American Airlines Pet Policy

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 92 views

Introduction

When traveling with pets, it's essential to understand the airline's pet policy to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your furry friend. American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, and its pet policy is quite strict. In this article, we'll delve into the guidelines of American Airlines when it comes to traveling with pets.

Pet Policy Overview

American Airlines allows small pets in the cabin for a $150 fee, while larger pets must travel as cargo. This policy applies to all domestic and international flights. However, there are certain restrictions and requirements that you need to be aware of before booking a flight with your pet.

Cabin Pets

If you're planning to travel with a small pet in the cabin, there are a few things you need to know:

Size restrictions: The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, and the pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Weight restrictions: The pet carrier and pet combined must not exceed 20 pounds.
Breeds: Certain breeds, such as snub-nosed dogs, are not allowed in the cabin due to breathing difficulties.
Fees: The $150 fee applies to each pet traveling in the cabin.

Cargo Pets

If your pet is too large to travel in the cabin, it must travel as cargo. Here are some things to consider:

Weight restrictions: There is no weight limit for pets traveling as cargo, but they must be able to fit in an airline-approved carrier.
Size restrictions: The pet carrier must be able to fit in the cargo hold.
Fees: The fee for traveling as cargo varies depending on the route and type of pet carrier used.
Travel documents: You'll need to provide a health certificate for your pet, as well as a copy of their vaccination records.

Requirements for Traveling with Pets

To ensure a smooth journey for your pet, there are certain requirements you need to meet:

Health certificate: Your pet must have a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Vaccination records: You'll need to provide a copy of your pet's vaccination records.
Identification: Your pet must be wearing a collar with identification tags.
Carrier: Your pet must be in an airline-approved carrier that meets the size and weight restrictions.

Tips for Traveling with Pets

Traveling with pets can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can ensure a smooth journey for both you and your furry friend. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Book in advance: Book your flight and pet carrier well in advance to ensure availability.
Choose the right carrier: Choose a carrier that meets the size and weight restrictions, and is comfortable for your pet.
Acclimate your pet: Acclimate your pet to the carrier and travel by taking them on short trips before the flight.
Pack essentials: Pack essentials such as food, water, and medication for your pet.

Conclusion

American Airlines has a strict pet policy, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure a smooth journey for both you and your furry friend. Remember to book in advance, choose the right carrier, acclimate your pet, and pack essentials. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a stress-free journey for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bring my pet in the cabin if it's too large? A: No, pets that are too large to fit under the seat in front of you must travel as cargo.
Q: What is the fee for traveling with a pet in the cabin? A: The fee for traveling with a pet in the cabin is $150.
Q: Do I need to provide a health certificate for my pet? A: Yes, your pet must have a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
Q: Can I bring my pet on a layover? A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a layover, but you'll need to follow the airline's pet policy and requirements.

Additional Resources

American Airlines Pet Policy: For more information on American Airlines' pet policy, visit their website.
Pet Travel Tips: For tips on traveling with pets, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
Pet Carrier Requirements: For information on pet carrier requirements, visit the International Air Transport Association website.

Introduction

Traveling with pets can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to understanding the airline's pet policy. American Airlines has a strict pet policy, but with the right knowledge, you can ensure a smooth journey for both you and your furry friend. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about American Airlines' pet policy.

Q&A

Q: Can I bring my pet in the cabin if it's too large?

A: No, pets that are too large to fit under the seat in front of you must travel as cargo. However, if your pet is small enough to fit under the seat, you can bring it in the cabin for a $150 fee.

Q: What is the fee for traveling with a pet in the cabin?

A: The fee for traveling with a pet in the cabin is $150. This fee applies to each pet traveling in the cabin.

Q: Do I need to provide a health certificate for my pet?

A: Yes, your pet must have a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. This is a requirement for all pets traveling on American Airlines.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a layover?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a layover, but you'll need to follow the airline's pet policy and requirements. Make sure to check with the airline for any specific requirements or restrictions.

Q: What are the requirements for traveling with pets in cargo?

A: When traveling with pets in cargo, you'll need to provide a health certificate for your pet, as well as a copy of their vaccination records. You'll also need to use an airline-approved carrier that meets the size and weight restrictions.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a layover?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a flight that has a layover, but you'll need to follow the airline's pet policy and requirements. Make sure to check with the airline for any specific requirements or restrictions.

Q: Do I need to book a separate seat for my pet?

A: No, you don't need to book a separate seat for your pet. However, you will need to purchase a ticket for your pet if it's traveling in the cabin.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a connection?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a flight that has a connection, but you'll need to follow the airline's pet policy and requirements. Make sure to check with the airline for any specific requirements or restrictions.

Q: Do I need to provide a copy of my pet's vaccination records?

A: Yes, you'll need to provide a copy of your pet's vaccination records when traveling with them on American Airlines.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a change in aircraft?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a flight that has a change in aircraft, but you'll need to follow the airline's pet policy and requirements. Make sure to check with the airline for any specific requirements or restrictions.

Q: Do I need to provide a health certificate for my pet if it's traveling as cargo?

A: Yes, your pet must have a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, even if it's traveling as cargo.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a change in route?

A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a flight that has a change in route, but you'll need to follow the airline's pet policy and requirements. Make sure to check with the airline for any specific requirements or restrictions.

Conclusion

Traveling with pets on American Airlines can be a bit complex, but with the right knowledge, you can ensure a smooth journey for both you and your furry friend. Remember to check with the airline for any specific requirements or restrictions, and make sure to follow the airline's pet policy and requirements.

Additional Resources

American Airlines Pet Policy: For more information on American Airlines' pet policy, visit their website.
Pet Travel Tips: For tips on traveling with pets, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
Pet Carrier Requirements: For information on pet carrier requirements, visit the International Air Transport Association website.