American Airlines Pet Policy – Explained

Traveling with your pet on American Airlines?  You can bring small cats or dogs in the cabin, with a $150 fee each way. Only one carrier per passenger is allowed, and it must be leak-proof and ventilated.

Pets and carriers shouldn’t exceed 20 lbs combined. Make sure you have the necessary health certificates, especially for international trips. Pets must stay in their carriers and be quiet during the flight. 

For larger pets, they can travel as cargo, but there are specific size and health requirements. Certain routes and aircraft have restrictions, so check in advance to avoid surprises.

American Airlines Cabin Pet Fee

If you’re planning to bring your pet in the cabin on an American Airlines flight, you’ll need to pay a $150 fee per kennel each way. This fee is in addition to any other baggage fees you might incur.

Traveling with a pet that has allergies can be challenging. To ensure a smooth trip, pack medications and consult your vet before flying.

It’s also crucial to manage your pet’s travel anxiety during a flight. Bring along familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket to comfort them during the trip.

Pet insurance can be very helpful, covering any unexpected medical needs during your trip. Make sure your policy includes travel-related incidents.

Don’t forget about pet grooming before the trip. A well-groomed pet is less likely to shed excessively, which benefits both you and other passengers.

Allowed Pets: Types and Breed Restrictions

The airline permits small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin, but certain breeds may face restrictions due to safety concerns.

These pit bull restrictions include breeds such as:

• American Staffordshire Terriers
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• American Bullies
• American Pit Bull Terriers.

These breed-specific policies aim to guarantee safety and comfort for all passengers, but they can feel limiting if you have one of these pets.

Brachycephalic breeds, often referred to as snub-nosed dogs, face additional limitations due to their unique health risks.

Dogs like French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers, with their short nasal passages, are particularly susceptible to breathing problems during flights. This means that cabin pet restrictions are stricter for these breeds, as their health and well-being are prioritized.

Read also: Can French Bulldogs fly on planes?

In addition to the cabin restrictions, American Airlines has a detailed list of about 20 dog breeds and 4 cat breeds that aren’t allowed to be shipped as cargo.

If you’re unsure whether your pet falls under these breed limitations, it’s best to contact the airline directly.

Pet Carrier Requirements and Dimensions

Your pet carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and made of either fabric, soft-sided material, or hard plastic. This is crucial for providing proper carrier ventilation and maintaining a hygienic environment during the flight.

Size flexibility is another important aspect of American Airlines’ pet carrier requirements.

For soft-sided carriers, the maximum dimensions are 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high. These carriers can slightly exceed the under-seat dimensions due to their collapsible nature, adding an element of flexibility.

If you opt for a hard-sided kennel, it shouldn’t exceed 19 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 9 inches high.

The combined weight of your pet and the carrier can’t exceed 20 pounds. This weight limit ensures that your pet can be easily transported without straining you or violating airline policies. 

Your pet must also have enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably within the carrier.

A pet carrier counts as your one personal item, but you still have the freedom to bring a carry-on bag.

Pet Limits: Per Passenger and Flight

On American Airlines, each passenger can bring one pet carrier in the cabin.

The carrier can hold two pets of the same species, but their combined weight must be under 20 lbs. This ensures comfort for your pets and complies with airline guidelines.

Pet restrictions can differ depending on the flight. For example, an Airbus A319 in Economy class can accommodate 4-6 pets, depending on the configuration. However, First and Business class cabins on certain aircraft do not allow any pets. It’s essential to plan ahead.

The number of pets allowed per flight varies by aircraft type. Always check the specific details for your flight when booking to ensure your pet can travel with you.

Required Pet Documentation and Health Records

When you’re traveling with your pet on American Airlines, you’ll need to have all the required documentation in order.

This includes a health certificate issued by a vet, up-to-date vaccination records, and any additional documents specified by the airline or destination country.

Health Certificates

Before you fly with your pet, make sure to check if your destination requires any health certificates. Travel restrictions can vary, especially during international travel, and you don’t want any surprises.

A thorough health check is often a part of these requirements, and you might need to present specific health documentation upon arrival.

When planning your trip, part of your pre-flight preparation should include verifying the state requirements for pet travel. 

