The Canadian Medical Association Journal has stated that the preferences of pet owners should not replace the well-being of their fellow passengers, reports ScienceDaily. Since pets can be accommodated safely in cargo holds, the association has decided that airlines must choose to put the needs of their human passengers first – or be forced to do so.

Air Canada has been allowing small pets to travel with their owners inside airplane cabins, but many people feel that flying should not mean that people with allergies to pets are exposed to avoidable health risks. The enclosed space of an airplane cabin, where passengers are "trapped" for hours, poses an especial problem for those with allergies because there is no escape from the allergens.

People with allergies to nuts are considered to have a disability under the Canada Transportation Act, and, due to complaints they have received regarding pets on planes, the Canadian Transportation Agency is considering whether those with pet allergies should also be considered as having a disability. This would force Canadian airlines to protect those with pet allergies.

Dr. Matthew Stanbrook, Deputy Editor, Canadian Medican Association Journal and coauthors write, "People with allergies should be able to fly without placing their health at risk and must not be prevented from travelling for fear of being confined close to a pet."

What do you think?