What’s better than your furry friends traveling comfortably onboard? Air Canada has a keen sense of commitment to pets traveling along with passengers. So if you are willing to travel with your pet, you will have to follow Air Canada pet travel policy to ensure a smooth and safe journey. These policies are essential so that you and your pets can enjoy the journey without any hassle.
Here in this article, we will be discussing all the important aspects of the pet policy, size and weight limitations, fees for carrying a pet, and various other essential information.
Air Canada Pet Travel Policy and Rules
The Air Canada pet travel policy determines the specific requirements that are essential to carry your pets along with you onboard. So following these policies will help you avoid any trouble while traveling:
- You are allowed to carry only one cat or small dog along with you in the cabin.
- The pet you are carrying must be at least 10 weeks old to be carried onboard.
- You will have to arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time and check in with your pet. You are not allowed to check in online or at self-service kiosks at the airport.
- You are allowed to carry pet restraint devices as checked baggage (like pet strollers and car seats) if you are traveling in the Air Canada pet in cabin.
- Air Canada pet policy on international flights depends on the destination you are traveling to.
Size and Weight Allowance for Pets
Air Canada pet travel has size and weight limitations included in the Air Canada pet rules both for pets as well as carriers. Here, you will learn all the limitations in detail:
1) Carrying In the Cabin
The pet carrier counts as your standard carry-on item. The carrier must allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The maximum allowed carrier sizes (hard-sided or soft-sided):
- Hard-sided Carrier- Height 23 cm, Width 40 cm, Length 55 cm.
- Soft-sided Carrier- Height 27 cm, Width 40 cm, Length 55 cm.
Exceptions apply based on aircraft type. Here is a table indicating exceptions in the pet size and weight allowance for pets:
Aircraft Type | Width | Length | Height |
Airbus 223, 319, 320, 321, Boeing 7M8 | 40 cm (15.75 in) | 43 cm (17 in) | 20 cm (7.75 in) |
Boeing 77W and 77L | 38 cm (15 in) | 43 cm (17 in) | 21 cm (8.25 in) |
Boeing 788 | 40 cm (16 in) | 35 cm (14.50 in) | 20 cm (8 in) |
Boeing 789 | 40 cm (16 in) | 43 cm (17 in) | 20 cm (8 in) |
Business Class of Airbus 333 and Boeing 77L, 77W, 777, 788, 789 | 21 cm (8 in) | 41 cm (16 in) | 28 cm (11 in) |
2) Traveling In Baggage Compartment
The comfort and safety of your pet are paramount during air travel. Air Canada has specific size and weight restrictions for pets traveling in the baggage compartment to ensure they have a stress-free journey.
- The pet carrier must allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The maximum carrier size allowed for hard-sided carriers is 23 cm in height, 40 cm in width, and 55 cm in length. For soft-sided carriers, the maximum height is 27 cm.
- The combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 45 kg (100 lb).
- The total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of the carrier must not exceed 292 cm.
3) Allowance of Pets Onboard
If you are traveling with a pet, you will not be allowed to travel in the cabin if you are:
- An unaccompanied minor.
- Seated in an emergency exit row or bulkhead row.
- Traveling in a Premium Economy cabin because the layout of those seats does not allow safe stowage of Air Canada approved pet carrier.
- In the use of medical devices that need to be placed under the seat.
Fees For Travelling With Your Pets
Air Canada does charge fees for traveling with your pets. However, some international destinations may restrict Air Canada flying with pets onboard, most of them do allow it for an Air Canada pet fee. The fees for traveling with your pet are:
- Travel within Canada and Canada/U.S.- $50 CAD/USD is charged for one-way.
- Traveling internationally- $100.00 CAD/USD is charged for one-way.
How To Book Pets On Air Canada?
Booking your beloved pet on an Air Canada flight can be a smooth process, whether you’re planning ahead or making arrangements after your own booking is complete. Here’s how you can ensure your pet’s comfort and safety during your travels.
Booking Your Pet During Your Flight Reservation
When you’re ready to hit the skies boarding Air Canada pet flights with your furry friend, Air Canada makes it convenient to book your pet’s travel at the same time as your own. This method ensures that all arrangements are taken care of in one go, providing peace of mind that your pet will be right there with you throughout your journey.
- Begin by choosing your flight on the Air Canada website or through their customer service.
- During the booking process, inform Air Canada that you will be traveling with a pet. This can be done online or over the phone.
- You’ll need to provide details about your pet, including the breed, size, and weight, as well as the dimensions of the pet carrier.
- Make sure to review any breed-specific or size-specific restrictions that may apply to your pet.
- Once all details are confirmed, complete your booking. Ensure that you receive confirmation for both your flight and your pet’s reservation.
Adding a Pet to Your Existing Reservation
If you’ve already booked your flight but decided to bring your pet along after the fact, Air Canada accommodates additions to your reservation. This option is perfect for those last-minute decisions to keep your pet by your side.
- Reach out to Air Canada’s customer service via phone as soon as possible.
- Share your existing booking reference number.
- Just like during the initial booking, you’ll need to provide information about your pet and their carrier.
- There may be additional fees for adding a pet to your booking, so be prepared to pay these charges.
- Ensure that you get a confirmation that your pet has been added to your flight reservation.
Summary:
The Air Canada pet travel policy is indicative of how you are allowed to travel with your pets either on board or via Air Canada pet cargo. The process of booking your pet is simple and straightforward, along with the policies and other size requirements. If you still have any trouble you can directly contact us via the number mentioned below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What are the carrier requirements for pets in the baggage compartment?
Carriers must be secure, leak-proof, well-ventilated, and labeled with your contact information and your pet’s name. The carrier must also allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
2) Are there any breeds that cannot travel on Air Canada flights?
Air Canada may have restrictions on certain breeds, especially those that are snub-nosed. It’s important to check with Air Canada for specific breed restrictions.
3) What should I do if my pet doesn’t meet the requirements for cabin or baggage compartment travel?
Air Canada Cargo offers transport for a variety of animals, including those that don’t meet the size requirements for cabin or baggage travel.
4) Can I bring two pets in the cabin with me?
Each passenger is allowed to bring one pet into the cabin. If you have more than one pet, additional arrangements must be made.