European Court Rules Pet’s Value Equivalent too Luggage in Airline Loss Claim
LUXEMBOURG – In a ruling that has sparked outrage among animal advocates, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has resolute that pets traveling as cargo are legally considered “baggage” for the purposes of airline liability.The decision stems from a case brought by a family whose dog,Mona,escaped at Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport in 2019 while preparing for a flight to Barcelona on Iberia.
The family sought €5,000 in compensation from Iberia for the emotional distress caused by Mona’s loss, arguing the value of a beloved pet far exceeds that of standard luggage. Though, the ECJ sided with the airline, stating that compensation for damage resulting from a pet’s loss during air transport is subject to the same limitations as baggage claims - currently capped at approximately €1,800. Iberia acknowledged responsibility but initially offered only the baggage limit.
The incident began when mona, one of three dogs traveling in carriers in the hold, briefly escaped before boarding. Though recaptured, she escaped again, presumably frightened and searching for her family. Despite extensive searches, media coverage, and a dedicated Facebook page created to coordinate the search, Mona remains missing.
The court’s opinion, delivered recently, explicitly states, “For the purposes of an air transport operation, a pet is included in the concept of ‘baggage.'” This ruling establishes a legal precedent that could impact future claims involving lost or injured pets during air travel across Europe.
The family continues to search for Mona, maintaining hope for her return. As they stated on their search page, “We not only have faith but an infinite and endless love that makes us fight until the end, even if the years pass, even if we do it silently…Here we are firm to continue fighting not only for Monita but for everyone!!”
