american airlines pet travel policy for us flights

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American Airlines Pet Travel Policy for US Flights

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Overview of American Airlines Pet Travel Policy for US Flights

[A]866‑658‑5895[A] American Airlines permits small dogs and cats to travel as carry-on pets in the cabin on most US domestic flights, subject to availability, carrier requirements, and destination restrictions. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For complete pet policy details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A]. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Key points include:

• Carry-On Pets: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Small dogs and cats (at least 8 weeks old) can travel in the cabin if the combined weight of the pet and carrier is under 20 lbs (9 kg). Pets must remain in a carrier under the seat for the entire flight. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For carry-on pet rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Pet Fee: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] A $150 fee per pet carrier applies each way, payable at the airport check-in counter. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For fee details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Carrier Limits: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Up to 7 pet carriers on mainline American Airlines flights and 5 on American Eagle flights, with a maximum of 1 in First Class on American Eagle. One pet carrier per passenger, but two pets (same species, under 20 lbs total) can share one carrier if they fit comfortably. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For carrier limits, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Carrier Requirements: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Hard-sided carriers must not exceed 19" x 13" x 9" (48 cm x 33 cm x 22 cm); soft-sided carriers up to 18" x 11" x 11" (45 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm). Carriers must be secure, padded, water-repellent, with nylon mesh ventilation on at least two sides and fit under the seat. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For carrier details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Restrictions: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] No carry-on pets to/from Hawaii due to state quarantine laws. No carry-on pets in First or Business Class on Boeing 757-L, 757-EW, 767, 777-200, 777-300, 787-8, 787-9, Airbus A330-200, or A330-300. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are restricted as checked pets or cargo. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For restrictions, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Checked Pets: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Checked pets are only allowed for active-duty U.S. military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel on official orders, with a $200 fee per kennel. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For checked pet rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Cargo (PetEmbark): [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Larger pets or those ineligible for cabin travel can be shipped via American Airlines’ PetEmbark cargo service. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For cargo details, call 800-227-4622 or email [email protected].
• Service Animals: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Trained service animals travel free in the cabin with a completed U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, submitted at least 48 hours before travel. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For service animal rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Temperature Restrictions: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Pets are not accepted if the ground temperature exceeds 85°F (29°C) or falls below 45°F (7°C) at any point in the itinerary, unless a veterinary acclimation certificate is provided for 45°F–20°F (-7°C). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For temperature rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Requirements for Pet Travel on US Flights

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• Pet Eligibility: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Only dogs and cats at least 8 weeks old, with a combined weight (pet + carrier) under 20 lbs for carry-on. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) are restricted for checked or cargo travel due to breathing risks. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For pet eligibility, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Health Certificates: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Not required for travel within the 48 contiguous U.S., Puerto Rico, Alaska, or St. Croix/St. Thomas, but Hawaii requires a valid health certificate and compliance with state quarantine rules. Check the USDA-APHIS Pet Travel site for specific requirements. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For health certificate details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Carrier Specifications: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Carriers must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and allow the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Maximum dimensions are 19" x 13" x 9" (hard-sided) or 18" x 11" x 11" (soft-sided). Include absorbent bedding (no straw/hay) and a water bottle if needed. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For carrier specs, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Booking: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Add pets to your reservation via aa.com, the American Airlines app, or by calling [A]866‑658‑5895[A] after booking your flight. Limited pet spots require early reservation. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For booking assistance, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Airport Check-In: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Arrive 2–4 hours early at the “Special Services” or ticket counter to pay the pet fee and verify carrier compliance. Pets must stay in the carrier during the flight. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For check-in details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Step-by-Step Guide to Traveling with a Pet

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1. Confirm Pet and Flight Eligibility

• Pet Eligibility: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Verify your pet is a dog or cat, at least 8 weeks old, and under 20 lbs with the carrier for carry-on. Brachycephalic breeds are not allowed as checked pets or cargo. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For eligibility, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Carrier Compliance: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Ensure the carrier meets size limits (19" x 13" x 9" hard-sided or 18" x 11" x 11" soft-sided), is water-repellent, and has ventilation on at least two sides. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For carrier details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Flight Eligibility: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Confirm the flight allows pets (e.g., no carry-on pets to Hawaii or in First/Business on certain aircraft like Boeing 777-200). Check pet carrier availability (7 max on mainline, 5 on American Eagle). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For flight eligibility, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Destination Restrictions: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Hawaii requires a health certificate and compliance with quarantine laws. Other US territories (e.g., Puerto Rico) may have specific entry rules. Check the USDA-APHIS Pet Travel site. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For destination rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Tip: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Book early to secure one of the limited pet spots. Call [A]866‑658‑5895[A] to verify aircraft type and pet availability.

