The Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled that three people, who are allergic to cats, are considered persons with disabilities when it comes to air travel. The decision has prompted the agency to review the pet policies of Canada's airlines.
The passengers had filed complaints against Air Canada, its regional carrier Jazz Airline, and WestJet. They claimed the air carriers' policies allowing cats inside the cabins of airplanes impacted their ability to travel by air.
Along with reviewing the rules for pets onboard airplanes, The Canadian Transportation Agency must still determine how the three passengers should be accommodated. The agency studies individual cases, and rules whether an individual is a person with a disability in the context of the federal transportation network.
The Canadian Lung Association is applauding Thursday's decision. "This decision by the Canadian Transportation Agency is excellent news for those with asthma and allergies to pets," said Cameron Bishop, director of government affairs and media relations for the Canadian Lung Association.
The Canadian Lung Association wants pets banned from the cabin of airplanes, in order to protect the health of passengers and crew who have asthma or allergies.
It's not clear when The Canadian Transportation Agency's review of airline pet policies will be complete.
