American Airlines is relaxing its pet policy and making it cheaper to fly with furry friends
Paws overpaying for pets on planes.
American Airlines is relaxing its policy for passengers who travel with pets.
The airline is now letting passengers bring both a pet and a regular carry-on bag or personal item into the cabin.
Under the new policy, pet carriers will no longer be counted as carry-on bags, meaning travelers may be allowed to board the plane with their precious pet cargo plus an additional piece for just the $150 pet fee, the Associated Press reported.
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Previously, passengers who boarded with a pet were allowed only one additional personal item — a bag small enough to fit under the seat — for the $150, then asked to pay an additional $35 for checking carry-on luggage.
However, customers with pets are still prohibited from bringing more than two pieces on the plane, including the pet carrier.
Carry-on pets are dependent on breed and size and are limited to cats and dogs that meet the requirements, per the policy. Pets can also be put in American Airlines cargo.
“We made the change to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience to customers whose pets fly American,” a spokeswoman for American told the AP.
The updated pet policy comes shortly after the airline announced they’re raising the cost of checking bags.
Now, checking a bag on a domestic flight on American Airlines will rise from $30 to $35 online and $40 if purchased at the airport. The fee for a second checked bag will rise from $40 to $45 both online and at the airport.
