American Airlines is among the bigger U.S.-based airlines that accept pets, with provisions for small-size dog and cats in-cabin carriage as well as a specific cargo carrier named American PetEmbark for large animals. Similar to all U.S. airlines, American complies with DOT and ACAA regulations, ensuring free carrier-free access to the aircraft cabin for service animals but with all other pets and emotional support animals controlled solely through its separate pet policy.
Here you will find out about American pet carriage allowances, costs, size and weight restrictions, and how the policy differs from the service animal accommodation policy.
What Is American Airlines’ Pet Policy?
Under the American Airlines’ pet policy, passengers may bring in small dogs and cats as carry-on pets in the aircraft cabin, but large pets may be carried in checked baggage in the cargo section – even though this option is currently restricted to some eligible travelers. Pets should be kept in the appropriate carrier throughout the flight, and that carrier should be able to fit underneath your seat. All types of restrictions for breed, weight, size, and weather will apply to American’s pets, and the same restrictions will apply to ESAs, as American classifies ESAs and regular pets the same way.
However, trained service dogs are the only exception, as they qualify under DOT and ACAA rules to fly for free and without being restrained in the carrier.
What Types of Pets Does American Airlines Allow?
In the cabin, only cats and dogs are allowed. Both of them have to fit certain criteria of age, size, and destination in order to accompany their owners in the aircraft’s passenger compartment.
There are other choices available if you wish to travel with some other pets on your flight. This can be done through American Airlines Cargo, and it is recommended that you email PetEmbark@aa.com for further species information. Some breeds cannot be transported as cargo regardless of species flexibility because of health risks associated with them: brachycephalic (flat-nosed) breeds like Pugs, Pekingese dogs, and Persian cats cannot travel in cargo, and neither can different breeds and mixed breeds of pit bulls.
Age requirement varies with trip: dogs should be at least eight weeks old if they are traveling domestically and six months if they are traveling internationally, while cats should be at least eight weeks old.
What Are the Requirements for International Pet Travel on American Airlines?
There is more paperwork involved with international pet travel than domestic:
- Health certificate: Required for international travel, this is normally issued by a licensed veterinarian no later than 10 days prior to travel, guaranteeing that your pet can safely make the flight.
- Rabies certificate: Also required, ensuring that your pet is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations.
- Destination country requirements: Each destination may have its own regulations in addition to those of American. It might be worthwhile to call the consulate or embassy in the destination country.
- Suitable container: The carrier for international travel needs to be well-ventilated, secure, cushioned, and leak-proof.
- Early booking: American suggests calling reservations no less than 48 hours in advance of travel.
Does American Airlines Restrict Pet Travel to Specific Destinations?
Yes. American does not permit in-cabin transport of pets on transatlantic or transpacific flights, as well as flights to and from Hawaii and European Union countries and some South American countries such as Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.
Generally, pets are allowed in the cabin for flights up to 12 hours to and from destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. If your route is different from those listed above, then you might want to ask American about your eligibility.
Does American Airlines Require a Health Certificate for Pets?
This will depend on your mode of transportation for your pet. Health Certificates are not required for most of the in-cabin travel in America. The only time a health certificate is required is when your pet travels overseas or is transported as cargo.
In case a health certificate is required, it should be issued within 10 days before your outbound travel date by a licensed veterinarian. For a round trip, the health certificate remains valid for 60 days, but if it is a different booking, then the health certificate has to be renewed after 10 days. American Airlines Cargo accepts electronic certificates from veterinarians with a license number.
How Much Does American Airlines Charge Per Pet?
The in-cabin pet charge is $150 per carrier, each direction, for all trips within and between the United States and Canada, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This charge is non-refundable and based on the number of carriers and not on the number of animals; two pets traveling in the same approved carrier would incur only one charge.
Cargo charges are not standardized but are based on the size of the pet and the details of the trip. Active duty members of the U.S. military and State Department employees (the only passengers allowed to have their pets shipped as cargo as of now) will be charged $200 for trips to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe, while a round trip to Brazil would cost $150.
One unexpected detail to keep in mind is that for any trips that include a layover of more than four hours, you will be charged for both legs of your trip.
