American Airlines loosens pet policy restrictions
FORT WORTH, Texas — American Airlines is relaxing some of its pet policies, allowing pet owners to bring a companion and a full-sized carry-on on board.
Until this week, if you brought your pet on board (for which you would have to pay a $150 fee), you could only bring one small item that would fit under the seat.
Anything larger, including wheeled carry-ons, had to be checked in and there was 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 regular carry-on bags or personal items, but not both.
Some pet owners felt the old policy was unfair because they were already paying pet fees.
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 American's changes will reduce the urge for travelers to falsely claim their pets are service animals that fly for free.
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.
