[jimworcs]

Hi AADFW..
Happy to disagree, but your comparison with a ban on Muslims was just too provocative!!

An animal running loose in the cabin in a situation like the AF crash in Toronto could seriously impact evacuation times. I am suggesting that the animal could become loose, either from the forces involved, or because a misguided owner tried to give them a chance. There was a recent Continental incident in which passengers evacuated in an emergency, and many disregarded instructions to save their luggage... so think what they might do for an animal.

I hate to tell you this, but there are already procedures in place which do recognise that some people with mobility needs might not be evacuated. For example, a wheelchair dependent passenger would not be evacuated until all other passengers have done so. Even then, they will only be assisted out, if the assistance does not put the rescuers or cabin crew in danger. I understand in JAA training it is explictly recognised that some passengers may not have an opportunity to exit an otherwise survivable event due to problems in evacuating them.

The behaviour of the animal is not really relevant for me, it is not a particularly important reason for banning them. However, what I cannot understand is why people feel the need to have them in the cabin. The hold is pressurised and kept warm when animals are in there.. so what is the objection?