Summary
- Passengers can now bring a pet onboard with a standard carry-on or a personal item, not both.
- Previously, pet owners had limited baggage options, dealing with a $35 fee for additional items.
- Service animals can fly for free if they meet the necessary criteria and can assist individuals with disabilities.
American Airlines has reportedly updated its onboard pet policy. According to the revised policy, American Airlines now permits passengers to bring an animal companion and a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin.
What has changed?
As per its revised pet policy, the Dallas-based carrier will now permit passengers to bring a pet into the cabin along with either a standard carry-on bag (that meets requirements and fits in the overhead bin) or a personal item, but not both.
Previously, passengers bringing a pet into the cabin were limited to one additional small item that could fit under the seat. Any more oversized items, such as a wheeled carry-on bag, had to be checked for a fee of $35, according to a report by CBS News. Alternatively, they had the option to place the pet in the cargo hold.
Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock
According to the report, the previous policy seemed unfair to certain pet owners who were already paying a pet fee.
Fees
The ability to travel with an animal varies based on its breed and size. It can either accompany you as a carry-on or be transported via American Airlines Cargo. Carry-on pets are restricted to cats and dogs that fulfill size, age, and destination criteria. Naturally, there is a cost associated with traveling with an animal. Below, find the table below of the airline’s charges for this service:
|
Service |
Region |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Checked pet for Active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel only |
Within and between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean, Europe and from the United Kingdom |
$200 per kennel $150 to/from Brazil |
|
Cargo pets |
Varies |
Varies, fees will be confirmed at time of booking |
|
Carry-on pets |
Within and between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean (based on a specific country’s entry policy) |
$150 per kennel |
|
Service animals |
All destinations |
No charge |
If you choose to bring your pet onboard in the cabin, it must remain in the pet carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire duration of the flight.
Service animals
While this has not changed in the revised pet policy, it is worth noting that fully-trained service dogs can fly in the cabin at no cost as long as they meet the necessary criteria. Here is how American Airlines defines a service animal:
“A service animal is defined as a dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.”
Photo: American Airlines
Service dogs are commonly seen accompanying passengers who have visual impairments, deafness, seizures, mobility impairments, or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the airline specifies that service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals will be treated as pets rather than service animals. Consequently, all relevant requirements and fees will be applicable.
The Ins & Outs Of Flying With Service Dogs
Your four-legged companion will have minimal issues getting onboard.
What are your thoughts on this renewed pet policy? Have you ever traveled with an animal on an American Airlines flight? Let us know in the comments section below.
