American Airlines has relaxed some of its pet policies, allowing pet owners to bring companion animals and full-sized carry-on luggage on board.
Until this week, people who paid a $150 fee to bring their pets onboard could only bring one small item that would fit under the seat. Anything larger, such as a wheeled carry-on, had to be checked in for a $35 fee. Alternatively, you can put your pet in the cargo hold.
American Airlines currently allows passengers to bring pets on board, as well as either a regular carry-on bag or a personal item, but not both. Some pet owners felt the old policy was unfair because they were already paying pet fees. Passengers still have to pay, but pets no longer count as carry-on baggage.
An American spokesperson confirmed that the rule change came into effect on Thursday. She couldn't explain why. This was because the airline's headquarters were closed for Good Friday and the decision-makers were not available.
Travel blogger Gary Leff, who first wrote about the change, recalled traveling with his Yorkshire terrier many years ago.
“It's always been frustrating for me to have my dog count as carry-on baggage even though I pay an additional (pet) fee that's more than the ticket price,” he said Friday.
Leff said he believes American's new policy will reduce the urge for travelers to falsely claim their pets are service animals that fly free, and allow them to be carried on board.
But even with the new policy, traveling with a pet requires a lot of planning and research in advance, and there are many factors that would prohibit Fido or Felix from being allowed on board. First, there is a maximum total number of pets allowed per cabin, which varies by aircraft type.
United allows up to four pets total in economy class on the Airbus 319, and up to six pets total in economy class on the Airbus 319. In any case, an individual passenger can bring a maximum number of pets with him on one airline.
Other US airlines that allow pets on board include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. According to the American Kennel Club, pet carriers count as carry-on baggage in most cases.
