American Airlines has updated its pet policy, making it easier for passengers to travel with their furry companions in the cabin. This welcome change allows pet owners to bring both their pet and a full-sized carry-on bag onboard, offering more convenience and flexibility. If you’re planning to fly with your pet on American Airlines, understanding the updated pet policy is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of the American Airlines pet policy, ensuring you and your pet are prepared for your next flight.
Previously, passengers flying with a pet in the cabin faced a somewhat restrictive policy. While pets were allowed for a fee of $150, the airline considered the pet carrier as the passenger’s carry-on item. This meant pet owners were limited to only a small personal item that could fit under the seat. Anything larger, such as a standard carry-on suitcase, had to be checked for an additional $35 fee, or the pet would need to travel in the cargo hold – an option many owners prefer to avoid for their pet’s comfort and safety. This previous rule was often seen as inconvenient and even unfair by pet travelers who were already paying a separate pet fee.
Now, American Airlines has listened to feedback and adjusted its policy to enhance the travel experience for pet owners. The updated policy, which took effect this week, clarifies that passengers can bring a pet in the cabin and also bring either a standard carry-on bag or a personal item. Importantly, it’s still one or the other for the extra bag – you can’t bring both a carry-on and a personal item in addition to your pet. This change means that your pet carrier no longer counts as your carry-on allowance. You will still need to pay the pet fee, but this new policy offers significant improvement in terms of baggage flexibility.
Travel blogger Gary Leff, from View from the Wing, who was among the first to report on this policy change, highlighted the previous frustration faced by pet owners. Recalling his own experiences traveling with his Yorkshire terrier, Leff noted, “It was always frustrating that the dog counted as the carry-on even though I was paying the extra (pet) fee that was sometimes more than the ticket for me.” He believes this new policy is a positive step and may also reduce instances of passengers falsely claiming pets as service animals to bypass pet fees and baggage restrictions.
Despite this positive change, it’s essential to remember that traveling with a pet still requires careful planning and adherence to specific rules. American Airlines, like other airlines, has limitations on the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight. This maximum number varies depending on the aircraft type. For example, different Airbus models might have different pet capacities in First Class versus Economy. Furthermore, individual passengers are typically limited to bringing a maximum of two pets, and these must be transported in a single pet carrier.
It’s also important to note that while American Airlines is becoming more pet-friendly in this aspect, other airlines like United, Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and Frontier also have their own pet policies. Generally, on most US airlines, pet carriers are considered as carry-on items, as detailed by the American Kennel Club. Therefore, even with this change on American Airlines, it remains vital to thoroughly review the specific pet policies of every airline involved in your travel itinerary, especially for connecting flights.
For international travel, additional layers of complexity exist. Country-specific restrictions and requirements apply to pet entry, so thorough research into the pet-entry regulations of your destination country is paramount. Websites like pettravel.com can be valuable resources for international pet travel information.
To ensure your pet’s safety and comfort throughout the journey, consulting resources like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is highly recommended. The AVMA website provides valuable guidance on preparing your pet for air travel, including health considerations and tips for a comfortable flight.
In conclusion, American Airlines’ updated pet policy is a welcome improvement for passengers wishing to travel with their pets in the cabin. By allowing a carry-on bag in addition to a pet carrier, American Airlines is making pet travel more convenient. However, responsible pet travel requires diligent preparation. Always confirm the specific details of the American Airlines pet policy, cabin pet limitations, and any destination-specific regulations before you fly to ensure a safe and pleasant travel experience for both you and your beloved pet.
