Airlines Break Their Own Rules So Pets Can Escape Fires
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More than 80,000 Fort McMurray’s residents in Canada were forced to flee their homes because of the massive wildfires in recent days. Thankfully, West Jet and Canadian North airlines have been making the evacuation process easier by letting people fly with their pets in the cabin.
“It’s definitely unusual to carry pets in the cabin, but due to the unusual circumstances we were able to bend the rules to accommodate these animals during this crisis,” Canadian North’s Kelly Lewis told Bored Panda.
Normally, animals traveling by plane should be kept in the cargo hold. However, in the current circumstances the residents are not allowed to return home for crates so it’s wonderful that they can take their beloved animals with them.
(h/t: thedodo)
More than 80,000 Canadians were forced to flee their homes in the recent days
Image credits: Cas Courcelles
Massive wildfires in Fort McMurray made it difficult to get their pets to safety, too
Image credits: Jen C
Thankfully, West Jet and Canadian North airlines decided to let pets fly in the cabin
Image credits: Canadian North
“Due to the unusual circumstances we were able to bend the rules to accommodate these animals,” Kelly Lewis told Bored Panda
Image credits: Jen C
Canadian North’s staff are even fostering the cat named Meow Meow after her pregnant owner went into labour
Image credits: Big Brothers Big Sis
Normally, animals traveling by plane should be kept in the cargo hold
Image credits: Canadian North
However, in these circumstances, airlines made an exception
Image credits: Jen C
So it’s wonderful that they can take their beloved animals with them
Image credits: Jen C
They can comfort each other on the way to safety
Image credits: Amanda Weger
Thank you, Kelly Lewis, for talking to Bored Panda about your wonderful decision!
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Should be always like this!!
A number of airlines *do* allow pets in the cabin already. http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/airtravel/airpettravel.shtml But it's understandable that many do not due to allergies, fear of dogs, small children who can't keep their hands to themselves, barking, dogs dealing with strangers in a strange place, and many other issues. There are always ground travel and boats to avoid air travel with your pets, but many owners prefer the ease of air travel over the comfort of their pets.
"Many owners prefer the ease of air travel over the comfort of their pets." I doubt my cat would be happier on a 4 day trip in a car including hotel stays, than a four hour flight under the seat. #sanctimonious much?
You are obviously not familiar with Canada. There are no "boats" out of Ft Mac. There is single north/south road into and out of it...which was cut off due to fire....so it is not true that 'there are always ground travel..." You are completely unaware of Canada. We also do not "have a number of airlines" here....and only one airline that allows cabin travel for pets under certain rules. And also, it is a four hour drive to get to a city from Ft Mac...so I highly doubt that would be more comfortable than an air flight, especially when people are fleeing with everything they can fit in their vehicles.
Thank you West Jet and Canadian North Airlines for opening your planes and your hearts for this act of humanity.
Wonderful, well done for using common sense and realizing sometimes rules have to be broken for compassion's sake.
Should be always like this!!
A number of airlines *do* allow pets in the cabin already. http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/airtravel/airpettravel.shtml But it's understandable that many do not due to allergies, fear of dogs, small children who can't keep their hands to themselves, barking, dogs dealing with strangers in a strange place, and many other issues. There are always ground travel and boats to avoid air travel with your pets, but many owners prefer the ease of air travel over the comfort of their pets.
"Many owners prefer the ease of air travel over the comfort of their pets." I doubt my cat would be happier on a 4 day trip in a car including hotel stays, than a four hour flight under the seat. #sanctimonious much?
You are obviously not familiar with Canada. There are no "boats" out of Ft Mac. There is single north/south road into and out of it...which was cut off due to fire....so it is not true that 'there are always ground travel..." You are completely unaware of Canada. We also do not "have a number of airlines" here....and only one airline that allows cabin travel for pets under certain rules. And also, it is a four hour drive to get to a city from Ft Mac...so I highly doubt that would be more comfortable than an air flight, especially when people are fleeing with everything they can fit in their vehicles.
Thank you West Jet and Canadian North Airlines for opening your planes and your hearts for this act of humanity.
Wonderful, well done for using common sense and realizing sometimes rules have to be broken for compassion's sake.