MDs Demand: Ban Pets from Planes!

by Dr. Chris

February 22nd 2010 According to Canadian doctors pets belong in the cargo hold of airplanes, and not the cabin. This is because their dander can affect other passengers who have allergies. This is from an editorial from the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

This editorial chastises airline's for putting the pets well-being above that of their passengers. Air Canada recently started allowing pets in airline cabins again, after it reversed its recent ban in July 2009. WestJets, another Canadian airline reportedly has up to 25% of its flights with pets.

Check out my other blog post about: 7 Tips for Airline Pet Travel

According to CBC news this editorial was time to come out now in order to put pressure on the Canadian Transportation Agency which is going to rule whether or not people with allergies should be considered disabled under the Canadian Transportation Act.

The Canadian Transportation Agency is also reviewing four complaints from airline passengers who suffered serious allergic reactions from pets while flying last year.

The editorial states that about 10% of people are allergic to animals and cites a 1998 New Zealand study which found cat allergens on 100% of domestic airline seats.

It says that the main danger is dander on the seats remain long after the pets have gone.

If airlines don't allow some obese passengers or smelly passengers should they allow pets?

Would forcing all pets to travel on a dedicated airline like Pet Airways be a good alternative?

What do you think? Please leave a comment below or...

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