Originally Posted by
cepheid
Yup, one of the only ways US beats UA, who now charge $175 (!!!) each way.
I'll disagree with that one... pet carriers are much bigger than any "personal item" would be. Mine are barely smaller than my rollaboard. Also, USAir's website says that pet carriers count towards the carry-on allowance... they do not state that it counts as a personal item, nor would I expect them to.
You might get away with the carrier as a personal item, but I wouldn't count on it or risk it; you're safer just checking your luggage and taking a purse. It will also be more convenient because lugging both a carrier and a carry-on is a major pain. (I know from experience.)
I'm just judging from combinations of bags that I've seen getting on the airplanes. I also stated US's carry on allowance in my previous post that the carrier would count towards it; however, US doesn't state that it is classified as your main carry on (with max dimensions of 45") or your personal item. The idea behind the carry on policy is that you will put your larger carry on in the overhead and your personal item under the seat. Since the pet carrier does fit under the seat I personally think they would count it as your personal item. Several of the "personal items" that come down the jetway are at least the size of a pet carrier if not bigger. Carry on baggage has gotten way out of hand, but that's a whole new thread in itself.
If I see someone with a rollerboard and a pet carrier I will usually cut them some slack because they've already paid pet fees and I don't feel like they should be slapped with additional baggage fees on top of it.
I again suggest that the OP check with US directly to see if there is any distinction and as always, YMMV.