Overview
- The Court of Justice of the EU said companion animals transported by air fall under the Montreal Convention’s checked-baggage regime for loss.
- The decision confines compensation to 1,000 Special Drawing Rights—about €1,200—unless a higher value was declared at check-in.
- Iberia stated it would compensate within baggage limits after the passenger sought €5,000 for moral damages over the lost dog on a Buenos Aires–Barcelona flight.
- The court stressed that EU animal-welfare objectives do not preclude treating pets as baggage for liability purposes provided welfare requirements are respected.
- The opinion is advisory across the EU, and the Spanish tribunal retains responsibility for ruling on the specific claim, as critics urge updated recognition of non-material harm.