What's Happening?
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that pets transported in the hold of an aircraft should be considered as luggage rather than passengers. This decision came as part of two aviation-related cases. In one case, a passenger sought
compensation for a seven-hour delay caused by a lightning strike, which the court deemed an 'extraordinary circumstance' limiting airline liability. In the second case, a Spanish woman sought compensation for her lost dog, which escaped at Buenos Aires airport. The court ruled that pets fall under the category of 'baggage' according to the Montreal Convention, thus limiting compensation to the rules applicable to lost luggage.
Why It's Important?
This ruling has significant implications for passengers traveling with pets, as it limits the compensation they can claim for lost or damaged pets to the same rules as luggage. Airlines are encouraged to prioritize safety checks, such as those required after lightning strikes, without fear of increased liability. The decision underscores the importance of understanding the legal categorization of pets in air travel, which could affect travelers' decisions and expectations regarding pet transport. It also highlights the need for passengers to declare special interest in delivery if they wish to increase liability limits for their pets.
