Mexico proposes allowing pets in airplane cabins to end 'arbitrary' airline policies

A Mexican legislator has proposed a change to the Civil Aviation Law that would permit companion animals to travel in the passenger cabin. Claudia Rivera Vivanco, a legislator, introduced the reform, which seeks to end what she described as "arbitrary airline policies" and ensure "dignified treatment for families with sentient beings."

The current law broadly addresses the transport of domestic animals without distinguishing between cabin travel and cargo holds. This lack of specificity, according to Rivera Vivanco, leads to animals being treated as "baggage" or "special documented cargo," exposing them to risks and legal ambiguity. The proposal aims to rectify this "historical omission" in national regulations.

Rivera Vivanco emphasized that recognizing animals as sentient beings in air transport would not compromise flight safety. Instead, she argued, establishing clear legal rules would provide guarantees for passengers, crew, and airlines, preventing unilateral decisions that negatively impact travelers and their families. The legislator also noted that the proposal does not conflict with flight safety protocols.