Canine companions 'allowed in cabin'

Passengers who rely on guide dogs will now be allowed to take their canine companions with them on certain flights from Glasgow Airport.

In a new scheme, which marks a first for Scotland, those who have difficulty manoeuvring their way around the aircraft will now be able to rely on their dogs if they are flying to European destinations.

Named the Pet Travel Scheme, organisers say that the initiative will serve to give passengers "the freedom to fly and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their guide dog or assistance dog is safely by their side on board the aircraft cabin".

Gordon Dewar, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: "We're proud to be the first airport in Scotland to offer this service to passengers who want to fly with their guide dogs.

"The Pet Travel Scheme promises to transform flying for blind and visually impaired travellers."

Under the new plans, Thomsonfly will offer the scheme to passengers departing from Glasgow with destinations such as Alicante, Malaga, Palma, Paphos, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Faro all included in the initiative.

Other airlines which are getting on board with the Pet Travel Scheme include British Airways, bmi, Qantas and Gulf Air.