Planning to go on a trip with your furry friend on American Airlines, but doesn’t know the rules. Don’t fear, we're here. Before traveling, it is important to understand all the basic rules of American Airlines' pet policy. It helps the travelers to understand the pet carrier size, various carry-on and checked pet rules.
The airline makes every possible effort to make your travel experience easy and comfortable with pets. Through this informational blog, we will explore important regulations, charges, restrictions, and carry-on & checked pet rules. Let’s elevate your travel experience with pets on American Airlines.
What are the Rules of American Airlines ' pet policy?
American Airlines allowed the pet travel inside the cabin as well as in the cargo. It stated all their policies in a very clear and concise way. Similarly, American Airlines' pet policy is not that complex. Below are all the regulations given:
- Travelers can take their pets in the cabin only.
- Larger pets are allowed to travel in the cargo by following the different regulations.
- Some destinations restrict pet travel.
- So travelers need to read all the restrictions before heading to the airport.
- Pets cannot fly in the ordinary pet carrier; they have to follow different kennel rules for carrying their loved ones.
- Animals with an aggressive nature are not allowed inside the cabin.
- Only cats and dogs are allowed on the AA flight.
- The pet must stay inside the carrier throughout the journey.
- Checked pets are only available for military personnel and State Department Travel.
- General people are not allowed to take the checked pets.
- For the service animals, passengers have to follow different regulations. They can carry them free of cost inside the cabin.
- A pet cannot travel inside the cargo on a long-haul flight for more than 12 hours.
- Your pet’s age must not be below 8 weeks.
What are the Steps to Add your Pet Slot?
In the American Airlines pet travel policy, passengers can add their pet slots while booking. But for this, they have to follow some basic steps. Those steps are as follows:
- The first step is to buy the passenger ticket for your own. Before taking the flight, always check your pet’s eligibility for traveling.
- After that, make a call to the customer care number.
- Tell the representative that you want to add a pet.
- Provide your flight details to the agent.
- Then, provide all your necessary details of the pet to the representative. Kike your pet’s age, height, weight, including the kennel, your travel itinerary, or any layovers.
- After processing your request, you have to visit the check-in counter.
- Then pay the extra charges if applicable.
What are the Regulations for pets in Baggage?
Different rules for carry-on and checked pets are as follows:
Carry-on Pet:
- Carry-on pets can be transported to the cargo, depending on their size and breed.
- Animals are limited to the dogs and cats inside the cabin as carry-on.
- As per the American Airlines carry on pet policy, passengers can bring one pet carrier if:
- The fees have been paid.
- Your pet must remain inside the carrier which you need to keep under your seat during the whole flight.
- The passenger is allowed to bring one extra item with them which can be a small purse or a handbag along with their pet carrier.
- At the check-in counter your pet strollers must be checked.
- For the above, checked baggage fees must be applied.
Checked Pets Rules:
- These pets are only allowed with active duty military personnel and the State Department Foreign Service officers.
- According to the American Airlines cabin pet policy, 2 checked pets are allowed per passenger.
- They must meet the minimum health and age requirements.
- Checked pets must be accepted on a first-come basis.
- Your pet check-in must be completed within 2 hours, and not more than 4 hours before the flight departs.
- Before check-in your pet must be verified by the agent.
- Cats and dogs of the same species must be carried as checked pets.
Those pets who doesn’t qualify as carry-on or checked pets must be carried in the cargo offered by the American PetEmbark®.
Kennel Size Regulations:
|
Carrier Type |
Aircraft Type |
Max Dimensions (L × W × H) |
|---|---|---|
|
Soft-Sided |
All flights |
18 × 11 × 11 inches |
|
Hard-Sided |
American Mainline flights |
19 × 13 × 9 inches |
|
Hard-Sided |
American Eagle flights |
16 × 12 × 8 inches |
- The kennel must have sufficient space for the pets to stand and sit.
- The maximum size for non-collapsible kennels must match the specified dimensions.
- Soft-sided collapsible kennels are permitted but they must be installed underneath the seat.
- The maximum weight for your kennel must stay below 100lbs/45 kgs.
- Your carrier must be constructed using wood and metal and plastic materials.
- The carrier needs to be leak-proof and breathable.
Why is American Airlines the best for your pet travel?
The airlines provide a comfortable and safe environment for your pet's travel. It is one of the best airline choices by the traveler. Below are some more reasons why AA is the best choice for pet travel:
- The airline follows the safety-first approach. Each pet follows the safety measures set by the airlines.
