Pets on flights can be classed as baggage, top EU court rules

Mona was put in a special pet crate for the flight, but escaped while being taken to the plane. Photograph: facebook.com/buscandoamona

Pets on flights can be classified as baggage, the European court of justice has ruled, meaning airlines are not required to pay higher compensation if the animal is lost.

The ECJ, Europe’s highest court, was asked to intervene after a dog was lost during a journey from Buenos Aires to Barcelona, triggering a claim for losses from the owner.