summary
- Passengers can now bring their pets on board, rather than both standard carry-on baggage or personal items.
- Previously, pet owners had limited baggage options and required a $35 fee for additional items.
- Service animals can fly free of charge if they meet the required criteria and can assist a person with a disability.
American Airlines has reportedly updated its in-flight pet policy. According to the revised policy, American Airlines will now allow passengers to bring an animal companion and a full-sized carry-on bag on board.
What has changed?
Under its revised pet policy, the Dallas-based airline will now allow passengers to bring their pets on board with standard carry-on baggage (that meets requirements and fits in the overhead bin) or personal items. Yes, but I won't allow it. both.
Previously, passengers who brought pets on board were limited to one additional item that could fit under the seat. Larger items, such as wheeled carry-ons, had to be checked in for a $35 fee, CBS News reported. Alternatively, there was an option to put your pet in the cargo hold.
Photo: EQ Roy | Shutterstock
The report said the previous policy seemed unfair to certain pet owners who were already paying pet fees.
Fee
Whether you can travel with your animal depends on its breed and size. It can accompany you as carry-on baggage or be transported in American Airlines Cargo. Pets are limited to dogs and cats that meet size, age and destination criteria. Naturally, traveling with animals comes at a cost. Below is a table of airline charges for this service.
|
service |
region |
commission |
|---|---|---|
|
Pets available only to active U.S. military and State Department employees |
Within and between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and the United Kingdom |
$200 per kennel $150 round trip to Brazil |
|
cargo pet |
Indeterminate |
Amounts vary.Prices will be confirmed at time of booking |
|
Bringing a pet |
Within and between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean (based on specific country entry policies) |
$150 per kennel |
|
service animal |
all destinations |
Free of charge |
If you bring your pet on board, you must keep it in a pet carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.
service animal
This has not changed in the revised pet policy, but it is worth noting that fully trained service dogs can board the aircraft for free as long as they meet the required standards. American Airlines defines a service animal as:
“A service animal is an animal that is used to perform work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, or other mental disability. Defined as an individually trained dog.”
Photo: American Airlines
Service dogs are often seen accompanying passengers with visual impairments, hearing impairments, seizures, movement disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, airlines specify that service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are treated as pets, not service animals. Therefore, all relevant requirements and fees apply.
More information about flying with a service dog
Four-legged companions will have little trouble getting on board.
What do you think about this new pet policy? Have you ever traveled with an animal on an American Airlines flight? Let us know in the comments section below.
