Mandate Airlines to Eliminate the 8 kg Pet Weight Limit for Cabin Travel

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The Issue

Commercial airlines impose weight limitations for pets traveling with their owners in the cabin, often capping the limit at approximately 8 kilograms. This rule applies to many airlines globally and can present a significant challenge for pet owners wanting to travel with their companions. We believe that these restrictions should be reviewed and more flexibility offered.

A notable exception to this policy is Delta Airlines, which has set a precedent by not prescribing a fixed weight limit for pets in cabin (in the US) . But in Europe there is no airline in that allows dogs or cats of any weight to travel in the cabin.
All European airlines have weight restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin, usually around 8 kg (including the carrier). 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, transporting pets in the cabin is significantly safer and less stressful for the animals over cargo hold options. Restrictive policies such as weight limitations make such in-cabin solutions inaccessible for a vast majority of animals posing potentially greater health risks.

Furthermore, an American Pet Products Association survey in 2019-2020 found that 67% of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet. Also, according to the FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation), 46% of European households owned a pet in 2022.  This translates to roughly 91 million homes with at least one pet. Considering this large number, airlines' current policies forcing larger pets to travel in the cargo hold are affecting a significant portion of their customer base.

Thus, we call on global airlines to reconsider their pet travel policies, eliminate unnecessary weight restrictions, and instead adopt reasonable safety and comfort measures like those employed by Delta Airlines. Sign our petition and join us in advocating for safer, more inclusive pet travel policies.

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