American Airlines Pet Policy

Monday, September 06, 2021

American Airlines Pet Policy

What is American Airlines Pet Policy?

American Airlines understands how necessary a pet is for Americans. Pets are like family in American society. By keeping these things in mind, American Airlines allows passengers to bring pets with them during air travel. There are some strict rules and regulations in American Airlines pet policy. American Airlines allows boarding only certain types of pets. If you have pets and you want to bring them with you while traveling with American Airlines flights, you must have to know the pet policy of American Airlines.

What Types of Pets are Allowed to Travel with American Airlines?

American Airlines allows domestic pets only such as dogs, household birds, rabbits, and cats. Snub nose pets like Pitbull, Bull Dogs, Boston Terrier, etc are not allowed to board American Airlines flights. Trained pets can accompany you in the main cabin but the only point that should be noted is that the size of the pet with the carrier must fit under the seat. Make sure that it does not block the aisle in any way. If it blocks the aisle in any way, you, unfortunately, won’t be allowed to bring your pet to the main cabin. You will also not be allowed to sit in the emergency exit row due to security reasons.

Traveling with Dogs and Cats to the United States

Starting from July 14, 2021, the United States Centers for Disease Control has temporarily suspended the provision of bringing dogs, including fully trained service dogs, traveling to the U.S. from the few countries that are considered high-risk of dog rabies. If you have an approved CDC Dog Import Permit, you will be allowed to bring service dogs from those restricted countries. However, cats from high-risk countries will not be permitted to travel to the U.S. This temporary restriction is applicable between July 14, 2021, and October 14, 2021.

How are my pets transported?

Your pets can be accepted as carry-on bags, checked bags, or can be transported in American Airlines Cargo. It depends on the weight and size of the pets. It also depends on the age of your pets and the destinations you are flying to. Please note that checked pets are accepted for active-duty military personnel only at the ticket counter. The total weight of your pet including the pet carrier should not be more than 9 KG if traveling in a cabin. Your pet’s weight including the pet carrier should not exceed 45 KG to accept it as a checked bag (temporarily suspended). Larger pets can be shipped in American Airlines Cargo.

Size Vs type of acceptability.

Size of Pet including pet carrier Category of Acceptability
9KG and Less Carry-on Bag
45 KG and Less Checked Bag

 

American Airlines Pets Fees And Charges

American Airlines accepts pet fees at the airport or at a travel center with a credit card and paper voucher only. Cash is not accepted for payment. There are no fees if your pet is a service animal. $125 per kennel is to be paid for a carry-on pet if traveling within the U.S.A. and between U.S.A. and Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. For checked pets, between the U.S.A. and Canada, Mexico, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean, $200 per kennel is to be paid and $150 if traveling from or to Brazil. Please make a note that checked pets are acceptable from active U.S. Military and State Department Personnel only. For shipment in American Airlines Cargo, it depends on the weight and size of the pet and the destination it is being shipped. Call at American Airlines phone number to know more about the cargo policy of your pets. Fees and charges of your pets will be easily understandable with the help of the below table.

Type of Service Region of Service Applicable Fees
Service Animals All Destinations Free
Carry-on Pet Between U.S.A. and Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean $125 per kennel
Checked Pet Between U.S.A. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean $200 per kennel
$150 per kennel, from/to Brazil
Cargo Pet/Larger Pet Depends on destinations Depends on size, weight and destination.

What Documents Are Required to Carry a Pet During Air Travel?

American Airlines does not require any special health certificates for your pets traveling with you on an American Airlines flight. However, some states require health certificates of your pets if your destinations fall into those states. It is passengers’ responsibility to be aware of the pet rules and policies of the states they are traveling to. There are special pet rules and regulations in the Hawaii states. Get in touch with American Airlines if you are traveling with a pet and your destination is in Hawaii. For other international destinations, call American Airlines phone number to know the terms and conditions of the pet policy of the other countries.

American Airlines can refuse to accept your pets if they are ill, have aggressive behavior, poor kneeling and extreme temperature at the origin and destination airport.

Which Destinations Are Allowed to Travel with Pets?

American Airlines pet policy allows pets to travel on those flights only where travel time is up to or less than 12 hours. These locations are permitted to fly with your pets.

  • Within the United States except for Hawaii State.
  • Canada
  • Alaska
  • Central America
  • Mexico
  • Puerto Rico
  • St. Thomas
  • St. Croix

Destinations With Pet Restriction

Australia: Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources does not accept applications to import service animals other than dogs.

Jamaica: You cannot travel with a carry-on pet if your destination is Jamaica.

Cuba, Dominic Republic and Haiti: You are not allowed to travel with carry-on or checked pets if traveling from these three destinations. Apart from these destinations, there are several more destinations that restrict traveling with pets. You are requested to be aware of the pet policy of the destination you are flying to.

If you have American Airlines flight reservations and you want to fly with your pets, the carrier provides you an option to bring your pets with you while traveling. You just need to stick to the American Airlines Pet Policy. Call FlyOfinder at +1-571-378-7016 for American Airlines flight reservations with your pets.

FAQ

Q. Can I sit with my pet in the emergency exit row?
Ans: You cannot be allowed to sit in the emergency exit row with your pet. It is not allowed because, in an emergency situation, pets are not able to follow the instructions required of those seated in the exit row.

Q. How old should my pet be to travel in the main cabin?
Ans: Your pet should be 8 weeks old to get permitted to travel in the main cabin.

Q. What is the temperature restriction on pets traveling?
Ans: You can travel with your pets when the current or forecast temperature is not more than 85 degrees and not less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit at the origin and destination point.

Q. What are kennel limitations for carry-on pets?
Ans: It is limited to 7 kennels on American flights and 5 kennels on American Eagle flights.

Q. Does American Airlines allow my dog or cat to sit on my lap?
Ans: No. Your pet can stay in a pet carrier that is stored under the seat in front of you throughout the flying period.

Also, read our blog What Is United Airlines Pet Policy?.

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