- American Airlines follows the pet-friendly facilities. They provide private pet areas at the airport.
- Flight attendants are so helpful and friendly. They also help the travelers in filling out the pet form.
- Your pet will get the full cabin comfort with American Airlines.
- The airlines have a clear and consistent pet policy regulation, which can be easily understood by the traveler.
What is the American Airlines Pet Policy Cost?
Pet policy cost depends on the types of services and the destination chosen. The charges are non-refundable. Below is the list of charges given:
|
Service |
Region |
Fee |
|---|---|---|
|
Checked pet (Military only) |
U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central & South America, Caribbean, Europe, UK |
$200 per kennel ($150 to/from Brazil) |
|
Cargo Pet |
Varies |
Varies (confirmed at booking) |
|
Carry-on Pet |
U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean |
$150 per kennel |
|
Service Animals |
All destinations |
No charge |
Rules for Traveling with Service Animals
Service animals are those animals that are trained individually to do work and perform tasks individually. They are well-qualified according to the people with some disability and illnesses.
- Fully-trained service animals are allowed in the cabin with no extra cost.
- Team members of the airlines verify whether your dogs are service animals or not by asking some common questions.
- A service dog was trained to perform the tasks for a person with:
- Visual impairment
- Hearing loss
- Mobility limitations
- Seizure disorders
- PTSD or psychiatric disabilities
- Not Considered Service Animals
- Emotional support animals
- Comfort animals
- Service animals in training
Various Forms Required for Service Animals:
For traveling with service animals, passengers need to fill out certain forms that are mentioned below:
- DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
This helps to confirm training, behavior, and health.
American Airlines follows U.S. DOT rules for service animals.
- DOT Relief Attestation Form (for flights 8+ hours)
Ensures the dog can relieve itself hygienically.
- CDC Dog Import Form
Required for entering the U.S.
Submit these 48 hours before travel or bring them to the airport.
Once approved, you receive an SVAN ID valid for one year.
Behavior Requirements:
Service dogs are allowed to:
- Your pet must be harnessed properly during the flight hours.
- They must behave well with other passengers.
- Your animals must fit under the seats, in your laps, and in front of your seats.
Those animals are not allowed:
- Who are aggressive.
- Bite others
- Growl
- Jump on the other passengers
- Disturbs the safety of the other passengers
Destinations that Restrict the Service Animals
In American Airlines' international pet policy, some destinations require approval for carrying pets, which are:
- Hawaii
- London, England (LHR)
- Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI)
- Ireland
- India (NOC required)
- Japan
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Hong Kong
- Georgetown, Guyana
- St Vincent and Grenadines
What are the Limitations Applied while traveling with Pets?
Some of the restrictions while traveling with pets are as follows:
Breed Restrictions
- Some breeds are more affected by the listed challenges because they are more susceptible to dental damage than others, or exhale harder and with more intensity than the other variants.
- Breeds historically associated with unsafe behaviour in confined spaces are banned regardless of training.
Mixed Breeds
- A vet must identify the predominant breed.
- Aircraft Restrictions
- Not all aircraft are safe for animal transport.
- Pets cannot travel on many Airbus 319/320/321 variants — except certain transcontinental routes.
- The American restricts pet travel on aircraft that lack proper ventilation or heating in the cargo hold.
Cargo Travel: American PetEmbark®
When a pet is too large for the cabin and the owner is not military personnel, the only option is cargo.
- Used for domestic and international travel
- Accepts pets up to 100+ lbs with a kennel
- Provides comfort stops during long layovers
- Offers a money-back guarantee if AA fails to transport due to controllable conditions
- Cargo Requirements
- Approved kennel (IATA standards)
Temperature Certificate:
American Airlines follows temperature rules to protect pets from heat or cold stress.
- Animals are forbidden to go to any zones where the temperatures are below 20°F or above 85°F.
- If the temperature is in the range of 20 to 44°F, obtain a letter for acclimatisation.
- Your vet must specify the lowest safe temperature your pet can tolerate.
- Americans use real-time system forecasts at drop-off, departure, connections, and arrival.
Final Thoughts:
We hope that through this blog, you will understand the American Airlines pet policy regulations. It helps the pet parents to travel with comfort. Travelers need to know all requirements, which include carrier size and service animal rules, because they must be ready for their journey. The airline regulations need to be followed by travelers who should prepare their travel plans, which will create a safe environment for pets and help them avoid urgent problems. The proper preparation process helps people experience simple and enjoyable pet travel through air travel.
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