American Airlines just made it easier and cheaper to bring pets on flights

• American Airlines updated its policy to make flying with pets easier.
• Now, flyers can board with a pet in addition to a carry-on bag or a personal item.

American Airlines has streamlined its policy for passengers traveling with pets.

The airline is now allowing passengers to bring pets inside the cabin alongside a regular carry-on bag or a personal item, according to the Associated Press. However, passengers can not bring both a carry-on bag and a personal item.

Previously, passengers who traveled with a pet could only bring one small item that fit beneath the seat in front of them, the outlet reported. Larger carry-on bags had to be checked for a $35 fee on top of the standard $150 pet fee.

Carry-on pets refer to cats or dogs that meet the specified requirements for age, size, and destination, according to its policy. Pets can also be placed in American Airlines cargo.

"We made the change to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience to customers whose pets fly American," an American Airlines representative told AP.

Representatives for American Airlines did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Business Insider.

The latest policy update comes after American Airlines announced in February it will raise checked bag fees. One checked bag used to cost $30, and the second was $40. Now, the first checked bag for domestic flights is $35, and the second is $45.

The airline also changed how customers earn frequent flyer miles and loyalty points.