Chicago:
American Airlines has recently implemented a significant change in its pet policy, making it more convenient for passengers to travel with their pets by air.
As per a report by the Associated Press (AP), American Airlines now permits passengers to bring their pets along with a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin,
offering some relaxation in the policy.
This move aims to address the concerns of passengers who found the previous policy burdensome,
especially regarding the treatment of pets as carry-ons despite hefty extra charges.
Previous Policy:
Before this change, passengers traveling with pets in the cabin were required to pay a fee of $150 (approximately Rs 12,500).
Pets were expected to fit under the seat as another small item.
If the pet and its carrier exceeded this size limit, passengers had to carry a separate carry-on bag with wheels,
incurring an additional fee of $35 (about Rs 2,900), or opt to transport the pet in the cargo hold.
New Policy Implementation:
Effective from Thursday, the new policy allows passengers to bring their pets onboard without being considered as carry-on items, thus eliminating the need for extra charges associated with carrying pets.
This change is expected to provide relief to pet owners and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
Travel Blogger’s Perspective:
Travel blogger Gary Leff shed light on this policy change, recounting his past experiences.
He mentioned instances where despite paying a considerable fee for their pets, they were still considered as carry-on items, leading to additional charges.
With the new rules in place, Gary believes that travelers will no longer need to justify their pets as service animals to avoid purchasing tickets for them.
This update in American Airlines’ pet policy reflects the airline’s commitment to improving customer satisfaction and ensuring a smoother travel experience for all passengers, including those traveling with pets.
