Overview
- The European Court of Justice issued its interpretation on October 16, stating that companion animals fall within the Montreal Convention’s concept of baggage when transported with passengers.
- The case stems from a 2019 Iberia flight from Buenos Aires to Barcelona in which a dog named Mona escaped during transfer to the hold and was never recovered.
- Iberia acknowledges responsibility for the loss but argues compensation should be capped at the amount set for checked baggage.
- The court said the EU’s recognition of animal welfare does not change how liability is classified under the air-transport treaty.
- The Spanish court handling the lawsuit will now apply the EU court’s guidance to decide the owner’s claim, and passengers can raise liability limits only by making a paid special declaration of value.