MONTREAL, June 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced that it will
allow passengers to bring their cat or small dog in the cabin on flights
operated by Air Canada and Jazz beginning in July.
    "This is the latest of our customer-friendly initiatives that underscores
our renewed commitment to listening to our customers and offering a
competitive product that meets their needs," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice
President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada. "Other recent
customer-focused measures we have taken include our Low Fare Guarantee, a
second free checked bag and the elimination of call centre fees. Air Canada's
superior schedule, product offering and loyalty benefits through Aeroplan
clearly make Air Canada the airline of choice for customers. We will continue
to monitor the marketplace closely and make adjustments as necessary to ensure
we maintain our competitive position."
    Effective July 1, 2009, Air Canada will accept a limited number of small
dogs and cats as a carry-on item that can be stowed under the seat. To ensure
availability customers are asked to register their pet by contacting Air
Canada Reservations at 1-888-247-2262 within 24 hours of completing their
booking. A service fee of $50 for domestic and transborder and $100 for
international flights each way will apply.
    In order to also meet the needs of passengers with allergies, the number
of small pets accepted in the cabin will be limited to a maximum of two or
four depending on aircraft type. In addition, airport agents and in-flight
crews will make every effort possible to provide appropriate seating
arrangements on board the aircraft to ensure the comfort and well being of
passengers with allergies. Certified, professionally-trained service animals
assisting customers with disabilities will continue to be carried in the
passenger cabin free of charge. Further details are available at
aircanada.com.

    Montréal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air
transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 170 destinations on five
continents, including 58 communities across Canada and 57 destinations in the
United States - by far the most of any carrier within Canada or between Canada
and the United States. Canada's flag carrier is the 13th largest commercial
airline in the world and serves 33 million customers annually operating a
modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of just nine years.
    Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, providing the world's
most comprehensive air transportation network for Canadian domestic,
transborder and international travel. Air Canada aircraft offer customers
individualized seatback in-flight entertainment systems with hundreds of hours
of complimentary digital audio-visual entertainment. As well, customers can
collect Aeroplan miles for future awards through Canada's leading loyalty
program.
    In 2008, the readers of Business Traveler magazine voted Air Canada "Best
In-Flight Services in North America," "Best Airline for Business Class Service
in North America" and "Best North American Airline for International Travel."