American Airlines is changing its pet policy to allow owners to bring their furry companions and a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin. Previously, passengers who brought a pet into the cabin had to pay a $150 fee and could only bring one small item that fit under the seat, forcing them to check any larger carry-on bags for an additional $35 fee or place the pet in the cargo hold. This policy seemed unfair to some pet owners, who felt they were already paying a pet fee. Travel blogger Gary Leff shared his frustration of having his Yorkshire terrier count as his carry-on, despite paying an extra fee that sometimes exceeded the cost of his own ticket.
Leff believes that American’s new policy will help reduce the number of travelers falsely claiming their pet is a service animal in order to avoid fees. A spokeswoman for American Airlines confirmed that the new rules went into effect on Thursday, stating that the change was made to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience for customers traveling with their pets. This adjustment will allow passengers to bring both their pet and a regular carry-on bag or personal item into the cabin, rather than being restricted to just one small item under the seat. The change aims to make the pet travel experience more enjoyable for passengers while still adhering to airline policies.
The previous restrictions on pet travel in the cabin may have led some passengers to try to game the system by claiming their pet was a service animal, as this would allow them to avoid the pet fee. American Airlines’ new policy aims to address this issue by allowing passengers to bring their pets into the cabin along with a full-size carry-on bag or personal item. This change is likely to benefit both pet owners and airlines, as it provides a more fair and transparent system for traveling with pets. By relaxing these restrictions, American is taking steps to improve the overall travel experience for its customers who choose to bring their furry friends along for the journey.
Travel blogger Gary Leff recalled his past frustrations with the previous pet policy, where his Yorkshire terrier counted as his carry-on despite paying an additional pet fee. This situation resonated with many pet owners who felt that the policy was unfair and warranted a change. By allowing passengers to bring a pet and a full-size carry-on bag or personal item into the cabin, American Airlines is addressing these concerns and providing a more accommodating experience for travelers with pets. The policy change is likely to result in happier customers and a smoother travel process for those who choose to bring their furry companions on board.
Overall, American Airlines’ decision to relax its pet policy is a positive step towards improving the travel experience for passengers who wish to bring their pets along. By allowing travelers to bring both their pet and a full-size carry-on bag or personal item into the cabin, the airline is providing a more inclusive and fair system for pet owners. Additionally, this change may help reduce instances of travelers falsely claiming their pets as service animals in order to avoid fees. With these adjustments, American Airlines is demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction and making pet travel a more seamless and enjoyable process for all involved.
