American Airlines has been flying high for more than 90 years and is one of the world’s largest airlines. Along with its regional partner, American Eagle, American flies to more than 350 destinations in 50 countries, managing more than 6,700 flights daily. The airline welcomes dogs and cats to travel with you in the cabin or to be transported as cargo.
BringFido’s office dog, Lil’ Guy Murphy, received top-paw customer service from American on a flight from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Boston Logan International Airport. If you’re planning to fly with your pet on American Airlines, here’s some advice from Murphy’s experience, along with some very important up-to-date policies you’ll need to know. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you and Fido have a seamless journey.
The Booking Process
Pets traveling on American Airlines must be booked over the phone. When planning to travel with a four-legged passenger, you’ll need to first make sure the flight you’re taking allows pets, then go ahead and book your own flight. Once you’re booked, call the American Airlines customer service line at 800-433-7300 to add your pet. The airline representative will ask for your pet’s name, breed and weight. Murphy is a 7 lb Toy Schnauzer, so he was able to fly in the cabin.
Only seven kennels are allowed in the cabin on board American Airlines flights and five kennels in the cabin on board American Eagle, so be sure to book your travel as early as possible to guarantee your furry friend a spot. Space is also limited in cargo, so it’s important to contact reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel to notify them that you are flying with a pet. You’ll pay the additional pet fee when you arrive at the airport to check in for your flight.
Carrier
Pets must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennels (without touching any side or the top of the container). * Non-collapsible carriers can’t exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey. * Soft-sided collapsible carriers can be slightly larger but still need to fit under the seat without having to excessively collapse the carrier. They also have to be secure, padded, made of water-repellant material and have nylon mesh ventilation on two or more sides. * Pets traveling American Airlines Cargo should be secured in a hard-sided, leak- and escape-proof plastic kennel with plenty of ventilation, absorbent and comfortable bedding, and food and water dishes attached to the interior door.
Pets in the cabin must remain in their kennels with the door closed, under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Murphy had a new toy to chew on and didn’t mind having some time to himself.
Check-In
Because you can't pay the pet fee in advance, you won’t be able to check in to your flight more than four hours prior to departure. Plan to reach the airport with plenty of time, especially if you need to check your pet into cargo or are traveling with carry-on luggage. American suggests arriving four hours before your scheduled flight if you’re traveling with your pet. Murphy had enough time to check in and find a pet relief area at the airport.
During the check-in process, you’ll be asked to pay the pet fee, and the airline attendant will provide you with a separate receipt for your pet. Payments can be made with cash, credit card or voucher. You will also need to have your pet’s health certificate, which must be issued by a vet within:
- 10 days of your travel
- 60 days of your return (travel on the same ticket)
- 10 days of your return (travel on a separate ticket)
Save time and stress at the airport by creating your pet profile on the BringFido website, or app for iOS or Android. You can upload your pup’s health records for one-touch access whenever you need them.
“Great Is What We’re Going For”
On his trip, Lil’ Guy Murphy was greeted warmly by the American Airlines agent at check-in and again when boarding the plane. He was comfortable in his carrier under the seat throughout the flight, and there were no surprises or issues. He’s already anticipating his next adventure!
American Airlines’ Pet Policy
Depending on the animals' breed, size and requirements, pets can travel in a carrier in the cabin or be transported in cargo. Only pets of active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders are accepted as checked baggage. With the exception of service animals, only cats and dogs are permitted on board.
Carry-On Pets
Pets are welcome to fly with you in the cabin if they are at least eight weeks old when traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and at least 16 weeks old when traveling into the U.S. from abroad. The combined weight of the pet and the kennel must not exceed 20 lbs. Only two pets are permitted per passenger, and they must fit in the same carrier. Pets are not accepted in the cabin to and from Hawaii, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, or on transatlantic flights. Pet carriers are not considered as part of a passenger's carry-on allowance, so a personal item or carry-on bag in addition to a pet carrier is permitted. The fee for carrying a pet in the cabin is $125 each way. There is no charge for service animals.
Pets in Cargo
Pets that do not meet the size requirements to fly in the cabin may be transported by American Airlines Cargo. The combined weight of the pet and kennel may not exceed 100 lbs and brachycephalic, or snub-nose breeds like Bulldogs, Boxers or Shih Tzus, are not permitted. American Airlines’ PetEmbark program ensures your pet receives the best care in the air. The airline can restrict animals flying in cargo if the weather conditions are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Book your pet’s flight between 10 days to 24 hours prior to your travel, and you’ll receive tracking information to monitor their journey at that time. The fee for transporting pets via American Airlines PetEmbark varies depending on the destination and will be confirmed at the time of your booking.
Pertaining to all airlines, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a temporary suspension of dogs (carry-on or checked), including fully trained service dogs, traveling to the U.S. from a country considered high-risk for dog rabies.
For more information about American Airlines’ pet policy, restrictions and guidelines, check our American Airlines travel page. For flights outside of the US, visit our International Pet Travel Page for information on restrictions and documentation.