While American Airlines doesn’t require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin domestically, some states do. It’s important to look up the destination state’s regulations to avoid any last-minute hiccups.

If your pet is traveling as cargo, American Airlines may require a health certificate. This document typically confirms that your pet is healthy and fit for travel, ensuring their safety and comfort during the flight. So, double-check to see if this applies to your situation.

Vaccination Records

You don’t need to provide vaccination records for your pet to travel in the cabin with American Airlines. This vaccination exemption makes it easier for you to fly with your furry companion without worrying about gathering additional paperwork.

However, it’s important to stay mindful of pet health concerns. Making sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations may still be important for their well-being, even if the airline doesn’t require it.

When traveling with puppies, consider that they might be more vulnerable to illnesses, so keeping their vaccinations current is a good practice.

Even though American Airlines doesn’t ask for vaccination proof, other destinations might.

International regulations often have stricter rules, requiring you to present thorough health documentation for your pet. So, if you’re planning to cross borders, check the specific requirements of your destination country.

Additional Documentation

If you’re an active-duty military personnel or a State Department employee traveling on official orders, you’ll need to be prepared with a bit more.

For these specific groups, additional documentation is necessary when pets are checked as baggage. This typically includes your military or State Department travel orders, which confirm the nature of your travel.

These documents are essential to meet American Airlines’ baggage requirements and guarantee a smooth journey for your pet.

Pet Behavior Rules During Flight

When flying with American Airlines, make sure your pet stays in its carrier and behaves quietly throughout the journey. Preparing your pet well can make the trip easier for both of you.

Start with pet grooming to keep them clean and odor-free. Pets must be clean and odorless during the flight. Regular grooming helps your pet feel comfortable and reduces stress.

Behavior training is crucial for managing noise and keeping your pet calm. If your pet tends to bark or growl, consider professional training.

Well-trained pets are less likely to be denied boarding or removed from the aircraft.

Comfort measures can help ease your pet’s travel anxiety. Bring familiar items like their favorite blanket or toy to create a sense of security inside the carrier.

If your pet experiences travel anxiety, consult your vet for advice. They might recommend calming treats like the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Calming Care or the hemp-based ThunderWunders Dog Calming Chews. In the most challenging cases, a vet may also prescribe mild sedatives.

Large Pet Transport as Cargo

When transporting large pets as cargo with American Airlines, you’ll need to follow specific guidelines regarding size and weight limits, kennel requirements, and booking procedures.

Your pet’s kennel must meet strict standards for safety and comfort, including adequate ventilation and secure latches.

Size and Weight Limits

For large pets traveling as cargo on American Airlines, the combined weight of the pet and kennel mustn’t exceed 100 lbs.

Your pet’s kennel size also plays a significant role in meeting American Airlines’ size restrictions.

These specifications ensure the kennel can be safely and effectively managed within the cargo transport area.

Kennel Requirements

To ensure your pet’s comfort and safety, the kennel needs to be big enough for them to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. 

Kennel size is crucial for making sure your pet has enough space during their journey. A cramped space can cause a lot of stress.

Next, pay attention to ventilation requirements. Proper airflow is essential to keep your pet cool and comfy. For domestic flights, the kennel should have ventilation openings on at least three sides.

For international travel, it needs openings on all four sides. This helps ensure your pet gets enough fresh air and reduces the risk of overheating.

Don’t forget about the bottom of the kennel. It must be leak proof to prevent any messes from escaping, which could cause discomfort or health issues for your pet. A solid, leak proof bottom also makes cleaning easier for you.

Booking

Now that your kennel meets all the requirements, it’s time to book your large pet’s transport as cargo. 

The booking process with American Airlines is straightforward, but there are a few key steps and timelines to keep in mind. 

You can make a reservation up to 10 days in advance, guaranteeing you secure a spot for your pet. This reservation timeline gives you the freedom to plan ahead without rush.

If you find yourself needing to make last minute bookings, don’t worry—you can still arrange transport, but you’ll need to call American Airlines directly at 800-227-4622. Their customer service assistance is available to help you navigate any last-minute changes or questions you might have.

