airlines welcome small pets, tucked away in their carriers and sharing your legroom, but American Airlines is venturing a step further with a first-of-its-kind "pet cabin."
Flying with your pet is about to get somewhat less stressful: American Airlines has just announced the creation of pet cabins, where pet owners may easily secure a carrier, with a pup or cat inside, for a more comfortable transcontinental flight.
There are two cabins per plane in first class only, each accommodating one four-legged flyer, on select flights between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX), and JFK and San Francisco (SFO). Though your dog might not get peanuts or free movies, having a cabin all to himself means that he won't have to sit next to a guy who won't stop talking, so it's a pretty good deal.
Each cabin is large enough to comfortably accommodate a carrier, to a maximum of 19 by 13 by nine inches if hard-sided, or a little larger if soft-sided. AA's official page on pet travel has more information regarding restrictions on breeds, weights, and other guidelines. Things that are not included: blankies, your cat's favorite toy, and doggie Xanax. You also can't bring any snakes on the plane. (Yet.)
