Associated Press
Published on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 10:04 PM EDT
Last updated Friday, March 29, 2024 10:05 PM EDT
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — 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 had 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 this 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.
A spokesperson for America confirmed the rule change came into effect on Thursday.
“We made this change to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience for pet owners flying American Airlines,” she said.
