American Airlines Pet Policy

American Airlines is a pet-friendly airline and permits pet travel in-cabin with passengers on select routes. However, you are required to comply with specific health, safety, and documentation requirements, along with the airline’s own regulations, to travel with your pet. If you meet all the requirements, you can travel with your pet on an American Airlines flight.

Pet Travel as a Carry On 

Depending on your pet’s size and breed, they can either travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo (PetEmbark program). Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs only, and they must meet current size, age, and destination-specific requirements.

On American Airlines flights, you can bring 1 kennel as your carry-on bag if you pay the pet carry-on fee. Your pet must remain inside the kennel and under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.

Note: You may travel with your pet carrier and one personal item, but you will not be permitted to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a pet carrier. The kennel will replace your carry-on bag. If your pet is too large to fly in the cabin, it must travel through American Airlines Cargo (PetEmbark).

Guidelines for Pet Kennels for Carry-On Pets 

American Airlines assumes no liability for the health or well-being of carry-on pets. These rules are in place and enforced, with passengers being responsible for appropriate planning and preparation:

• Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed / zipped carrier
• The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you (exact dimensions vary by aircraft)
• Soft-sided collapsible kennels are recommended
• The kennel must be secure, padded, made of water-repellant material, and have ventilation on at least 3 sides

The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. As under-seat space varies across different aircraft operated by American Airlines, it is important to ensure your carrier complies with the specific aircraft on your itinerary. 

Dimensional Guidelines for Carry-on kennel

While exact requirements depend on the aircraft, commonly accepted carrier sizes include:

• Soft-sided carriers: 18 x 11 x 11 inches (approx)
• Hard-sided carriers: 19 x 13 x 9 inches (approx)

These are general reference sizes, but the carrier must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you on your specific flight.

Adding a Cary-On Pet to Your Travel Plan  

To add a carry-on pet to your trip, follow these steps:

• Find your trip on aa.com (https://www.americanairlines.in/) or the American Airlines app
• In the Special Services section, select ‘Add carry-on pet’
• Review and agree to the carry-on pet requirements
• Select the flights that you want your pet to travel on
• Confirm your carry-on pet to complete the changes

There is a limited number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight. It is recommended to book early.

Pet Travel as Checked Pets

American Airlines only accepts checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. Since capacity is limited, they accept checked pets on a first-come basis.

This applies when traveling on official orders, and supporting documentation is required. Acceptance is limited and subject to availability, and all health, breed, and weather-related restrictions still apply. 

Pet Travel via Cargo 

Pets that are not eligible for in-cabin travel are transported through American Airlines Cargo (PetEmbark).

• Bookings must be made through cargo services and not standard passenger reservations
• Advance booking is required
• Health and documentation requirements depend on destination and type of travel

Additional regulations may apply based on country-specific import rules

Note: Certain breeds, including snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs and cats, may have additional restrictions depending on travel conditions and safety guidelines.

Pet Travel Requirements 

• Pets must meet minimum age requirements based on destination regulations, including rabies vaccination compliance for international travel
• Pets must be healthy and fit to travel
• Additional restrictions may apply depending on breed, size, and route

Transportation Charges 

You can pay your pet travel fee at the airport or at a travel center with a credit card or paper voucher if you’re flying with American Airlines. Cash or cheques are not accepted.

American Airlines doesn’t collect pet fees for other operating airlines on your trip (even if it has an American flight number). You’ll need to check in with each airline and pay your fees at check-in.

*Note:

• Fees apply per kennel, each way
• Fees may vary depending on route and are subject to change
• If your trip includes a voluntary stopover / connection of more than 4 hours, fees may apply for each segment
• ll pet fees are non-refundable

Service Animals Policy 

American Airlines accepts trained service dogs only. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not accepted. Required documentation must be submitted as per regulations. The dog must be trained, well-behaved, and fit within the passenger’s space.

Health & Documentation Requirements

• Health documentation requirements vary based on destination and type of travel (cabin or cargo)
• Vaccination records, including rabies vaccination, must comply with destination regulations
• Additional permits or certifications may be required for international travel

Temperature Restrictions

You cannot travel with a pet if the current or forecasted temperature exceeds 85°F (29.4°C) at any point in the itinerary.

Additional restrictions may apply in colder temperatures unless appropriate documentation is provided.

Pets not traveling in-cabin may not be accepted on certain routes during high-temperature periods, including select airports such as Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS), and Palm Springs (PSP) between May 1 and September 30.

Important Travel Rules to Keep in Mind

• Pets must remain inside the carrier at all times during the flight
• Check-in must be completed at the airport counter (online check-in is not available when traveling with pets)
• Early arrival is recommended for documentation and inspection
• In-cabin pet travel may not be permitted on certain international routes due to local regulations

Important Disclaimer

Pet travel policies are subject to change. It is strongly recommended to check the latest guidelines directly with American Airlines before booking your travel.