FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — American Airlines is relaxing part of its pet policy to let owners bring their pet and a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin.
Until this week, individuals who brought a pet into the cabin — and paid a $150 fee — could only carry one other small item that fits under the seat.
Anything larger, such as a carry-on bag with wheels, had to be checked for a $35 fee, or the pet could be placed in the cargo hold.
Now, American is allowing passengers to bring a pet in the cabin along with a regular carry-on bag or a personal item, but not both bags.
The previous policy appeared unfair to some pet owners, as they were already paying a pet fee.
Gary Leff, a travel blogger who first reported on the change, remembered flying years ago with a Yorkshire terrier.
“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,” he said on Friday.
Leff believes that American’s change will lessen the incentive for travelers to falsely claim that their pet is a service animal that flies for free.
An American spokeswoman confirmed that the rule change took effect on Thursday. She was unable to provide an explanation because the airline’s corporate offices were closed for Good Friday, and decision-makers were not available.
