents with the airline where he was almost not allowed to fly with his pet. Despite fitting comfortably in her carrier, Air Canada staff informed Plett that his dog was too big and the carrier did not meet humane treatment requirements.
Plett believes that Air Canada’s policies are inconsistent, as he has been able to board other flights with the same carrier without any issues. According to the airline’s policies, pets must be able to stand up, turn around, and lay down safely and comfortably in their carrier. However, Plett finds this requirement unrealistic, as the airline specifies that the pet’s head must be below the height of the carrier, which he believes is difficult for most dogs to meet. Plett describes the experience of traveling with Air Canada as playing “Russian roulette” due to the uncertainty of whether he will be allowed to board with his pet.
In response to the challenges faced by travelers when flying with pets, travel experts recommend having the proper insurance in place. This includes having Return of Pet coverage, which may not be included in every travel insurance policy. Plett is advocating for Air Canada to reevaluate and improve its pet policy to better accommodate dogs of various sizes. The airline, in a statement to Global News, explained that their pet policy can vary depending on factors such as seating, destination, and aircraft type. The complexity of the policy is necessary due to safety considerations and regulations in different countries that may restrict pets in the cabin.
Overall, Plett’s advocacy shines a light on the challenges faced by pet owners when traveling with their animals and the need for airlines to have clear and consistent pet policies. By sharing his experiences with Air Canada and pushing for change, Plett hopes to make it easier for pet owners to fly with their furry companions without the stress of uncertainty or being denied boarding. As the debate over pet policies continues, it remains important for travelers to be informed about airline regulations and to have the necessary insurance coverage in case of unexpected issues or emergencies when flying with pets.
