Air Canada and WestJet Ban Pets from Holiday Season Flights

The holidays are about spending time with family. If that includes your four-legged members, two Canadian airlines could change your plans.

Due to increased passengers and cargo during the busy holiday season, Air Canada and WestJet ban pets as checked baggage starting December 15.

There’s good news for Fido and Fluffy visiting family in France — Air Canada Cargo will allow them on board international direct flights. Check first to see if your destination has an Air Canada Cargo facility, as pets must be dropped off and retrieved at an AC Cargo depot.

Air Canada's no pets policy will be effective December 15 to January 12.  WestJet’s is December 15 to January 6, with imposed limits on live cargo between December 11 and 14.

The no-pets-allowed news has upset some holiday flyers. The airlines have pointed out that cramming our pets into cargo that’s at capacity can pose serious health risks to them.

This announcement follows Air Canada and WestJet’s recent decisions to start charging $25 for the first checked piece of baggage.

So if you wish your furry friend to fly, it’s best to book a flight before Monday.

If you’d like to fly home for the holidays, or head south, contact one of our airfare experts. If  WestJet and Air Canada’s pet ban means you need to find kennel, while we do care, we’re better at booking hotels.