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European court rules pets are legally baggage on flights: airlines not liable beyond luggage compensation
Loss of pets during air travel is treated like lost suitcases, limiting airline compensation obligations
If you’re an animal lover who travels with pets, this news might be a bit upsetting. The Court of Justice of the European Union has decided that when it comes to flying, pets are officially treated as luggage. That means if your furry friend goes missing during a flight, airlines only owe you what they would for a lost suitcase, not full compensation or emotional damages.This ruling came from a case involving a woman who flew from Buenos Aires to Barcelona with her dog in October 2019. Because of its size, the dog had to travel in the cargo hold, but sadly it escaped during loading and was never found. The pet’s owner asked for €5,000 compensation for her heartbreak, but the airline accepted responsibility only within the usual baggage limits.
The Spanish courts asked the European court whether pets counted as “baggage” under the Montreal Convention, the international set of rules for air travel liability. The answer was clear: passengers and their pets are not the same, and pets fit the legal definition of luggage.
That might feel tough or even unfair, especially for devoted pet owners who see their animals as family members. But legally, airlines’ compensation rules for lost pets are the same as for lost suitcases.
If you plan to fly with your pet, it’s worth knowing this ruling and checking your airline’s policies carefully. You might want extra insurance to avoid losing out if your pet is lost in transit.
At the end of the day, while this decision sets a clear precedent across the EU, it’s understandable if some people feel it doesn’t give pets the value and protection they deserve.
Whatever your thoughts, knowing the rules means pet owners can be better prepared to protect their furry companions when travelling by air.
Image: Chaptgpt
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