Carry-On Pet Policy:

American Airlines accepts small cats and dogs in the cabin of the aircraft on both domestic and international flights (no other animals are allowed). The fee for pets traveling in the cabin is $100 per carrier (each way), and the combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds. Pets must remain completely in the carrier with the door closed and under the seat during the entire time that the pet is in the aircraft. Passengers traveling with pets must check-in at the airline ticket counter. At this time, curbside or self-service check-in is not allowed. Please allow extra time beyond normal check-in guidelines.

Checked Bagage/Cargo Policy:

American Airlines restricts pets in cargo to cats and dogs only. The fee for pets traveling in cargo is $150 per carrier (each way). Checked pets do not need a reservation. However, travelers (especially dog show participants) should be aware that capacity is sometimes reached, and checked pets are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it is best to check in early. However, checked pets will not be accepted more than four hours prior to your flight time. Passengers should also be mindful that American Airlines will not allow pet travel in cargo if extreme temperatures are anticipated. Please visit American Airlines' website for more information.

Carrier Guidelines:

For pets traveling in the cabin, the maximum size for pet carriers is 23" long x 13" wide x 9" high. Animals must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in the kennel. Soft-sided pet carriers are accepted as long as they are constructed of water-repellent, padded nylon with mesh ventilation on two or more sides. Also note that the pet carrier counts as either a passenger's one carry-on bag or personal item. For pets traveling in cargo, pets must have room to stand/turn around, sit and lie down in a natural position while in their carriers. Carriers must be constructed of wood, metal, plastic, similar material, leak-proof, escape proof and door must fasten securely and need ventilation on two sides in addition to the door. Carriers must also have a water container with outside access for filling, in case a delay occurs. Collapsible carriers (those which can fold down flat) can not be accepted due to the risk of collapse during transport. The maximum size for checked carriers is a series 500 kennel with the following dimensions: 40" long x 27" wide x 30" high. However, this size carrier is not accepted on the Boeing MD-80 (S80). Pet carriers in cargo on MD-80s must be able to fit through the cargo door while remaining in an upright position. MD-80 cargo doors are 29" high x 53" wide. Series 700 carriers are not allowed on any aircraft. The maximum weight of a checked pet and carrier (combined) cannot exceed 100 pounds.

Pet Reservations:

American Airlines limits the number of pets permitted to fly in the cabin to seven per flight (a maximum of two in first class and five in coach), so it is important to book your pet's ticket as early as possible. You should call 1-800-433-7300 for reservations, and tell the agent that you are traveling with your pet. A maximum of two pets per ticketed passenger is permitted on American Airlines flights. The pet fee is based upon the number of pet carriers, not the number of pets. American Airlines permits up to two pets in a container as long as the pets are between eight weeks and two months old, and weigh no more than 20 pounds. Otherwise, the limit is one pet per carrier. Special pet guidelines apply for travel to international destinations and Hawaii. Please refer to American Airlines' website for more details.