American Airlines has recently changed its pet policy to allow passengers to bring their pet and a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin. Previously, passengers were only allowed to bring one small item along with their pet, with larger items needing to be checked for an additional fee. The new policy now allows passengers to bring either a regular carry-on bag or a personal item along with their pet, but not both. This change has been seen as a more fair policy by pet owners who were already paying a fee to bring their pet onboard.
The reason for the policy change has not been explained by American Airlines as their corporate offices were closed for Good Friday when the change took effect. Travel blogger Gary Leff, who first wrote about the change, noted that in the past it was frustrating for pet owners that their pet counted as the carry-on item, despite paying an additional fee for their pet. The new policy is expected to reduce the number of travelers falsely claiming their pet as a service animal in order to bring a carry-on bag as well. However, there are still many limitations and factors to consider when traveling with a pet, including the maximum number of pets allowed per cabin depending on the aircraft.
Several other U.S. airlines, including Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and Frontier also allow pets on board. In most cases, pet carriers count as carry-on items according to the American Kennel Club. Having a pet in the cabin can require a lot of planning and research ahead of time, as well as following specific airline policies and restrictions. It is important for passengers to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding traveling with pets to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for both them and their furry companions.
Traveling with a pet on an airplane can be a complicated process, as each airline has different policies and restrictions when it comes to bringing animals onboard. It is important for passengers to do their research and plan ahead to ensure that their pet is allowed in the cabin and that all necessary fees and requirements are met. With the recent change in American Airlines’ pet policy, passengers are now able to bring a pet and a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin, which has been seen as a positive change for pet owners. By following the guidelines set by the airline and being prepared, passengers can enjoy a smooth and stress-free travel experience with their animal companions.
