American Spoils 4-Legged Flyers With Their Own First Class
Jackie Reddy August 14, 2015
First Class flyers aboard select American flights can now book their four-legged travel companions their own first-class experience.
They may have four legs, but that doesn’t mean pets shouldn’t have access to the same top-notch service as their two-legged owners. First-class flyers looking to pamper their furry friends the next time they travel will be pleased to know American Airlines has introduced exclusive pet cabins on select transcontinental flights.
Available exclusively aboard Airbus A321T the carrier flies from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), these cabins are designed to ensure security and comfort for passengers’ pets from takeoff to landing.
“With summer travel season in full swing, customers who like to fly with their small cat or dog can get a leg up when traveling with American Airlines’ First Class Pet Cabin,” American said in a statement.
The ventilated compartments are built to accommodate a single, hard-sided carrier no larger than 19″ x 13″ x 9″ or slightly larger soft-sided carrier, and the total weight of the carrier and pet should not exceed 20 pounds. Passengers who wish to use the pet cabins must purchase a ticket in First Class and pay a $125 carry-on fee. American’s carry-on pet policies and breed restrictions apply.
[Photos: American Airlines]
In 1100+ flights I have never once been bothered by a noisy animal in the cabin. Ask me how many times a crying baby or loud child has disturbed me on a flight; too many to count. Whatever image of a prima donna with her mini Chihuahua in a diamond crusted collar people have, it’s just that, an image. I travel with my dog in the cabin a couple times a year, sometimes in first, and I’m just your average Joe. Having been stationed overseas a couple times I have to lament the fact that the new lie-flat seats most airlines are using on long-hauls now usually prevent pax with cabin pets from flying in first or business class. I wish more carriers had an option like this in their premium cabins. Note that American is charging the same cabin pet price $125, as it does for pax on all other domestic flights, whether in first class or coach.
They've been offering this since the start of the A321T service. The compartments are in the first row of the first class cabin and they are booked frequently. It's no different than flying with a dog in a pet carrier under the seat in front of you. It' has more to do with the fact nothiing can be left on the floor of the transcontinental first class seat during take-off and landing. AA solved a safety issue and marketed it as a special feature.
Basically they are going to lock them in a cupboard for the flight? Looking at the image all they did was put a mesh vent on the door? Lol
Pandering to the Paris Hiltons of the world, no doubt.
First class just got that more luxurious with dogs yapping, peeing, and pooping and stinking up the cabin. Yep, a disaster waiting to happen.