Traveling with Pet Policy

The Air Canada website outlines the rules governing pet travel on our flights. Employees using their travel privileges are subject to the same rules. The information in this policy provides some additional details specific to employees.

Scope & Eligibility

This policy applies to employees of Air Canada (AC), AC Rouge, AC Express and Fasco. Certain conditions apply with regard to spouse, parents, etc. as outlined in the guidelines below.

This policy is designed to support the travel of pets that belong to the employee. Those that shuttle animals on behalf of a rescue organization would be in violation of the policy.

Useful Definitions

AVIH:

Acronym standing for “Pets as Checked Baggage.”

PETC:
Acronym standing for “Pet as Carry-on Luggage.”

Rules & Limitations

Please check the information on aircanada.com regarding pet travel. The details provided below are in addition to what you’ll find on our website.

Rules

Valid for the active employee and retired employees including their accompanied or unaccompanied:

  • Spouse
  • Parent
  • Travel Partner

General policy, procedures and fees apply to employees travelling with AVIH.

Employee must call Air Canada Reservations to verify if any confirmed revenue AVIH is booked on desired flight.

All employees must see an Acceptance Specialist in order to collect the payment and AVIH validation. 

  • Employees have the option of paying the fee regardless of AVIH limits
  • Employee who shows up at the gate without having paid the AVIH fee will be refused travel and referred back to the acceptance counter.

Employee must ensure that someone is available at the destination to collect the pet in the event the employee is separated from the AVIH.

This person must have copies of all the documents needed to clear the pet upon arrival (if applicable)

Limitations

If AVIH limits are reached on the desired aircraft, the employee will not be allowed to board even if space is available for the employee.

  • Fee is refundable if pet does not travel.

Air Canada reserves the right to refuse an AVIH when a flight is in bulkout situation, even if there is space for the employee.  The employee will also be refused travel.

Rules

Valid for active and retired employees, including their accompanied or unaccompanied:

  • Spouse
  • Parent
  • Travel partner

Valid for all eligible travelers who are booked on a positive space pass (pre-registration of PETC is permitted).

Valid for dogs and cats traveling in the cabin as carry-on luggage.

PETC charges are waived for standby and confirmed (POS) passes, excluding Go AC products.

Limitations

If PETC limits are reached on the desired aircraft, the employee will not be allowed to board even if space is available for the employee.

Rules

Valid for upgrade to Business Class cabin if space permits.

Limitations

Not valid for upgrade to Business Class cabin on aircraft operating Business Class suites where pets are not permitted due to space limitations. Click here to check which of our aircraft have Business Class suites.

Rules

Employees traveling PETC who are entitled to use the Maple Leaf Lounge are allowed full usage of the lounge provided:

  • Pet remains in carrier at all times
  • Pet carrier remains with the owner
  • Pet carrier is leak-proof and well ventilated

No part of the pet extends outside of the carrier at any time

Procedure

Prior to travel, employees traveling AVIH or PETC must:

  1. Verify if any confirmed revenue AVIH/PETC are booked on their desired flight by:
    • Calling AC Reservations at 1-888-247-2262 (available 24/7)
      1. Option 1 for English
      2. Option 2 for French

On the day of the flight, employees traveling PETC must complete the following steps BEFORE going to the boarding gate:

  1. See a Check-in or Ticket agent upon arrival at the airport
  2. Complete PETC validation
    • Anyone showing up at the gate without the PETC validation will be denied boarding

Non-compliance

Failure to comply with the rules outlined in this policy could result in denied boarding and/or disciplinary action.

When in doubt, it’s better to contact actravel.voyageac@aircanada.ca or call 1-833-847- EMPL (3675) to ask for clarification than to risk making the wrong assumption.

This policy is subject to change without notice.
Last update: Oct 23, 2024