Achi news desk-
FORT WORTH, Texas –
American Airlines is relaxing part of its pet policy to let owners bring their companion and a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin.
Until this week, people carrying a pet into the cabin – which means paying a US$150 fee – could only get one more small item that fits under the seat.
Anything larger, such as a carry-on bag with wheels, required checking — for a US$35 fee. Or they could put the pet in the cargo hold.
Now American lets passengers bring a pet in the cabin and also bring a regular carry-on bag or a personal item — just not both bags.
The old policy hit some pet owners unfairly, as they were already paying a pet fee.
Gary Leff, a travel blogger who first wrote about the change, recalled traveling years ago with a Yorkshire terrier.
“It was always frustrating that the dog counted as the carry on even though I paid the extra (pet) fee which was sometimes more than the ticket for me,” he said on Friday.
Leff said he believes America’s change will reduce the urge for travelers to falsely claim their pet is a free-flying service animal.
A spokesperson for America confirmed that the rule change comes into effect on Thursday.
“We made the change to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience for customers whose pets fly American,” he said.
