American Airlines Pet Policy

Traveling on a flight with a pet can be both exciting and stressful for most pet parents. If a passenger is planning to travel with their furry friend, understanding the airline's pet policy can be a game-changer. However, passengers travelling with American Airlines can relax because the airline provides multiple options for their pets, but there are specific terms and conditions that passengers will have to adhere to.

Hence, this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the American Airlines pet policy, from carrying pets on American Airlines to in-cabin rules to cargo travel, booking procedures, and how to prepare your pet for the trip.

Can Pets Fly On American Airlines?

Yes, American Airlines allows pet travel on its aircraft, but there are some rules and restrictions that should be followed. The airline allows small pets to fly in the cabin, while larger animals may travel as cargo through American Airlines Cargo services. The availability of American Airlines pet travel depends on the aircraft type, flight duration, destination, and weather conditions.

Here are some of the key points that passengers should consider while planning to travel with their furry friends:

• Pets are not permitted on all routes or aircraft.
• Certain breeds of cats and dogs are restricted for safety reasons.
• Reservations for pets are limited per flight, so passengers should book as early as possible.
• International and long-haul routes may have additional restrictions due to government and import or export regulations.

American Airlines Pet Travel Options

As per the pet policy American Airlines, there are two major options for travelling with pets on American Airlines. The first option is carry-on pet travel, and the second one is checked pet travel.

1- Carry-On Pets

Passengers can bring one pet carrier with them on American Airlines. However, there are specific terms and conditions that should be considered, such as:

• Passengers will have to pay the carry on pet fee American Airlines.
• The pet should stay in the pet carrier and under the seat in front of the entire flight.
• Passengers can only bring one additional item on board with their pet.
• Carry on bag should meet the requirements and fit in the overhead bin.
• The pet strollers must be checked at the ticket counter, and all the checked bag fees will apply.
• The pet should be small enough to fit inside the closed or zipped carrier comfortably.
• Non-collapsible kennels must be under the dimension guidelines of American Airline pet in cabin policy.
• Soft sided collapsible kennels can be slightly larger, but they should fit under the seat without excessively collapsing the kennel. It has to be secured, padded, made with water repellent material, and have nylon mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides. 

Dimensions Of Carry-On Pet Carriers

2- Checked Pets

American Airlines only accepts checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel travelling on official orders. AA permits only two checked-in pets, and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements. 

However, there are specific terms and conditions that should be considered:

• Passengers will have to contact the representative at least 48 hours prior to travel.
• Official orders must be provided at the ticket counter during check-in.
• A healthcare certificate should be provided, issued by a vet within 10 days of your travel.

Dimensions For Checked Pets' Kennels On Different Aircraft

Pet Travel Requirements

American Airlines pet policy has some strict rules and regulations that each passenger will have to follow while travelling with their pets:

• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old. For international travel, some countries may require pets to be older.
• A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel is mandatory for cargo pets.
• Proof of up-to-date vaccinations is required, particularly rabies for dogs and cats.
• Snub-nosed breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats, and similar breeds are not accepted in cargo due to breathing risks.
• Passengers should follow the import permits, quarantine rules, and destination-specific regulations while traveling with their pets.
• Passengers can take only 2 cats or dogs inside a kennel if they are not more than 6 months old.

Pet Reservation & Booking Process

Passengers can follow the below mentioned steps to complete the booking process for their pets:

1- Adding A Carry-On Pet

Follow the steps to add a pet carry on American Airlines:

• Navigate to the official website or app of American Airlines
• Select the “Add carry-on pets” option in the additional services section.
• After that, review and agree the carry-on pet requirements.
• Select the desired flight you want to travel on with your pet.
• Lastly, confirm your carry-on pet to complete the process.

Note: After confirming your pet, make sure to recheck your airline ticket. If you find a misspelled name, don’t panic. Passengers can request a name change on American Airlines.

2- Adding A Checked Pet

When checking a pet, a passenger should have to:

• Contact American Airlines at least 48 hours prior to travel at 1-800-227-4622 or dial +1-800-633-0441 (24/7 Available Number) to talk with the consolidation desk for swift assistance.
• Provide your official orders and the healthcare certificate of the pet at the ticket counter.
• After confirming all the details, they will allow the pet to travel as a checked pet.

Note: For any last-minute unforeseen circumstances, AA has an American Airlines Cancellation Policy that can help you cancel your flight without any hassle.

American Airlines Pet Fees

Passengers may have to pay additional fees for traveling with pets, which vary depending on circumstances:

Breeds That Are Restricted From Traveling On American Airlines

American Airlines pet policy restricts some of the breeds from travelling on flights to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers. Snub-nosed dogs and cats are not allowed to travel due to the high risks associated with their hereditary respiratory issues, and some historically aggressive breeds are not allowed due to safety concerns.

Restricted breeds according to American Airlines flying with dog policy:

• 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
• Tibetan Spaniel

However, some of the cat breeds are also restricted, such as:

• Burmese
• Exotic Shorthair
• Himalayan
• Persian

American Airlines Pet Policy For Service Animals

A dog that is trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability, is considered a service animal on American Airlines. 

A fully trained service dog may fly in the cabin without extra charges. However, specific terms and conditions must be met.

How To Prepare Your Pet For Travel On American Airlines?

American Airlines pet travel can be stressful for animals, hence, passengers can perform some essential steps to prepare their pets for travel:

• Get your pet used to the carrier: Allow your pet to spend time inside the carrier before the trip, so they can adjust to the environment.
• Avoid feeding just before the flight: Light meals are better to reduce motion sickness, while heavy feeding is not good.
• Label the carrier: Include your name, contact information, and pet details on the kennel.
• Pack essentials: Bring food, water, collapsible bowls, medications, and comfort items to make your pet comfortable.

Wrapping Up!

American Airlines pet policy allows passengers to travel with their pets on AA flights. However, there are specific terms and conditions that need to be followed. To learn more about the pet policy or other policies like date change, flight change, or how to add lap infant on American Airlines, call the helpline at 1-800-227-4622 or dial +1-800-633-0441 to talk with the consolidation desk.