Air Canada pet travel policy changes

Air Canada forced to change its pet travel policy and accept pets traveling as checked baggage again

Air Canada's ban on small pets traveling as checked luggage cargo on passenger planes has been overturned by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).

Last summer, Air Canada had imposed a ban on pets that passengers wanted to have travel with them on the same flight; and pet-unfriendly airline Air Canada had started to enforce their new pet airline travel regulation that restricted pet to only being allowed to fly on cargo planes not passenger flights.

Air Canada had argued that its restrictions on pet travel were to make more space for luggage. Pet lovers who didn't want to have their cat or dog sent on different flights and neglected as cargo, had boycotted the airline, taking their pet travel business to more pet-friendly airlines.

The CTA ruled this week that the ban was unreasonable, and has given Air Canada until May 5 to allow animals (and their pet travel carriers that weigh less than 70 lbs (31.7 kilograms) back on passenger flights. The order allows Air Canada to continue banning pets in the cabin as carry-on luggage, a restriction the airline had implemented in 2006 over allergy concerns.

An Air Canada spokesperson said the airline is reviewing the ruling and has not made a decision on whether the airline will appeal.

World Travel Guide thinks Air Canada should catch up with the times and the sentiments of most pet owners and realize that to many, pets are part of the family and should be treated as such; otherwise, pet owners will take their business to more pet-friendly airlines.

Port Hope Ontario River Race Adventure

FLOAT YOUR FANNY DOWN THE GANNY River Race

Port Hope's annual "Float Your Fanny Down The Ganny" river race takes place on Saturday, April 5th, in Port Hope, Ontario.

Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny is an exciting ten-kilometer race that takes place on the Ganaraska River, and draws crowds of up to 15,000 spectators.



River mania takes over this picturesque historic town of 15,000 every spring as the population doubles when river racing enthusiasts from around the globe descend on Port Hope to either participate in the river race or to cheer from the banks of the Ganaraska River that flows through the center of town and out in Lake Ontario.

The river race festival is held annually in April to commemorate when the Ganarask River flooded the downtown in 1980. Categories include canoes, kayaks and crazy crafts which are made up of just about anything imaginable that can float! Wet suits are recommended and life jackets are mandatory.

The canoe/kayak launch starts 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning at Canton Bridge just north of the town of Port Hope, and runs down river with one portage around the Ganaraska fish ladder. Crazycraft launch is at 11am from Sylvan Glen Conservation Area just north of the town.

Event organizers are hoping for sunny weather, high water, and huge crowds. The usual variety of canoes, kayaks and crazycraft are expected to keep everyone entertained. Lots of fun, food booths and activities take place.

For more information, visit www.floatyourfanny.ca or contact Port Hope Tourism at 1-888-767-8467 or e-mail tourism@porthope.ca.