American Airlines allows pets onboard as part of eased pet policy. American Airlines has recently revised its pet policy, offering greater flexibility for travelers accompanied by their furry friends.
The adjustment, effective as of Thursday, permits pet owners to bring their pets into the cabin along with a full-size carry-on bag, a departure from the previous restriction of only allowing a small additional item.
Previous Restrictions
Previously, passengers paying a $150 fee to bring a pet into the cabin were constrained to carrying one extra small item that could fit beneath the seat.
Larger items such as carry-on bags with wheels had to be checked, incurring a $35 fee. Alternatively, pets could be placed in the cargo hold.
Criticism and Frustration
The former policy had drawn criticism from some pet owners who found it unfair, given the additional fee already paid for their pets’ accommodations.
Renowned travel blogger Gary Leff shared his frustrations, recalling past experiences traveling with his Yorkshire terrier, where the pet’s presence counted as the carry-on, despite the additional pet fee sometimes surpassing his own ticket cost.
Positive Change
Leff welcomed the policy change, expressing belief that it would discourage travelers from falsely claiming their pets as service animals to fly for free.
An American Airlines spokeswoman confirmed the modification, stating it was aimed at enhancing the convenience and comfort of customers traveling with pets on their flights.
Improved Experience
As American Airlines allows pets onboard as part of eased pet policy, the updated policy represents a significant shift for American Airlines, aligning with their commitment to providing a more customer-friendly travel experience.
By allowing passengers to bring both their pets and larger carry-on items into the cabin, the airline hopes to better accommodate the needs of pet owners while maintaining a fair and efficient boarding process for all passengers.
