Passenger shares experience of dog's first flight on American Airlines

For years, airline passengers have faced choices when traveling with pets: paying an in-cabin fee for small dogs or cats that must fit under the seat and count as a carry-on bag or claiming an emotional support animal status to avoid fees and restrictions. This loophole allowed various animals, including horses, to travel without being confined to carriers.

Before the pandemic, new regulations were introduced by the FAA in collaboration with airlines to limit domestic pet travel primarily to legitimate service animals. These regulations require passengers to fill out paperwork in advance, which has reduced some abuses of the system. While service animals are trained working animals rather than pets for emotional support, filling out paperwork can still allow individuals to bring their animals into first class.