When booking, make sure you have all the booking requirements in order, such as your pet’s health documentation and kennel specifications. This will make the process smoother and prevent any hiccups on the day of travel.

Routes and Aircraft with Pet Restrictions

Not all planes are equipped to transport pets, and certain destinations may have regulations that limit pet travel.

Aircraft Restrictions

Many American Airlines aircraft have specific restrictions on where pets can travel, particularly in the cabin and as cargo. For in-cabin pets, aircraft restrictions come into play based on pet size and the class you’re flying.

On Boeing 777-200, 777-300, 787-8, and 787-9 aircraft, pets aren’t allowed in business or first class. You’ll need to sit in the Main Cabin to bring your pet along. This guarantees more consistent pet accommodations, keeping your furry friend safe and comfortable.

When it comes to cargo transport, American Airlines has clear guidelines to safeguard your pets. Pets can’t be transported as cargo on certain aircraft types, including Airbus 319, 320, 321, 321E, 321H, 321S, 321X, 32Q, and 32B.

Route Restrictions

During the hot summer months, from May 1 through September 30, checked pets aren’t allowed on flights passing through Las Vegas (LAS), Palm Springs (PSP), Phoenix (PHX), or Tucson (TUS) due to pet temperature restrictions and hot weather limitations.

So, if you’re planning summer pet travel to or through these cities, you’ll need to explore alternative options like Amtrak or Greyhound buses.

When it comes to winter pet transportation, American Airlines also imposes cold weather considerations.

Checked pets can’t travel on routes where any destination’s temperature drops below 45°F (7°C). This safeguards pets from facing harsh conditions during transit. 

However, you can still bring your pets in the cabin when traveling to or from Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and within the contiguous 48 United States. Just be aware that other international routes might have different restrictions.

Read also: Can you take dogs to Mexico?

For those considering cargo travel, note that pets can’t be transported on flights longer than 12 hours.

Denied Pet Boarding and Fee Refunds

If American Airlines denies boarding for your pet, you’ll want to know what happens next. They typically refund the pet fee, but understanding the specific circumstances can help you navigate the process smoothly.

Let’s explore how denied boarding works and what you should expect regarding refunds.

Denied Pet Boarding

Passengers traveling with pets might face denied boarding if the aircraft type can’t accommodate their pet carrier. If this happens, American Airlines will try to rebook you on the next available flight that offers pet accommodation, usually at no extra cost.

For instance, if your Business Class seat on a 787-9 doesn’t have under-seat storage for a pet carrier, they might move you to Economy on the next flight.

If American Airlines can’t find a suitable flight for you, they might endorse your ticket to another airline. However, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for any fare differences and additional pet fees that the other carrier might charge. 

When denied boarding, you have travel alternatives, but it’s also your duty to ensure your pet’s carrier meets the airline’s requirements. Always double-check the aircraft type and pet policies before your trip to avoid any surprises at the gate.

Pet Fee Refunds

You’ll be glad to know that if your flight is canceled by the airline and you decide not to rebook, you’re entitled to a full refund of your ticket and pet fee. This guarantees that you’re not out of pocket for circumstances beyond your control.

Refund eligibility is straightforward in cases of flight cancellations. If you choose to rebook, American Airlines will simply transfer your pet to the new flight, meaning the pet fee won’t be refunded. This is part of their policy to make sure that your furry friend reaches the destination with you.

However, in situations where you’re denied boarding with your pet due to aircraft restrictions, things can get a bit tricky.

If you decide not to rebook under these circumstances, it’s unclear whether the pet fee will be refunded along with the ticket price. American Airlines recommends contacting their customer service for pet fee clarification in these specific scenarios.

Fur-well Notes

Traveling with your pet on American Airlines can be straightforward if you follow their guidelines. Make sure to pay the cabin pet fee, use an approved carrier, and adhere to pet limits per passenger and flight. Don’t forget your pet’s health records and ensure proper behavior during the flight.

For larger pets, transport them as cargo. Check for any route or aircraft restrictions to avoid denied boarding and potential fees. By following these rules, you can guarantee a smooth journey for you and your pet.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable information for traveling with your furry friend. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to leave a comment. We’re here to help!

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