Depending on the breed and size of the animals, they may travel as checked baggage or transport in American Airlines Cargo. Pets on hand are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age, and destination requirements.
We accept checked pets at the ticket counter only for US military and US State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Fees and restrictions apply. Fully trained service dogs can fly cabin-free if they meet the requirements.
American Airlines accepts up to 2 pets as checked baggage for US Active Duty and US State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Unfortunately, no other pets are allowed as checked baggage.
Dogs and cats can be transported as cargo on American Airlines Cargo, also known as American Pet Embark. Each passenger is allowed 2 pets that are at least 8 weeks old and do not exceed 100 pounds, (45kg) carrier. Prices vary depending on travel distance.
For pets traveling in the cabin, the size of a soft-sided carrier must not exceed 18" x 11" x 11" (45 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm) and the size of a hard-sided carrier must not exceed 19" Should not happen. Should not happen. Should not happen. Should not happen. Should not happen. Should not happen. Should not happen. x 13" x 9" (48 cm x 33 cm x 22 cm). Pets must be able to stand, turn, and lie down in their carrier. Soft one-sided pet carriers should be water-repellent, made of crinkly nylon, and have ventilation on 2 or more sides. For animals traveling as cargo, carriers must not exceed 40" x 27" x 30" (101 cm x 68 cm x 76 cm). Carriers must be large enough to allow animals to turn around, sit, and lie down in a natural position; prepared are of wood, metal, or plastic and are not subject to leaks and leaks Conveyor doors must be securely fastened and have ventilation on 2 sides other than the door.
You can travel with a pet for up to 12 hours on most flights to or from certain destinations:
Within the 48 contiguous United States
America and Canada
Alaska
Mexico
Puerto Rico
St Croix
St Thomas
Fully trained assistance dogs can fly in the cabin for free if they meet the requirements.
A service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, mental, intellectual, or other mental disability, including, but not limited to:
Visual impairments
Deafness
Recovery
Mobility loss
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Our team members are trained to ask certain questions to determine if your pet is an acceptable service animal for travel.
Please note that service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals may travel as pets and not as service animals. All applicable requirements and fees will apply.
You pay the pet transportation fee
Your pet stays in the kennel and under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.
You may travel with your pet carrier and 1 personal item, but you will not be allowed to take any bags other than the pet carrier and personal item. Instead, the kennel will replace your carry-on bag.
If your pet is too large to fly in a cabin, it must travel with American Airlines Cargo. Remember, we only accept vetted pets for US Military and US State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders, and the pet carrier must meet all vetted pet husbandry guidelines. If you do not meet these requirements, your pet cannot travel.
Fees and restrictions apply.