American Airlines Pet Policy allows passengers to travel with their pets in-cabin when they purchase a separate seat for their animal. The airline also follows strict health and safety guidelines.
Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably on the floor at your feet or in the seat next to you. If a carrier is used, it must be designed for animals and meet certain specifications.
AA does not allow pets in the cabin during travel on its international flights.
American Airlines Pet Policy
American Airlines Pet Policy allows passengers to travel with their pets in-cabin when they purchase a separate seat for their animal. The airline also follows strict health and safety guidelines.
Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably on the floor at your feet or in the seat next to you. If a carrier is used, it must be designed for animals and meet certain specifications.
American Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin during travel on its international flights.
American Airlines Fees for Flying with Pets
AA allows you to bring one pet in the cabin and one in the cargo hold. The total combined weight of your pets cannot exceed 25 pounds.
The maximum height of your pet is set at 15 inches or less, and the maximum length is set at 36 inches or less. If you have any questions about what kind of animal you can bring with you, please contact American Airlines directly for further information.
American Airlines does not allow any animals that are considered dangerous or exotic to travel on flights operated by American Airlines. These include but are not limited to:
- Alpacas
- Camels
- Chinchillas (domestic)
- Coyotes
- Ferrets (domestic)
- Hyenas (domestic)
American Airlines has a policy of accepting all animals except ferrets, hedgehogs, and non-household birds. The following documentation is required:
- A pet reservation must be made in advance of travel. The carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds nor exceed 8 inches in height or length.
- Only one pet per passenger is allowed on flights to or from the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with the exception of flights to and from St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), where up to two pets are permitted per passenger in the cabin (not exceeding 20 pounds each). For travel between domestic cities within the U.S., American Airlines will accept up to two pets per passenger (not exceeding 20 pounds each). Pets may be transported in either the main cabin or cargo compartment; however, all pets must be transported in accordance with applicable laws and regulations regarding temperature restrictions for animals transported in cargo areas
American Airlines will allow you to bring your pet in the cabin if you purchase a seat for it. Pet fees vary based on the type of animal and where you're traveling, as detailed below:
Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old when traveling; puppies and kittens must be at least 16 weeks old. They must also be completely weaned from their mother's milk and well socialized.
Pets must be in an approved hard-sided or soft-sided carrier with an opening large enough for them to turn around comfortably. The carrier cannot exceed 20x10x10 inches (50x25x25 cm). American Airlines recommends that you purchase a carrier that is larger than what is required so that your pet can sit up and turn around easily while being transported by air.
Pets are not allowed to travel as checked baggage or cargo.
Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to travel, but no more than one year before travel (exceptions may apply). Your veterinarian will provide proof of vaccination when needed during check-in at the airport.
Types of Pets Allowed on American Airlines Flights
There are a number of pets that are allowed on American Airlines flights, and here's a list of them:
Dogs: Dogs must be less than 20 pounds, and they must ride in an approved kennel. The kennel must fit completely under the seat in front of you. If your dog is too big to fit under the seat, you'll need to check it as cargo.
Cats: Cats must be in carriers and owners can only bring one cat per flight. If your cat is too big for its carrier, it will have to be checked as cargo.
Small birds: These birds must be able to fit inside their cage without touching any part of it. Birds that are too big for their cages will have to be checked as cargo.
Rabbits: Rabbits can travel on most American Airlines flights but there are some restrictions regarding size, breed and age (see below).
The following types of pets are allowed to fly on American Airlines:
- - Cats, dogs, and rabbits (limit two per trip)
- - Birds (limit two per trip)
- - Small household pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs (limit three per trip)
American Airlines Pet Policies and fees vary according to the type of pet being transported.
American Airlines allows passengers to travel with their pets in the cabin, as checked baggage or as cargo. The airline requires that all pets be accompanied by a health certificate and meet other requirements for travel.
The American Airlines website lists the types of pets allowed on its flights, including dogs, cats, and birds. Other animals such as reptiles, insects, and ferrets are also permitted but have special requirements that must be met before they can fly.
Pet Passengers in the Cabin
In addition to small cats and dogs, American Airlines allows passengers to bring small household birds in the cabin on flights within the United States or between Hawaii and any other destination in North America; however, there is an additional fee for this privilege (around $125) which is charged per bird per flight segment). Pets must be less than 8 pounds (3 kilograms) at check-in (including carrier) and no more than 18 inches (45 centimeters) long without carrier.
All pets must remain inside their cages at all times while onboard the aircraft except when being walked outside by their owners during scheduled stops at stations along a flight route where there is enough time for them to use a restroom if needed
American Airlines Pet Reservations
If you're traveling with a pet, you'll need get American Airlines Pet Reservation in advance. Fortunately, American Airlines' customer service team can help you with your pet reservation.
