Japanese Airlines Maintain Policy of No Pets in Cabin after Recent Accident
A recent survey reveals that most Japanese airlines will continue requiring pets to fly as cargo rather than in the cabin.
Japanese Airlines Maintain Policy of No Pets in Cabin
A survey conducted by Japan's the Mainichi Shimbun shows that Japanese airlines are not planning to change their policy of requiring pets to be checked-in as cargo instead of traveling in the cabin with their owners.
While many airlines around the world allow passengers to bring their pets onboard, Japanese airlines have opted for the cargo policy due to concerns about passenger allergies. However, this policy has come into question following the death of two pets during the crash of JAL flight 516 on January 2.
Despite this incident, the successful evacuation of all passengers on board has been attributed to the cabin crew's enforcement of regulations against passengers carrying any personal possessions during an emergency evacuation.
JAL Passengers Leave All Belongings Behind
During the evacuation of JAL flight 516, cabin crew members used a megaphone and their voices to convey instructions to passengers as the aircraft's announcement system malfunctioned. All passengers and crew members evacuated through three emergency exits, and the evacuation was completed within 18 minutes of landing.
Cabin crew members gave firm orders to passengers, instructing them to leave all their personal belongings on the plane. This is because attempting to evacuate with luggage and other items can impede the evacuation process and endanger lives.
A previous incident in 2019, where passengers carrying luggage were killed in a plane crash, highlights the importance of following crew instructions and leaving personal possessions behind during an emergency evacuation.
Japanese Airlines Express Concern About Pets During Evacuations
Out of the thirteen Japanese airlines surveyed, only one airline, Star Flyer, allows pets in the cabin with certain restrictions. The other ten airlines outright dismissed the possibility of allowing pets in the cabin.
Japan Airlines (JAL), which did not completely rule out the idea of pets in the cabin in the future, expressed concerns about the safety of passengers and the smooth evacuation of an aircraft with pets onboard.
Following the crash of flight 516, JAL apologized for the deaths of the two pets that were in the cargo hold. The airline acknowledged the responsibility of taking care of pets as members of their customers' families and apologized for any inconvenience caused.
