In a move that promises to enhance the travel experience for pet owners, American Airlines has announced a significant revision to its in-cabin pet policy. This change, aimed at making air travel more accessible and enjoyable for passengers with pets, also touches upon the broader question of pet DNA test accuracy.
American Airlines: A New Era for Traveling with Pets
Until recently, passengers wishing to bring their pets aboard were faced with a tough choice: pay a $150 fee to bring their pet in the cabin and be restricted to a single small item that could fit under the seat, or check in a larger carry-on bag for an additional $35.
This policy often meant that pet owners had to compromise on their travel comfort or incur extra costs.
However, the landscape of air travel is now changing for the better. American Airlines has relaxed its stringent policy, now allowing passengers to bring both their pet and a regular-sized carry-on or a personal item into the cabin—eliminating the need to choose between their furry friend and their luggage.
This shift is a welcome relief for many, as it acknowledges the importance of both passenger and pet comfort during flights.
Behind the Decision
The decision to revise the policy came into effect on a Thursday, catching many by surprise. Although the exact reasons behind the change remain unclear—owing to the airline’s corporate offices being closed for Good Friday—it’s evident that American Airlines is taking steps to accommodate the growing number of passengers traveling with pets.
Gary Leff, a seasoned travel blogger, reminisced about the challenges he faced while traveling with his Yorkshire terrier under the old policy. “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,” Leff shared.
He also speculated that the updated policy might discourage travelers from falsely claiming their pets as service animals, a tactic previously used to circumvent the restrictions on carry-ons.
American Airlines is relaxing part of its pet policy to let owners bring their animal companion and a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin. https://t.co/FkXsZWWCF1
— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 29, 2024
Planning and Research Remain Key
Despite the more lenient policy, American Airlines emphasizes that traveling with pets still requires thorough planning and research. The airline imposes a maximum number of pets per cabin, which varies depending on the aircraft model, ensuring safety and comfort for all passengers.
American Airlines joins other major U.S. carriers like Delta, Southwest, and Alaska in offering pet-friendly travel options. While policies vary across airlines, the trend towards accommodating pets in the cabin is growing, with the American Kennel Club noting that, on most airlines, pet carriers traditionally counted as carry-ons.