What Is the In-Cabin Pet Policy for American Airlines?
The in-flight policy of American allows only small dogs and cats and requires that they are accompanied by their owner in a properly enclosed and approved container that can be stowed under the seat in front of them. The total weight of the pet and its container should not exceed twenty pounds. Pets have to be at least eight weeks old to fly in the cabin of American, and two pets of the same breed and size can travel in one carrier.
There is a space limitation for pets per flight; mainline American Airlines flights can accommodate up to seven carriers and American Eagle flights can accommodate up to five carriers. Since the reservation of spaces is made on a first come first serve basis, early booking will increase the chances of accommodating your pet on the plane. Passengers carrying their pets are allowed to carry an additional bag as well, along with their pets.
What Is American Airlines’ Pet Carrier Size Policy?
The carriers must be small enough to slide under the seat in front of you, but big enough to allow your pet to move about freely. Soft-sided and hard-sided carriers will both be accepted by American Airlines, although soft-sided carriers are recommended due to their versatility within tight spaces.
Approved carrier dimensions:
- 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 criteria are applicable for the cabin only, and must adhere to the under-seat baggage restrictions of that particular aircraft as well. Due to these limitations, only small breeds, as well as certain breeds in the medium size category, are viable options when traveling in the cabin; others need to travel in American Airlines Cargo.
Is There a Pet Weight Limit for In-Cabin Travel on American Airlines?
Yes. The weight sum of the pet and the carrier should not go beyond 20 pounds regardless of whether a soft-sided carrier or a hard-sided carrier is used. It is required at the time of check-in – pets heavier than this limit can only be transported by American Airlines Cargo and not in the cabin.
Can You Bring More Than One Pet In-Cabin on American Airlines?
Yes, subject to certain limitations. American Airlines allows two pets per customer to be carried in the cabin as long as the pets are qualified to be in the same carrier as defined by the requirement that they should have similar species, sizes, weight not more than 20 pounds each, and age ranging from eight weeks to six months old. Pets failing to qualify for this requirement will need to travel separately in their carriers.
Per flight, carrier limit still applies – seven kennels for mainline American Airlines flights, five for American Eagle.
Does American Airlines Allow Pets to Fly in Cargo?
Yes, through American PetEmbark, which is operated by American Airlines Cargo – though at present this is limited. Checked baggage transportation for pets can only be used by active-duty members of the U.S. military and State Department Foreign Service who are traveling on official orders. All pets transported in cargo (mainly dogs and cats) have to be reserved through PetEmbark and cannot travel in regular checked baggage.
Some breeds are not allowed to be transported in cargo irrespective of eligibility; brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pugs, as well as Pit Bulls, will not be accepted in cargo. There are weather-based embargoes, mostly in the warmer months. Reservations should typically be made up to 10 days prior to departure using the website of American Airlines Cargo, or alternatively by telephone within 10 days of travel. The pet needs to be in good health, have a health certificate, and be confined in an airline-approved carrier. As prices for cargo may vary depending on the size of the pet and carrier, it would be better to call American at 800-227-4622.
Are There Temperature or Weather Restrictions for Cargo Pet Travel?
Yes. American transports pets as cargo only when temperatures are in the range of 45°F to 85°F. Pets are not transported on any flight to or from or through any airport where the ground temperatures are forecasted to be below 20°F or above 85°F.
In case there is an unfavorable change in temperatures before traveling, then the 24/7 Animal Help Desk of American Airlines will contact the pet owner regarding rescheduling. In case of any unfavorable conditions during mid-journey, then American Airlines will keep the pet in a local kennel at no cost.
There is a seasonal embargo by American Airlines on some hot cities of the US, such as Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Palm Springs (PSP), and Tucson (TUS). This embargo lasts from May 1 to September 30.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed on American Airlines?
No longer as a separate classification. American Airlines stopped recognizing ESAs as service animals; they fly with passengers as pets and are thus subject to the same restrictions and fees described above, in accordance with the DOT’s new policy introduced in 2021 due to the frequent abuse of ESA classification for fraudulent purposes. There is no ESA-specific policy at American Airlines; the only requirement for ESAs flying with American Airlines is compliance with the pet rules of the airline.
