American Airlines Revises Pet Travel Policy for More Flexibility

American Airlines has recently updated its cabin pet policy, allowing passengers to now bring both their pets and a full-size carry-on bag on board.

Previously, travelers carrying a pet into the cabin, which required a $150 fee, were only allowed an additional small item that had to fit under the seat. Larger items, such as carry-on luggage with wheels, incurred a $35 check-in fee, or the pet had to be placed in the cargo hold.

The new rules, effective last Thursday, permit passengers to carry one regular carry-on bag or a personal item along with their airline compliant pet carrier. This change addresses previous concerns from pet owners regarding the fairness of the policy, especially given the separate fee for pets. Gary Leff, a travel blogger, highlighted that previously, “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.”

The revised American Airlines pet policy also aims to reduce the likelihood of travelers falsely declaring their pets as service animals, which are allowed to fly free of charge and thus bypassing the limitation on carry-on bags.

Traveling with pets still necessitates meticulous planning. The number of pets allowed per cabin varies depending on the aircraft type and service class. For example, United Airlines permits up to two pets in Premium class and up to four in Economy on their Airbus 319, requiring all pets to be in a single pet carrier for airlines.

Other major U.S. airlines like Delta, Southwest, Alaska, and Frontier also allow onboard pets, generally treating airline complaint pet carriers as standard carry-on items, according to the American Kennel Club. It’s important for travelers to review specific airline policies, as well as those for connecting flights and international destinations, which may have their own unique restrictions.

For those planning to travel with their pets, ensuring their safety and comfort during the journey is crucial. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s website offers valuable guidance. Additionally, having an airline compliant pet carrier is essential. At ibiyaya, we provide a variety of high-quality options tailored to meet airline specifications and ensure your pet’s comfort.

This article first appeared on CBS News.