American Airlines Adjusts Pet and Carry-On Policy

Passengers can now bring a pet and a full-size carry-on, easing previous restrictions.

American Airlines now allows passengers to bring both a pet and a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin.
The previous policy only permitted a pet and one small item under the seat, with larger carry-on items requiring a check-in fee.
The change is aimed at making travel more convenient for pet owners, who previously paid a $150 pet fee.
Travel blogger Gary Leff believes the new policy may reduce false claims of service animals to bypass carry-on restrictions.
Other major U.S. airlines have varying policies regarding pets as carry-ons, with many counting pet carriers as carry-on luggage.