American Airlines relaxes its pet policy, allowing owners to bring their furry friends on board.
Pet owners are now permitted to bring a full-size carry-on bag inside the cabin on American Airlines as part of the airline’s pet policy. Until this week, passengers could only bring an extra tiny item that would fit beneath the seat if they brought a pet inside the aircraft, which entailed paying a $150 fee. Anything larger than that, such as a carry-on bag with wheels, required checking for a $35 fee, or the pet could be put in the cargo hold.
American Airlines’ Relaxed Pet Policy
American Airlines is now permitting travelers to bring a pet into the cabin in addition to a standard carry-on bag or a personal item, but not both. Some pet owners felt the previous arrangement was unjust because they had to pay a pet charge but could not bring their pets on board. According to an American spokesman, a regulation modification went into force on Thursday. The spokesperson said they introduced the new relaxed policy to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience for people who fly with their pets.
In a recent interview on Friday, Gary Leff, a travel blogger who first wrote about the change, recalled his years-old travel experience with his pet. He said it was always frustrating as the dog was always considered a carry-on even after paying an additional pet fee, which sometimes cost him more than his tickets. Leff added that the new relaxation would avoid the urge of the passengers to falsely claim their pet as a service animal, which would enable them to fly for free, enabling them to bring a carry-on as well.
Even though the new policies have introduced relaxations on traveling with pets, some terms and conditions need to be followed to avail of those relaxations. The breed and size of the animal will be considered before confirming whether it can travel as a carry-on or would be transported through the airlines’ cargo. Only cats and dogs that fit the requirements for size, age, and destination may travel with their owners in carry-on bags. The airlines will accept only checked pets at the ticket counter. Fully trained dogs can fly free of charge in the cabin if they meet the requirements. Flights up to 12 hours and flights to or from select locations will accommodate pets as carry-ons.
Additionally, American Airlines mentioned that if the pet is too large to fly in the cabin, it should be transported in cargo. They add that the pet should be in the pet carrier under the seat throughout the flight. Only one additional item, either a personal handbag or a carry-on bag that meets the requirements and fits in the overhead cabin, can be taken along with the pet carrier. Additionally, they mentioned that pet strollers should be checked at the counters and that all checked bags contain fees.
On United, Economy Class on the Airbus 319 allows a maximum of four pets, while on the Airbus 319, a maximum of six pets are permitted. They permit passengers to bring up to two pets in a single carrier. American airlines such as Delta, American, Southwest, Alaska, and Frontier also permit pets on board. The American Kennel Club states that pet carriers are typically considered carry-on luggage.
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Things To Remember While Travelling With Pets
Even with relaxed policies, experts advise careful planning and study before flying with pets, considering the selection of an airline that allows pets, getting insurance, and getting the pet ready for the trip in advance.
All domestic carriers, including Southwest, JetBlue, American, Alaska, United, and Delta, have webpages that detail their pet policies, including where pets are allowed to travel and what kind of container must fit beneath a seat.
Travelers are urged to review airline policy before making trip arrangements and purchasing tickets, as there are restrictions on the number of pets they may bring on certain flights. Travelers are recommended to familiarize themselves with the pet-entry regulations of their destination country before going overseas, since country-specific limitations may also be applicable.