Pets cleared for takeoff aboard Air Canada

Consumers flying with Air Canada will soon be able to check their pets with their luggage again, as ordered by a ruling released Friday by the Canadian Transportation Agency.

The CTA rejected the airline's proposed tariff revisions to ban pets and kennels weighing less than 31.7 kilograms (70 pounds) on domestic and international flights. The decision held that the proposed tariffs were unreasonable and unjust to the consumer.

"The agency finds that, with respect to the carriage of pets and kennels as cargo, an imbalance exists between the interests of Air Canada and consumers in that such carriage creates commercial advantages for the carrier alone, while exposing pet owners to many significant disadvantages," the ruling said.

Air Canada must amend its policies by May 5, 2008, the CTA said.

The complaint against the airline was filed by consumer Peter Griffiths, who complained that Air Canada's new policy requiring pets to be checked as cargo would be prohibitive.

He noted the costs for transporting his six-kilogram dog would increase from $105 to $220. He also said as cargo, his animal might not even travel on the same plane and might arrive at a different time.

The national carrier banned pets from the cabin last September 2006. Air Canada said the decision was prompted by "record load factors" as well as new security requirements that have resulted in passengers checking more of their luggage.

Rival airline WestJet continues to allow pets in airplane cabins on domestic flights. Travellers may bring cats, dogs, birds and rabbits in leak-proof kennels that fit under the seat.