• 11 Dec, 2024
  • Travel tips

American Airlines is known for its comprehensive pet policy, which allows pets to travel safely and comfortably. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued new requirements for bringing dogs into the United States. These rules apply to all types of dogs you get to travel in the USA. Further, if you are traveling with cats, they must meet the size, age, and destination requirements.

Learn the pet policy to sweeten your flight journey with our pet on American Airlines.

American Airlines is one of the most noteworthy carriers in the United States, providing low-cost flight journeys to various destinations. It even guides you to find the best deals while traveling with your pet and enjoy your flight journey in your style. Many passengers consider traveling with their pets as they don't want to leave them alone at home. Hence, American Airlines has managed everything to travel with dogs or cats and ensure they meet the requirements of American Airlines' pet policy to travel in the cabin. It recommends you seek approval from the airline pet carrier within 48 hours before your flight departure, provide complete details about your pets, and add them to your flight ticket to travel with you smoothly. If you have thoughtfully planned to travel with your furry and wish to avoid trouble, acquire appropriate details and perfectly elevate your flight journey. So, overall, the airline will enable you to enjoy your flight journey with your pets, both in-cabin and cargo, but specific guidelines are required to avoid unwarranted inconvenience. 

Carry on pets in the cabin:

  • When flying with American Airlines in the cabin, your pets must be small enough to fit in an approved carrier under the seat.
  • It includes domestic cats, dogs, rabbits, and small household birds.
  • The airline requires your pets in the cabin to be at least eight weeks old.
  • The carrier must be well-ventilated, leakproof, and large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably.

Bring your pets as checked baggage:

  • Traveling with your pets as checked baggage or in cargo requires them to be in sturdy, IATA-approved kennels.
  • The airline approves 7 Kennels on American flights, excluding service, 5 Kennels on American Eagle, and 1 Kennel in First Class.
  • American Airlines also restricts the types of animals that can be shipped in cargo, and not all routes accommodate pet travel in cargo.
  • The temperature and weather conditions must meet specific safety standards for pets traveling in the hold. Check with the airline beforehand, especially during extreme weather.

Traveling with service animal:

American Airlines allows you to travel with service dogs in the cabin without incurring extra charges if they meet the requirements. Service animal denotes a dog individually trained to perform tasks with a disability, including a physical, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The airline's team members are experts in asking questions to quickly identify the service animal for travel. 

How many pets are allowed on American Airlines?

American Airlines allowed you to travel with several pets in the cabin on each flight. The airline usually allows up to seven pet carriers per flight in the main cabin. However, this number can vary depending on the aircraft type, so it is always advisable to book early to secure your pet's spot. You can travel with only one pet per carrier, and ensure the carrier must fit within the seat's size restrictions. Nevertheless, you must ensure each pet has its carrier separately if traveling with multiple pets. 

How strict is American Airlines with carry-on pets?

American Airlines enforces strict guidelines for carrying pets in the cabin. These policies ensure the safety and comfort of both pets and passengers, which you can check below. 

  • Kennel Size and Type:

The carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions of 19 long x 13 high x 9 inches wide for most aircraft. If your carrier does not meet these size restrictions, your pet may not be allowed to fly in the cabin. Measuring your pet and its carrier carefully before booking the flight is essential to ensure it meets the requirements. You can select the Soft-sided kennel of 18 x 11 x 1 inches in all dimensions.   

  • Pet Behavior:

Your pets must remain inside the carrier for the flight journey. American Airlines does not permit your pets to leave the airline during the flight, so you must ensure they are comfortable inside their Keenels. 

  • Pet Health and Age:

American Airlines allows pets at least eight weeks old to travel in the cabin. Your pets should be well- and young; otherwise, they may not be allowed to travel. Your pets must be vaccinated and show medical certification.

  • Advanced Booking:

Only a few pets are allowed in the cabin per flight, so booking your pet's spot shortly will be essential. If you wish to reserve a flight to travel in-cabin, add your travel time during the booking process, or you can call an American Airlines customer representative within 48 hours before your flight.

American Airlines' pet policy change. 

American Airlines boasts passenger-centric policies and pet policy is one of them. They understand that pets cannot be left behind, whether it is a short-haul journey or a long one. Keeping this fact in mind, the following tabs will unlock all the possible rules associated with pet rules and fees. Please look:

  • You are permitted to carry one pet carrier if you incur the pet fee, fulfill all the requirements, etc. 
  • You can carry up to 2 pets in a carrier. 
  • Must contact the officials at least 2 days before departure. 
  • Get to the airport 2-4 hours before the departure for a convenient check-in procedure. 
  • With all the health and safety procedures in mind, ensure that you provide the verified certificate to the authority 10 days before your travel. 
  • Those pets who are not qualified to travel as carry-on or checked pets can take advantage of American PetEmbark service offers. 
  • Your carrier must have enough space for your pet to move, stand, and run. 
  • The maximum weight of the carrier must be 45 KG or 100 lbs, including your pet. 

American Airlines carry on pet fees. 

American Airlines' carry-on pet rules are as follows: It imposes a carry-on pet fee of $150, which was previously $35 (the fee varies by weight). Additionally, fliers must remember that only one pet is permitted with their pet carrier as a carry-on, and they must keep it under the seat during the journey.