Pets are not counted as passengers by EU court

One ruling is not popular with pet owners. The European Union’s top court has decided that animals travelling in the hold count as ‘baggage’, not passengers, in a case that’s left a lot of people fuming.

This week, the Court of Justice of the European Union delivered the ruling in two separate aviation disputes. Both ended in the airlines’ favour — but it’s the story about the missing dog that’s got everyone talking.

The loss of a dog can spark outrage

The story began with a tragic case in Spain. After her dog escaped from Buenos Aires while being loaded on a flight, a woman sued Iberia Airlines. She asked for €5,000 in damages, saying the loss caused her huge emotional distress.

Iberia did not deny the incident, but claimed that compensation should be governed by the same rules as for lost luggage and not people. The dispute reached the EU’s top judges — who sided with the airline.

Pets are not considered passengers in international air travel laws, according to the ruling. Pets are classified as luggage, so owners will only get limited compensation unless their pet is valued in advance.

The court ruled that “a pet cannot be regarded as a traveler,” referring to Montreal Convention, which is the treaty governing international flights.

The judges stressed that airlines still have to comply with animal welfare regulations, and pets must be transported in a safe manner. But legally speaking, the decision couldn’t have been clearer – or colder.

This verdict is hard to accept for many. It’s more than just a legal issue for the woman who lost her pet. This is a reminder to the woman that her dog was treated as cargo in aviation law.

A lightning strike with a long delay

The court ruled the same day in favor of Austrian Airlines for a seven-hour flight delay from Romania to Vienna.

The passenger had asked for €400 in compensation, arguing the delay was unacceptable. But the airline claimed the lightning had hit the plane, forcing safety inspections before take-off. The judges agreed, saying lightning strikes count as ‘extraordinary circumstances’ – things airlines can’t control, and therefore don’t have to pay for.

The safety of passengers must always take priority, even when it means lengthy delays. And while it sounds terrifying, lightning strikes on planes aren’t rare at all – most commercial aircraft are hit once or twice a year. Modern design means that passengers are not at risk. However, planes must be thoroughly checked before they can fly again.

Cold comfort for travelers

What does all of this mean to travellers? In short – don’t expect much sympathy from the law.

If a freak incident like lightning causes your flight to be delayed, you are unlikely to receive compensation. And if your pet flies in the cargo hold, they’re not legally treated as a family member — they’re “property”.

It’s a harsh reality check for pet owners. Passengers are reminded that safety comes first, even if it means waiting hours.

Anyone who has called their dog or cats “family” will find it deeply offensive that the law treats them as luggage. The judges may have ruled – but outside the courtroom, hearts are definitely not on their side.