American Airlines changes pet policy, allows passengers to bring carry-on with pet carrier

Good news for pet owners! American Airlines is relaxing its pet policy and allowing those who travel with their animal companions to bring a full-size carry-on too, along with the pet carrier.

“On flights with American you can bring one pet carrier as a carry-on if: You pay the carry-on pet fee; Your pet stays in the pet carrier and under the seat in front of you the entire flight,” says American Airline’s on their website, adding that passengers can also bring “one additional item on board with your pet,” which can be a personal item like a purse or small handbag or a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin and meets the airline’s requirements.

Remember, you can only bring one with your pet carrier, not both,” says American.

Earlier, travelers with pets were only allowed to bring a small personal item, that could fit under the seat if they were bringing their pet onboard. Anything bigger than that, like a carry-on, was required to be checked for $35. Alternatively, pet owners could put their pet in the cargo hold if they wanted to bring a bigger item with them on the flight.
However, there has been no change in fees required to bring a pet onboard. That remains fixed at $150, as per the American Airline’s website. Meanwhile, pet strollers are still required to be checked in and all checked bag fees apply.

American Airlines Relaxes Pet Policy: Allowing Full-Size Carry-Ons for Pet Owners

Traveling with pets has always posed a unique set of challenges, especially for those flying with major airlines. American Airlines has announced a significant update to its pet policy that brings good news for pet owners. In a move that aims to make air travel more convenient for passengers traveling with their animal companions, American Airlines now permits travelers to bring a full-size carry-on in addition to their pet carrier.

New Policy Details

According to the updated policy, passengers flying with American Airlines can now bring one pet carrier as a carry-on item under the following conditions:

• Payment of the carry-on pet fee.
• The pet must remain in the carrier and under the seat in front of the passenger for the entire duration of the flight.

In addition to the pet carrier, passengers are also allowed to bring one additional item on board. This item can be a personal item, such as a purse or small handbag, or a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin and adheres to the airline’s size requirements. American Airlines clearly states that passengers are permitted to bring either a personal item or a carry-on bag, but not both, along with their pet carrier.

This change marks a departure from the previous policy, where travelers with pets were restricted to carrying only a small personal item that could fit under the seat if they brought their pet on board. Any larger item, such as a standard carry-on bag, had to be checked for a fee of $35. Alternatively, pet owners could opt to transport their pets in the cargo hold if they needed to bring a larger item into the cabin.

No Change in Pet Fees

Despite the policy change allowing for an additional carry-on item, the fee for bringing a pet onboard remains unchanged. As per American Airlines’ website, the carry-on pet fee is still set at $150. Additionally, pet strollers continue to require check-in, and all standard checked bag fees apply to them.

Implications for Travelers

The policy update is expected to have several positive implications for pet owners. Firstly, it provides greater convenience and flexibility, as passengers no longer need to choose between bringing their pet or a standard carry-on bag into the cabin. This change will likely make air travel less stressful for pet owners who previously had to make tough decisions about what items to carry with them on the plane.

Secondly, the ability to bring a full-size carry-on bag in addition to a pet carrier can enhance the overall travel experience. Travelers can now pack more essentials or personal items, making their journey more comfortable and organized. This is particularly beneficial for longer flights where having access to personal belongings and necessities can significantly improve the travel experience.

Moreover, this policy adjustment reflects American Airlines’ recognition of the growing number of passengers who travel with pets. As pet ownership continues to rise, airlines are increasingly considering the needs of these travelers. By updating its pet policy, American Airlines demonstrates its commitment to accommodating the diverse needs of its passengers.

Comparing with Other Airlines

When compared to other major airlines, American Airlines’ new pet policy positions it as a pet-friendly option for travelers. Many airlines have stringent regulations and limitations when it comes to traveling with pets, often requiring pets to be transported in the cargo hold or imposing additional fees and restrictions on carry-on items.

For instance, Delta Air Lines allows passengers to bring a pet carrier as a carry-on item but restricts the additional carry-on to only a small personal item. United Airlines has a similar policy, permitting a pet carrier as a carry-on but limiting additional items to personal items only. Southwest Airlines allows a pet carrier as a carry-on, but passengers are only permitted to bring one additional small item.

In this context, American Airlines’ policy update stands out by offering greater flexibility and convenience to pet owners. The allowance of a full-size carry-on bag in addition to the pet carrier sets American Airlines apart from many of its competitors.

Pet Travel Requirements and Guidelines

While the updated policy is a welcome change, it is important for pet owners to be aware of the specific requirements and guidelines for traveling with pets on American Airlines. Here are some key points to consider:

• Pet Carrier Specifications: The pet carrier must be large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should fit under the seat in front of the passenger and meet the airline’s size restrictions.
• Health Documentation: Passengers may need to provide health certificates and vaccination records for their pets. It is advisable to check the specific requirements for the destination as different states and countries may have varying regulations.
• Pet Restrictions: American Airlines has certain restrictions on the types of pets allowed in the cabin. Generally, small cats and dogs are permitted, but larger animals and certain breeds may not be eligible for cabin travel.
• Booking and Fees: Passengers must book their pet’s travel in advance and pay the carry-on pet fee of $150. It is recommended to confirm the availability of space for the pet on the desired flight, as there may be limitations on the number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight.

Preparing for Travel with Pets

To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience with pets, it is important for pet owners to adequately prepare for their journey. Here are some tips for traveling with pets on American Airlines:

• Visit the Vet: Schedule a visit to the veterinarian to ensure that your pet is healthy and fit for travel. Obtain any necessary health certificates and vaccination records.
• Acclimate Your Pet: Help your pet get used to the carrier by allowing them to spend time in it before the trip. This can help reduce anxiety and make them more comfortable during the flight.
• Pack Essentials: Bring essential items for your pet, such as food, water, treats, toys, and any necessary medications. Having these items on hand can help keep your pet calm and comfortable during the journey.
• Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures. This can help reduce stress for both you and your pet.
• Follow Airline Guidelines: Adhere to American Airlines’ guidelines and requirements for traveling with pets. This includes ensuring that your pet remains in the carrier and under the seat for the entire flight.

American Airlines’ decision to relax its pet policy and allow travelers to bring a full-size carry-on bag in addition to their pet carrier is a significant and positive development for pet owners. This policy update provides greater convenience, flexibility, and comfort for passengers traveling with their animal companions. By accommodating the needs of pet owners, American Airlines demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the travel experience for all passengers. As more people choose to travel with their pets, such policy changes are likely to be well-received and appreciated by the traveling public.