When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Can my pet fly in the cabin on American Airlines? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on American Airlines? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for American Airlines? All your answers related to American Airlines pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
American Airlines is a major, pet-friendly airline flying the largest number of passengers of any other commercial airline. American has 10 hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington D.C. Layovers on American Airlines flights will likely occur in one of these hubs.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? No (Military on PSC Orders Only)
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is American Airlines based?
American Airlines is based out of Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in Texas. The other 10 American Airlines’ hubs are listed above. The best service offered by this airline will involve one of these hubs.
What countries does American Airlines fly to?
The list of countries served by American Airlines is too long to list here. They provide service to over 100 countries worldwide including countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, India, the Caribbean, North and South America including the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information in Route Restrictions below.
American Airlines Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in American Airline’s pet policy to travel in-cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required for a physical or medical disability.
Pets flown on American Airlines in the cabin
Small dogs and cats are permitted to fly in the cabin if they fit comfortably in an airline compliant pet carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you.
Reservations
Reservations for your pet can be made online, on the American Airlines app or contacting customer service.
Age requirements
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin.
Pet carrier requirements
Carrier measurements will vary depending on the aircraft serving the route. Soft-sided carriers are recommended. Maximum size for hard-sided carriers is 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimeters (length + width + height). Recommended size for soft-sided carriers is 18 x 11 x 11 inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters (length + width + height).
There is one pet permitted per passenger unless you are carrying a mother cat or dog with her unweaned litter.
Two pets of the same size and species (generally puppies, kittens or toy dogs) may be allowed in one pet carrier, provided there is adequate room in the carrier for them to stand up and turn around. The total weight of the pets and carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
- Have adequate ventilation on at least three sides (domestic US) or four sides (international)
The pet carrier will not count as a carry-on item according to new American Airlines regulations; however, a pet fee will be imposed (see Cost below).
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
No health certificate is required for pets traveling in the cabin on flights within the United States. Department of Transportation forms are required for service dogs.
Route restrictions
American does not permit pets to fly in the cabin on transatlantic or transpacific flights. Pets are permitted to fly in the cabin to most destinations in the United States (excluding Hawaii) and Canada, Mexico, Central America, Alaska, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Croix. Flights cannot be longer than 11 1/2 hours.
Pets traveling in the cabin are not allowed to or from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Uruguay, Venezuela, Hawaii or EU countries. Service/assistance dogs only are allowed in the cabin on flights to Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Aircraft Restrictions
Carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business Class on the following aircraft: 757-L, 757-EW, 767, 777-200, 777-300, 787-8, 787-9, Airbus A330-200 or A330-300.
Check in
You will check in at the passenger counter as animals are not checked in at curbside. A fee will be collected at the time of check in.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Cost
The fee for flying your small dog or cat in the cabin will be $150 USD. You must check in at the passenger counter as animals are not checked in at curbside. There is no charge for documented service dogs.
Service dog pet policy
Only trained service animals can fly in the cabin and you will need to complete and submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation form before your trip. If you are traveling with an animal that does not qualify as trained service dog, it may be transported as a regular pet
American Airlines Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, or it is a pet other than a cat or dog, it will be transported as checked baggage on American Airlines if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
At the current time, American Airlines is offering checked baggage service for live animals only for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders.
Pets flown on American Airlines as checked baggage
Larger dogs and cats. Birds are not permitted. Flight must be less than 12 hours. Up to two pets per passenger may travel as checked baggage under active military orders.
Age requirements
Reservations
Reservations for your pet can be made online, on the American Airlines app or contacting customer service.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
Live animals will not be transported in the cargo hold of the following aircraft: Airbus 319, Airbus 320, Airbus 321, Airbus 321S and Airbus 321H. Live animals are not transported on Air Wisconsin.
Pets traveling to Hawaii may travel as checked baggage through Honolulu. Pets traveling to the United Kingdom must fly as air cargo. Checked baggage service is not offered on flights to Japan.
Temperature Restrictions
Checked pets cannot travel to/through/from Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas or Palm Springs from May 1 – September 30. For more information, see TEMPERATURE RESTRICTIONS.
Forms Required
A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
When flying as checked baggage, you will check in your dog, cat not more than 4 hours ahead of flight time at the passenger ticket counter at which time you will pay the fee for transport. Pet owners are encouraged to check in early as the number of pets per flight is limited and on a first come-first served basis. There is a maximum of 2 pets per passenger permitted to travel as checked baggage.
Cost
American Airlines charges a flat fee of $200 ($150 for travel to or from Brazil) for larger dogs and cats flying as accompanied checked baggage.
American Airlines Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown on American Airlines as air cargo
American Airlines will ship warm blooded animals such as dogs, cats, birds, primates and some other animals. Cold-blooded animals must be packaged in accordance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations and must include heat or cold packs, as needed. American Cargo will not ship dangerous or offensive dogs or other animals, unhealthy animals or pets that will be banned by the country of destination. No venomous snakes or lizards will be transported.
Reservations
Reservations for your pet must be made with American Airlines Cargo services between one and ten days of departure.
Age requirements
Minimum age for transport is 15 weeks.
Pet crate requirements
Maximum size crate: max 63″ high on B767, B777 and B787. 40″ high on B757 and 28″ high on B737 and A330 aircraft. All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Maximum crate height:
- A321T aircraft is 46″ (117 cm).
- B737-800 is 28″ (71.12 cm)
- B777-200 / 300 is 40 inches / 101.6 cm
- B787-800 / 900 is 40 inches / 101.6 cm
A maximum of two puppies or kittens are permitted per kennel as long as both animals are less than 20 pounds (9 kg.) and under six months old.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Route or aircraft restrictions
For the safety of your pet, American Airlines will not transport animals on the following aircraft types: Airbus 319, 320, 321, 321E, 321H, 321S, 321X, 32Q and 32B, excluding New York JFK to/from LAX and San Francisco (SFO). Tropical fish, lobsters and other “aquatics” are accepted across our entire fleet.
Temperature Restrictions
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Between May 1 and September 30, live animals will not be permitted in the cargo hold on flights to, from or transiting Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and Palm Springs due to summer temperatures.
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets. Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Forms Required
A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. Also required will be a breed verification form and acknowledgment form for conditions of cargo pet travel. Acclimation certificates are required during periods of temperature less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet will be checked in at the American Airlines cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.
Cost
The cost to fly your pet as air cargo on American Airlines will depend on your pet’s size, size of crate and route. Payment is made at check in.
Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. American Airlines requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
Breeds Banned by American Airlines
American Airlines bans breeds due to their snub-nosed (brachycephalic) characteristics or aggressive natures. A breed verification form will be required for all dogs and cats flying American Airlines in the cargo hold, whether as checked baggage or air cargo.
The following breeds or their mixes will not be permitted to fly as checked baggage:
Affenpinscher, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all breeds), Pekingese, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Pug (all breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel.
Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian
The following breeds and their mixes will not be permitted to fly as air cargo on American Airlines:
Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer (All breeds), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (All breeds), Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (All breeds), Pekingese, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Pug (All breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel.
Cats: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
The information published here is a guideline for American Airline pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following American Airlines pet policy.
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