You can check up to two dogs or cats, provided they are not too large. You'll also need to reserve a spot in advance. Make sure you check in your pet at least 48 hours before your flight.
This is to ensure that your pet will be allowed to board the plane, as you can't take them more than four hours before departure. If you're traveling with a small dog or cat, you'll want to make sure to give your pet plenty of time before departure.
Fortunately, American Airlines allows two pets to travel in a single airplane - one as a carry-on and one as cargo. Most airlines allow up to seven kennels per flight so that you can travel with more than one pet!
However, there are restrictions on which breeds can be brought onboard. While you're traveling with a pet, be sure to check the airline's rules about the size, weight, and breed of your pet before booking your flight.
American Airlines Pet in the Cabin
The American Airlines Pet in the Cabin program allows you to bring your pet on board with you.
When flying with your pet, you'll need to first purchase a ticket for your pet. You can either purchase the ticket at the same time as your own flight, or you can purchase them separately. If purchased separately, be sure to allow enough time for the airline to process the ticket and confirm it before your flight.
If your pet is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, they will be able to fly on board with their carrier stowed under the seat in front of them. However, if your pet is larger than this size limit, they will need to travel in cargo hold underneath the plane—in which case they will need a health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure.
Pet in the Cabin is available for domestic flights only and is subject to a $125 charge per segment (one way). Customers must meet eligibility requirements, which include:
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh less than 20 pounds;
- Pets must be able to fit comfortably in a soft-sided carrier or pet carrier;
- Customers must not travel with more than one pet;
- The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you; if the carrier does not fit under the seat in front of you, it will be considered oversized baggage and subject to applicable charges.
American Airlines Pets in Checked Baggage
Pets traveling in checked baggage must be at least 8 weeks old and have all their required vaccinations. They must also be in a carrier that meets the size requirements below.
A pet traveling in the cabin (in addition to any carry-on) will count as an additional pet, and the airline may require that you purchase an additional seat for your pet when booking a flight.
All pets must be accompanied by one of the following: a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel (signed by a licensed veterinarian), or a USDA form 7001 completed by a licensed veterinarian.
Travelers with pets will not be able to check in online or through the app until they have received confirmation from American Airlines about whether their pet qualifies for travel under our program guidelines.
American Airlines will allow the following pets in checked baggage:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Small household birds (including budgies and cockatiels)
Exotic animals such as reptiles, amphibians, and rodents will not be accepted for transport.
American Airlines is not responsible for the loss, injury or death of any animal transported in our aircraft's cargo holds.
American Airlines Pets Guidelines & Restrictions
If you're flying with your pet, you need to understand the airline's policies on pet carriage. Service animals, such as dogs or cats, will be allowed on board.
However, there are a few limitations. If you're traveling with an emotional support animal, you must make arrangements in advance.
Otherwise, you'll be denied boarding. For example, if you're flying with a dog, you can't bring it on the plane unless you're using the plane's emergency exit row.
You'll need to bring your pet's health certificate with you when you board the plane. While domestic flights don't require a health certificate, international flights require proof of rabies vaccination.
If you're traveling with your pet, you must check the airline's guidelines for the destination country before your flight. Currently, American Airlines will not accept any pets that are checked as carry-on baggage, although you can bring two animals per cabin. In addition, the combined weight of the kennel and the pets must not exceed 20 pounds.
If you're traveling with an emotional support animal, you'll need to make arrangements ahead of time. You'll need to ensure that your animal is properly trained and behaved. It also needs to be under your control and cannot occupy seats or tray tables.
It may be necessary to purchase a ticket for the animal or transport it as checked baggage.
NOTE: While American Airlines doesn't allow animals to travel in the cabin, they do allow animals that meet certain requirements.
American Airlines Pet Policy Tips and Tricks
American Airlines is one of the few airlines that allows you to take a pet on board, but their policy is very strict. Here are some tips and tricks for getting your pet on board safely and comfortably:
- Make sure your pet’s cage is the correct size. American Airlines requires that any animal traveling in the cabin be kept in a carrier with enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The airline also has specific requirements for the size of the carrier itself (see below).
- Make sure your pet’s paperwork is up to date. Your veterinarian will give you an official health certificate when they issue your pet’s rabies vaccination; American Airlines requires this certificate as proof that your pet is healthy enough to travel on a plane. If your vet doesn’t issue these certificates, ask if they can provide another type of proof of health instead (like a letter from them). Alternatively, if you can't get a letter or certificate from your vet, look into other options such as microchipping or blood tests instead.
- Make sure that all flight attendants know about your animal before boarding begins so they can prepare themselves for any special needs (such as taking care of an injured animal).
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old when they board their flight. American Airlines will not accept puppies younger than this age because they can't be vaccinated against distemper until they're at least 8 weeks old. You'll need to provide proof of vaccination against rabies within 14 days of flying with your dog or cat on American Airlines flights (other airlines may have different requirements).
