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American Airlines is a pet-friendly air carrier that allows passengers to fly with animals, including pets, emotional support animals (ESAs), and service animals.
Pets and ESAs are covered under the American Airlines flying with pets policy and are subject to breed, pet carrier, and size restrictions. Service animals are exempt from the AA pet policy.
US-based air carriers are compliant with regulations from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). According to these rules, service animals fly free of charge and do not have to be confined in pet carriers.
Emotional support animals, on the other hand, are no longer covered by the ACAA and are not accepted as service animals. Now, ESAs fly as regular pets. ESA owners must follow the American Airlines traveling with pets guidelines and pay the necessary fees.
Always familiarize yourself with the American Airlines pet travel policies before making plans and booking flights.
To add a pet to an American Airlines flight, find your trip on aa.com or the American app and go to the “Special Services” or “Additional Services” tab, then select “Add carry-on pets”. Finish the process by reviewing and agreeing to the terms and conditions. Call American Airlines customer service line if you have any questions or difficulties to add your pet to your flight.
What is American Airlines Pet Policy?
American Airlines pet policy is a set of rules regulating pet travel with the air carrier. AA is one of the best US-based, pet-friendly airlines. American pet policy allows passengers to travel with small dogs and cats as carry-on pets in the cabin or with larger pets as checked baggage in the cargo compartment. All animals must meet the American Airlines travel with pets requirements, including being in pet carriers during the entire flight. The pet carriers are of specific dimensions and must fit beneath the seats. Breed, weight, size, and weather restrictions apply to pets traveling with AA. The restrictions are also applicable to emotional support animals, but not service animals.
In accordance with the updated DOT and ACAA policies, American is among the airlines that allow ESAs*, but considers them pets. This means that emotional support animals must comply with AA pet regulations.
What Types of Pets does American Airlines Pet Policy Allow?
American Airlines Pet Policy allows dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are the only types of pets permitted to travel in the cabin as long as they meet specific size, age, and destination criteria.
American Airlines Cargo is less strict and allows pets other than dogs and cats to be checked in and travel as cargo. However, the specifics vary by species, and for more information, it is best to email PetEmbark@aa.com. To minimize the risk of health complications, brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Pekingese dogs, and Persian cats are not permitted to fly in the cargo compartment. Various types of pitbulls and pitbull mix are also denied.
The American Airlines dog policy states that dogs must be eight weeks old for domestic flights and six months old for international flights. Cats must be at least eight weeks old, according to the American Airlines cat policy.
What Are the Requirements for Traveling Internationally with Pets on American Airlines?
The requirements for traveling with pets internationally with American Airlines are listed below.
- Health Certificate: The American Airlines international pet policy states that a health certificate is mandatory. An official veterinarian writes a good health certificate for the pet that attests the animal is fit to travel. The certificate needs to be issued within a specific time period from the trip (typically 10 days)
- Rabies Certificate: A rabies certificate is required for international travel. The document is issued by a veterinarian and confirms the pet is up to date on rabies vaccinations.
- Country-Specific Requirements: Many destinations have unique requirements that do not fall under the general AA pet policy. It is best to contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country and confirm the specific entry procedures.
- Proper Pet Carrier: Under the American Airlines pet policy for international travel, pet carriers must be properly ventilated, escape-proof, well-padded, and made of non-leak materials.
- Early Reservation: It is essential to book your pet’s travel in advance to ensure there is sufficient space available. AA recommends contacting reservations at least 48 hours before travel.
Does American Airlines Restrict Pet Travel to Specific Destinations?
Yes, American Airlines restricts pet travel to specific destinations. Due to the destination’s rules and regulations, AA does not allow in-cabin pet travel on transatlantic and transpacific flights, to and from Hawaii and EU countries, and to and from South American countries such as Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.
Pets are generally allowed in the cabin on flights lasting up to 12 hours, to and from locations in the US, Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.
Does American Airlines Require a Health Certificate for Pets?
Yes, American Airlines requires a health certificate for pets. Health certificates are not needed for most domestic flights. However, an American Airlines pet health certificate is required for international flights and for checked pets traveling by cargo.
The health certificate is an official document that contains the pet’s information and confirms its health. An official veterinarian must write and sign the certificate within 10 days of the travel date and 60 days of the return date (if traveling on the same ticket) or within 10 days of the return date (if traveling on a separate ticket). American Airlines Cargo accepts electronic certificates if they are correctly written and contain the veterinarian professional number license.
How much does American Airlines Charge per Pet?
American Airlines charges $150 or more per pet. The American Airlines pet price varies based on the travel arrangement. American Airlines pet in-cabin fee is $150 per pet carrier and includes travel within and between the US and Canada, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
For checked pets, the American Airlines pet cargo cost is non-fixed and depends on the size of the pet and the trip’s details. The AA’s fee for checked pets of active-duty US Military and State Department personnel is $200 per kennel to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe, or $150 to and from Brazil.