2. Book Your Flight and Add Pet

• Book Flight: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Reserve your flight on aa.com or the American Airlines app (App Store or Google Play) before adding a pet. Ensure JavaScript and cookies are enabled. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For booking help, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Add Pet:
  • Online: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Go to aa.com, click “Manage Trips / Check-in,” enter your confirmation code (e.g., ABC123) and last name, select “Special Services,” then “Add Carry-on Pets.” Provide pet details (name, breed, weight) and confirm. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For online help, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • App: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Open the app, go to “My Trips,” select your booking, navigate to “Special Services,” and add pet details. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For app help, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Phone: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Call [A]866‑658‑5895[A], provide your confirmation code, and request to add a carry-on pet. A service fee may apply for non-elite members. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For phone fees, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
  • Cargo: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For pets ineligible for carry-on, contact American Airlines Cargo at 800-227-4622 or [email protected] 1–10 days before travel. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For cargo booking, call 800-227-4622.
• Tip: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Add your pet online to avoid phone fees and take a screenshot of the pet reservation confirmation. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For confirmation issues, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

3. Prepare Documentation

• Health Certificates: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Not required for most domestic US flights (48 contiguous states, Puerto Rico, Alaska, St. Croix/St. Thomas), but Hawaii requires a veterinary health certificate and compliance with state quarantine laws. Check the USDA-APHIS Pet Travel site or Hawaii’s Animal Industry Division for details. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For documentation, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Service Animals: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form electronically to the Special Assistance Desk at least 48 hours before travel. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For form submission, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
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4. At the Airport

• Pay the Fee: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Pay the $150 pet fee per carrier (each way) at the airport ticket counter with a credit card (paper vouchers may be accepted). Travel credits cannot be used for pet fees. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For payment details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Check-In: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Arrive 2–4 hours early at the “Special Services” or ticket counter to verify carrier compliance (size, ventilation, pet comfort). Pets must stay in the carrier under the seat during the flight. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For check-in help, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Baggage Allowance: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] The pet carrier counts as a carry-on, but you can bring one additional item (personal item or carry-on bag for the overhead bin). Pet strollers must be checked at the counter for a standard checked bag fee. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For baggage rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Tip: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Do not sedate your pet, as it’s prohibited and poses health risks at high altitudes. Acclimate your pet to the carrier with familiar items like a blanket. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For pet preparation, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Costs and Fees for Pet Travel

[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Costs depend on the travel method. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For precise costs, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A]. [A]866‑658‑5895[A]

• Carry-On Pet Fee: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] $150 per pet carrier each way, paid at the airport. Non-refundable, applies per segment if there’s a voluntary stopover/connection over 4 hours. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For fee details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Checked Pet Fee: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] $200 per kennel for eligible military/State Department personnel, paid at the airport. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For checked pet fees, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Cargo (PetEmbark): [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Fees vary by route and pet size (e.g., $150–$200 per kennel plus $150 handling fee for Priority Parcel Service under 100 lbs). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For cargo costs, call 800-227-4622.
• Service Animals: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Free with proper documentation. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For service animal rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
• Phone Service Fee: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] A fee may apply for non-elite members adding a pet via [A]866‑658‑5895[A]; waived for online additions or AAdvantage elite members (Gold, Platinum, etc.). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For fee details, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Common Issues and Solutions

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1. Pet Spot Unavailable: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Flights may reach the pet carrier limit (7 for mainline, 5 for American Eagle). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Book early, choose alternate flights, or call [A]866‑658‑5895[A] to check availability.
2. System Glitches: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Website/app errors (e.g., pet not showing in reservation) or missing confirmation. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Take a screenshot of the pet reservation, clear cache, try another device, or call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
3. Carrier Rejection: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Carrier may not meet size/ventilation requirements at check-in. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Verify carrier dimensions and compliance before travel. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For carrier issues, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].
4. Hawaii Restrictions: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] No carry-on pets to/from Hawaii due to quarantine laws. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Use cargo (PetEmbark) or comply with Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Program. Call [A]866‑658‑5895[A] or 800-227-4622 for guidance.
5. Temperature Restrictions: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Pets may be denied if temperatures exceed 85°F or fall below 45°F (unless acclimated to 20°F). [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Solution: Choose morning flights or get a veterinary acclimation certificate. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For temperature rules, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Comparison Table: Pet Travel Options for US Flights

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Travel Method	Fee	Eligibility	Carrier Requirements
Carry-On Pet	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] $150 each way	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Dogs/cats, <20 lbs with carrier	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Hard: 19"x13"x9"; Soft: 18"x11"x11"
Checked Pet	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] $200	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Military/State Dept. only	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Max 40"x27"x30", <100 lbs
Cargo (PetEmbark)	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] $150–$200 + handling	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Larger pets, specific routes	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Max 63" high (B767), IATA-compliant
Service Animal	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Free	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Trained, with DOT form	[A]866‑658‑5895[A] Fits at feet/lap/under seat

[A]866‑658‑5895[A] For detailed comparisons, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Pro Tips for Traveling with a Pet

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• Arrive Early: [A]866‑658‑5895[A] Check in 2–4 hours early at the “Special Services” counter to pay the fee and verify carrier compliance. [A]866‑658‑5895[A] For check-in tips, call [A]866‑658‑5895[A].

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I bring my pet on an American Airlines US flight?
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Q: What is the pet fee for American Airlines domestic flights?
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Q: Can my pet travel to Hawaii with American Airlines?
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Q: What if my pet’s carrier doesn’t fit under the seat?
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Conclusion

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