Public petition n°4085

Petitioner: Elza Dos Santos

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Currently, various airlines impose strict weight limits for animals traveling in the cabin, along with very restrictive size requirements. These conditions exclude many small dogs that only slightly exceed this limit, particularly dogs weighing around 10 to 12 kg, which are nonetheless suitable for cabin travel under appropriate conditions. In practice, these animals are often calm, accustomed to traveling, and able to remain in a suitable carrier under the seat. However, they are systematically refused in the cabin and must travel in the hold, which can cause stress and pose risks to their well-being. This petition proposes a reasonable adjustment of the current rules: increasing the allowed weight limit in the cabin to 12 kg (excluding the transport bag), no longer penalizing passengers by including the weight of the bag in the limit, adapting the permitted dimensions to better reflect the reality of small-sized animals, maintaining strict safety and transport requirements (appropriate carrier, calm animal). The objective is to better balance passenger safety with animal welfare by adapting the rules to real and common situations. We call on the Luxembourg authorities to encourage an evolution of these conditions in order to make them fairer, more proportionate, and better suited to current needs.

Many pet owners in Luxembourg face very strict restrictions when transporting their animals in the cabin on commercial flights. The current weight limits and size restrictions exclude a large number of small dogs that only slightly exceed this threshold. This situation often forces owners to resort to transport in the cargo hold, which can be a source of stress and risk for the animals. This issue affects a growing number of citizens, in a context where pets play an increasingly important role in households. An adaptation of the rules would better respond to current needs while ensuring safety and comfort in the cabin.