American Airlines pet fee rates are non-refundable and they are charged per kennel. An additional AA pet fee may apply to trips including voluntary layovers and connections of more than four hours.
What is the In-Cabin Pet Policy for American Airlines?
The in-cabin pet policy for American Airlines allows small dogs and cats to fly with their owners as long as they are in suitable carriers. The carriers must accommodate the pets comfortably, but fit beneath the seat in front of their owner. The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.
Cats and dogs are the only two species allowed to be included as carry-ons. American Airlines pet in-cabin policy states that they must be at least eight weeks old to fly in the cabin on domestic flights. Two pets of the same species and similar weight and size are allowed to travel in the same carrier.
AA restricts the number of pets per flight. Mainline flights accept up to seven pets, and American Eagle flights allow five pets.
Always make pet travel bookings in advance, since, according to the American Airlines in-cabin pet policy, reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
American Airlines allows passengers to bring a personal item or a standard carry-on bag in addition to the pet carrier. The additional bag must fit in the overhead bin.
What is American Airlines Pet Carrier Size Policy?
The American Airlines pet carrier size policy requires that pet carriers be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, while still allowing your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Only small pets that meet this size requirement are allowed to travel in the cabin.
American Airlines accepts both soft-sided and hard-sided pet carriers, though it recommends soft-sided carriers for better flexibility during travel.
The Approved American Airlines Pet Carrier Dimensions are as follows:
- Soft-sided carrier: Maximum 18″ x 11″ x 11″
- Hard-sided carrier (American Airlines Mainline): Maximum 19″ x 13″ x 9″
- Hard-sided carrier (American Eagle flights): Maximum 16″ x 12″ x 8″
These American Airlines pet carrier dimensions apply to in-cabin travel only and must comply with under-seat storage limits on the specific aircraft type.
Due to these restrictions, the American Airlines dog carrier size typically allows only small or select medium-sized breeds to fly in-cabin. Larger pets must be transported via American Airlines Cargo, subject to separate guidelines.
Is there a Pet Weight Limit for In-Cabin Travel with American Airlines?
Yes, there is a pet weight limit for in-cabin travel with American Airlines. The American Airlines pet weight limit states that the total weight of the pet and its carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.
The 20-pound pet plus kennel weight limit applies to both soft-sided and hard-sided pet carriers. Pets exceeding the limit must use American Airlines Cargo services and be checked for travel in the cargo compartment.
Can you Bring more than One Pet In-Cabin under American Airlines’ Pet Policy?
Yes, you can bring more than one pet in-cabin under American Airlines’ Pet Policy. AA allows passengers to travel with up to two pets in the cabin. The sole requirement is that they meet the necessary criteria for flying in the same pet carrier.
American Airlines permits two pets to travel in the same carrier if they are of the same species, similar in size, weigh no more than 20 pounds individually, and are aged between eight weeks and six months. Other pets must travel inside individual carriers.
AA also limits the total number of pet carriers per flight, allowing seven kennels per flight, while American Eagle flights accept five carriers. Booking in advance is important since pet travel reservations with AA are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Does American Airlines’ Pet Policy Allow Pets to Fly in Cargo?
American Airlines pet cargo policy permits eligible pets to fly through its specialized service, American PetEmbark, managed by American Airlines Cargo. While AA cargo pets are only accepted as checked baggage for active-duty U.S. Military and State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders, most pets flying in cargo—primarily dogs and cats—must be booked separately.
Other species may be allowed under specific conditions, but certain breeds like brachycephalic dogs (e.g., Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pugs) and Pit Bulls are restricted. The policy is also subject to weather-related embargoes, particularly in warmer months, to ensure pet safety. All bookings must be completed up to 10 days before departure via the American Airlines Cargo website, or by phone within 10 days of travel. Pets must be healthy, accompanied by a health certificate, and secured in airline-approved carriers. The American Airlines pet cargo cost varies based on the size of the pet and carrier, so contacting the airline for a quote is recommended. For more details and resources on American Airlines pets in cargo, visit the PetEmbark section on the AA website, or call the company at 800-227-4622.
Are there Temperature or Weather Restrictions for Cargo Pet Travel with American Airlines?
Yes, there are temperature or weather restrictions for cargo pet travel with American Airlines. AA allows shipping pets when the temperature is between 45°F and 85°F.
American Airlines Cargo does not accept warm-blooded pets to travel from, to, or through any airport with ground temperatures forecasted to be lower than 20°F or higher than 85°F.