If you have gotten your ESA letter with air travel in mind, it might be worth considering whether this is the type of documentation that you really need. While ESA letters are still fully valid for fair housing accommodation, they no longer serve any unique purpose when it comes to any airlines, including American. Contact ESA Clinic for a consultation with a licensed mental health professional on which type of documentation would be more appropriate for you.
What Is American Airlines’ Policy for Service Animals?
American Airlines provides for fully trained service dogs, which include psychiatric service dogs, to fly with their handlers in the cabin free of charge as long as they are more than four months old. Service dogs are not subject to the same policy that applies to pets in general at American Airlines.
Service dogs are expected to take up space under the seat in front of the handler. In case the dog does not fit into that space, there are several options available, such as rebooking on a bigger airplane, flying as a pet if eligible, or buying an additional seat. Service dogs should behave properly on board, as they should not pose any threat to other passengers, block aisleways, sit in an extra seat, or eat from the tray table.
To fly with a service dog, one needs to fill out the DOT form called the Service Animal Air Transportation Form. There is another form required for those who plan to fly for more than eight hours. For flights that require entering the U.S., there is a CDC Dog Import Form to be filled out as well.
How Do You Add a Service Animal to an American Airlines Flight?
- Ensure eligibility. American allows fully trained dogs above four months as their service animals.
- Fill out the necessary DOT documents – Service Animal Air Transportation form, along with the Service Animal Relief Attestation form for flights longer than eight hours.
- Submit the forms and get approved. After that, you will be provided with the Service Animal ID (SVAN ID), which you can include in your reservation.
- Book your flight using the SVAN ID not only for this but also for future bookings, since the ID is valid for one year from the date of signature or until the expiry of the dog’s vaccinations, whichever is earlier.
- The handler is liable for the service dog’s security and discipline during the whole time. The dog needs to be on a leash/harness, unable to defecate in the aircraft or the gate, and the handler has to hold DOT forms throughout the entire journey.
Do You Need to Notify American Airlines in Advance for a Service Dog?
Yes. American Airlines requires the submission of the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form 48 hours before your departure. Making sure that your assistance animal is added to your booking as early as possible ensures your space and makes your process of check-in and boarding much easier – particularly important for overbooked and international flights where requirements may vary. In cases when your booking is made less than 48 hours before your flight, you may also submit this form at the airport.
Do Service Dogs Fly for Free With American Airlines?
Yes. Fully trained assistance dogs older than four months are eligible to travel for free through American Airlines’ pet fee. Per the rules of the DOT and ACAA, no pet fee can be charged by American Airlines for a service animal handler.
Are There Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs on American Airlines?
No. All breeds of dogs can serve as assistance animals if they are properly trained to accomplish tasks for an individual with disabilities. In accordance with the regulations of the DOT, U.S. airlines are not allowed to put any breed restrictions on legitimate service dogs – a notable difference from the company’s policies regarding pets and cargo.
Can You Bring More Than One Service Dog on an American Airlines Flight?
Yes. American Airlines permits each passenger to have a maximum of two service dogs, but there is one major restriction. This is that the two dogs should be able to fit into the space occupied by the handler’s feet or legs and should not obstruct any aisle or emergency escape route in any way. When the size of two dogs is larger than the seat size, the handler must either get another seat or wait for the next available flight.
Are There Size Restrictions for Flying With a Service Dog on American Airlines?
Yes, sort of. The service dogs have to be small enough to fit into the space at the feet or in the lap of the passenger without hindering the aisle or the surrounding passengers in any way. The service dogs should not touch the seats, tray tables, or other passengers at all throughout the flight.
Planning Your Trip With a Pet, ESA, or Service Animal
American’s policies clearly define that pets and ESAs have the same prices, policies, and space limitations, whereas only real service animals are free to fly without any charges and restrictions. In case your trip depends on what category your animal belongs to, for example, whether your dog’s training qualifies it to be recognized as a psychiatric service animal, you should get informed before booking the flight instead of finding out at the airport.
ESA Clinic helps you to contact licensed professionals in the field of psychology who will give you professional advice regarding what type of certification or letter suits you, whether it is ESA or psychiatric service dog certification.
