Traveling with pet in hold on AC
Sep 23, 2020, 12:39 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: SM Diamond
Posts: 7
Traveling with pet in hold on AC
I'm planning to travel to Canada for Christmas (DEN to YUL) and given that I'm planning to return for 6 weeks, would like to bring my dog with me. At 30lbs he's too big to fit under the seat (he's a terrier-poodle mix), but I've been told that if I fly outside of peak holiday flying, I can bring him on the flight in the hold. The flight I'm looking at is direct and about 4hrs. Does anyone have any experience flying their pet in the hold with Air Canada? Was it fine, or to be avoided? My alternative is a 3 day drive back by myself East in full winter mode so I'm hoping this is a viable solution.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Sep 23, 2020, 12:56 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: ARN
Programs: AC, SK, Marriott
Posts: 1,150
Other than the peak time restrictions, there are also time of year/temperature restrictions on certain aircraft.
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...ance/pets.html
December 15 to January 12
Due to increased passenger and cargo loads during the peak winter travel period, no pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo.
Due to increased passenger and cargo loads during the peak winter travel period, no pets are accepted as checked baggage or cargo.
November 1 to March 31 and at any other time when temperature is 0 °C (32 °F) or below
Cats and dogs weighing less than 4.5 kg (10 lb) are not accepted in the baggage compartment of any of our aircraft.
Pets are not accepted on the following flights and aircraft:It is not recommended to transport animals as checked baggage on our Airbus A319-100, A320-200 and A321-200 aircraft: the cargo compartment is not heated and temperatures can be as low as 2 °C (36 °F).
Cats and dogs weighing less than 4.5 kg (10 lb) are not accepted in the baggage compartment of any of our aircraft.
Pets are not accepted on the following flights and aircraft:It is not recommended to transport animals as checked baggage on our Airbus A319-100, A320-200 and A321-200 aircraft: the cargo compartment is not heated and temperatures can be as low as 2 °C (36 °F).
Sep 23, 2020, 12:59 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: AC 75K
Posts: 6,363
I can't speak to what the experience is, but there are a number of restrictions when putting pets in the hold over the winter period.
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...ance/pets.html
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...ance/pets.html
Sep 23, 2020, 2:28 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: SM Diamond
Posts: 7
I assumed the agent on the phone had checked the aircraft restrictions, but it doesn't look like he did since both flights to Toronto and Montreal are on the list of ones not recommended for pets in winter.
Thanks
Sep 24, 2020, 9:32 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: sqrt(-united states of apologist)
Programs: *$ Green
Posts: 5,403
Yes, I am a Canadian citizen. I also have a work permit that allows me to re-enter the US.
I assumed the agent on the phone had checked the aircraft restrictions, but it doesn't look like he did since both flights to Toronto and Montreal are on the list of ones not recommended for pets in winter.
Thanks
I assumed the agent on the phone had checked the aircraft restrictions, but it doesn't look like he did since both flights to Toronto and Montreal are on the list of ones not recommended for pets in winter.
Thanks
One thing to take note of is that you would have to be ready for flexibility. You will be offered options to change/rebook depending on the conditions, but options may be limited (and if you think rebooking during IROPs is difficult, try doing it with a pet in cargo)...
There's a chance you could arrive quicker with the 3 day drive 🤣🤷🏽♂️
Sep 24, 2020, 9:40 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Hilton Gold Mariott Gold Aeroplan E25K SAS Gold NEXUS
Posts: 1,308
I'm planning to travel to Canada for Christmas (DEN to YUL) and given that I'm planning to return for 6 weeks, would like to bring my dog with me. At 30lbs he's too big to fit under the seat (he's a terrier-poodle mix), but I've been told that if I fly outside of peak holiday flying, I can bring him on the flight in the hold. The flight I'm looking at is direct and about 4hrs. Does anyone have any experience flying their pet in the hold with Air Canada? Was it fine, or to be avoided? My alternative is a 3 day drive back by myself East in full winter mode so I'm hoping this is a viable solution.
Thanks!
Thanks!