If the temperature change occurs prior to travel, the 24/7 Animal Help Desk will contact the pet owner and discuss rebooking. If the temperature becomes unsafe during travel, AA will take the pet to a local kennel facility (at no charge) until the temperature returns to normal.
American Airlines puts an embargo on the hottest cities in the US. AA does not ship pets from, to, and through Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS); Phoenix, Arizona (PHX); Palm Springs, California (PSP); and Tucson, Arizona (TUS), from May 1 through September 30.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed on American Airlines?
No, emotional support animals are not allowed on American Airlines. AA no longer recognizes ESAs as service animals. ESAs flying with American Airlines are considered regular pets and are subject to pet fees and restrictions. The Department of Transportation (DOT) changed its policy in 2021, updating the ESA designation. The update was made due to frequent misuse of the ESA status and potential safety concerns. With no unique American Airlines ESA policy, emotional support animals traveling with AA must comply with the company’s general pet policies.
What is American Airlines Policy for Service Animals?
American Airlines policy for service animals allows fully trained service dogs to fly in the cabin, alongside their handlers. AA recognizes dogs and psychiatric service dogs that are over four months old as official service animals.
Service animals are exempt from the general AA pet policies. Flying with a service dog on American Airlines is free, and service dogs do not have to be confined in pet carriers.
Service animals, however, must fit in the space under the seat in front of the passenger feet. If the service dog is too large, AA offers options such as rebooking to a larger flight, traveling as a checked pet, or enabling the handler to purchase an additional seat.
According to the American Airlines service dog policy, service dogs must also behave properly and cannot endanger other passengers, block aisles, occupy seats, or eat from tray tables.
To travel with a service dog, the handler has to fill out the DOT’s forms, including the Service Animal Air Transportation Form. The American Airlines service animal policy mandates an additional DOT form, called the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form, for flights over eight hours long. The CDC Dog Import Form is necessary for dogs traveling to the US via American Airlines from other countries.
How to Add Service Animals to an American Airlines Flight?
The instructions on how to add service animals to an American Airlines flight are given below.
- Confirm Eligibility. Ensure your animal qualifies as an official service animal. AA only accepts fully trained dogs over the age of four months as service animals.
- Complete the DOT Forms. American Airlines service dog requirements include two DOT forms – the Service Animal Air Transportation Form and the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (only for flights longer than eight hours).
- Submit the Paperwork. Submit the completed forms and wait for approval. Once approved, you will get a service animal ID (SVAN ID) that you can add to the booking.
- Book the Flight. Make a reservation in accordance with your plans. You can use the SVAN ID for future bookings. The ID is valid for one year from the signature date or when the dog’s vaccination expires.
The service dog owner is responsible for their animal’s safety and behavior at all times. The dog must be tethered or harnessed and must not relieve itself on the plane or at the gate. The owner is obliged to have the completed DOT forms on hand.
Do you need to Notify American Airlines in Advance for Flying with a Service Dog?
Yes, you must notify American Airlines in advance if you’re traveling with a service dog. The airline requires passengers to complete and submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before departure. To ensure your service dog is accommodated on the flight, it’s best to add the animal to your reservation as early as possible. This helps guarantee a designated space for your service dog and ensures a smoother check-in and boarding experience.
Planning ahead is especially important on fully booked flights or when flying internationally, where space and documentation requirements may vary.
For flight reservations made within 48 hours of the travel, AA allows the form to be submitted at the airport. However, submitting and notifying in advance is still preferable.
Do Service Dogs Fly for Free under American Airlines Pet Policy?
Yes, service dogs fly for free under the American Airlines Pet Policy. Fully trained service dogs over four months old are exempt from AA’s pet fee. Under the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), US airlines are not allowed to charge service animal handlers their usual pet travel fees.
Are there Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs on American Airlines?
No, there are no breed restrictions for service dogs on American Airlines. Any dog, regardless of breed, is accepted as a service animal as long as it is fully trained to complete specific tasks for a disabled individual. The Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits US-based airlines from banning and setting breed restrictions for service dogs.
Can you Bring more than One Service Dog on an American Airline Flight?
Yes, you can bring more than one service dog on an American Airlines flight. AA allows two service dogs per passenger. A size limitation, however, exists. The service dogs must be small enough to fit at their handler’s foot space, or on their lap. The presence of the two service dogs must not block the aisles or exits. If a service dog is too large to fit within a single seat footprint, the handler must purchase an additional seat or wait for a later flight with sufficient empty seats available.
Are there Size Restrictions for Flying with a Service Dog on American Airlines?
Yes, there are size restrictions for flying with a service dog on American Airlines. Service dogs must be small enough to fit at the passenger’s feet or their lap without obstructing the aisle or interfering with the personal space of other passengers. Service animals must not touch the seat, tray table, or other passengers.
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