EU Court Rules on Pet Transportation

The EU Court has ruled that pets are legally considered luggage during air travel. According to the decision, in the event of a pet’s loss, injury, or death, the airline is liable up to the international baggage compensation limit of approximately $2,179.

The ruling stems from a 2019 case in which a Spanish passenger lost their pet during a flight. The passenger sought moral damages, while the airline argued that the loss should be treated under baggage regulations.

The court emphasized that airlines are responsible for the safe transport of animals and noted that passengers may declare a higher value with the carrier’s consent to increase the compensation limit.