Traveling with pets isn’t always easy, but sometimes, it’s necessary — and it’s always worth it to have our furry friends by our side when we’re visiting new places. But when it comes to flying with a dog or a cat, a lot of different challenges present themselves. Not only can the extra costs add up, but flying with a pet carrier often means being able to bring fewer personal or carry on items on board with you. And we haven’t even started talking about the actual hassle and stress that comes with traveling with an animal to begin with!
Fortunately, one airline seems to be more than aware of those challenges that pet parents face while flying with their pups and kitties, and they’re making a change to help ease the process.
This update from an ABC News affiliate is going to be welcome news to travelers who frequently fly with their pets: American Airlines is making some major changes to their pet policy.
Until now, pet parents could only bring one other small personal item that fit under their seat — not a carry on-sized bag or suitcase, like other passengers are able to bring. That means that in addition to the $150 pet travel fee, they’d also have to pay $35 to check a bag. But thanks to the new policy, passengers are now able to bring a carry on with them on their flight, free of charge — just like everyone else.
This is awesome!
Flying with pets
Each individual airline is going to have a different policy when it comes to flying with pets, so it’s important to do a little research before booking your flight to make sure you’re going with the airline that will work best for you and your furry pal.
For example, Southwest Airlines requires that pets be kept in a carrier (which fits specific dimensions) on board, and travelers will be required to pay a pet fare.
On Delta Airlines, there are a lot of different (and very specific) rules and regulations that pet parents must follow while traveling, from the size of the kennel to the flights and even the types of planes that pets are allowed to travel on. Those traveling with a pet on Delta will also be subject to a $95 pet fee.
It won’t always be the same from airline to airline, and as we can see from American, these policies are always changing, so even seasoned travelers should always check before they fly.
And above all, make sure your pets get extra cuddles for being so brave. Flying can be scary, after all.
