Help Desk: 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] β Traveling with pets has become more common than ever, and American Airlines understands this well. If youβre planning to fly with your furry friend, itβs important to know the American Airlines pet policy inside and out. For quick assistance and to book your petβs travel, call us anytime at π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] β weβre available 24/7 to help.
Whether your travel companion is a dog, cat, or emotional support animal, being familiar with the American Airlines pet policy can save you time and stress. From fees to kennel size requirements, the policy has recently been updated with stricter safety and documentation rules.
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Flying with your pet isn't free β hereβs what youβll pay under the latest American Airlines pet policy:
Cabin travel (carry-on): $125 per kennel, each way
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Checked baggage pets: Only for military or official U.S. government travel
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The American Airlines pet policy allows only small cats and dogs in the cabin. Larger pets must travel via cargo, which has its own set of rules.
The American Airlines pet policy is pretty strict, especially after recent updates. Hereβs what to expect:
Pets must fit in an approved carrier under the seat
Certain dog breeds (like snub-nosed dogs) are banned from cargo travel
Your pet must be calm, clean, and odor-free
Carriers must be leak-proof and ventilated
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Yes, the American Airlines pet policy is firm, but itβs all about keeping your pet safe. If youβre unsure about anything, call the pet desk directly at 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] π.
Documentation is a big part of the American Airlines pet policy, especially for international or cargo travel. Hereβs what youβll typically need:
π©Ί Veterinarian-issued health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
π Proof of rabies vaccination
π Country-specific import/export forms for international flights
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Yes β in many cases, a 20-pound dog can fit under the seat, if theyβre in a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier. The American Airlines pet policy focuses more on carrier size than pet weight.
Hereβs what to keep in mind:
Soft carriers offer more flexibility
Your dog must stay inside the carrier at all times
Pet + carrier combined should be under 25 lbs
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In addition to the American Airlines pet policy, you must also follow TSA rules. Donβt worry β theyβre pretty straightforward:
Dogs must be removed from the carrier at security
Youβll carry your pet through the metal detector
The empty carrier goes through X-ray
Pets must be leashed and under control
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Unfortunately, no, American Airlines doesnβt allow you to buy a separate seat for your pet. Under the American Airlines pet policy, animals must remain in their carrier and stay under the seat in front of you the entire flight.
We know β it sounds unfair. But for safety and FAA rules, dogs on laps or in seats are strictly not allowed.
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While American Airlines pet policy doesnβt allow it, some alternatives might:
Private jet charters: Full seat or cabin for your dog
JSX or semi-private flights: Some flexibility on pet seating
International airlines: A few may allow dogs in premium cabins (rare)
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We get this question a lot. Sadly, no β under the American Airlines pet policy, your dog must remain in the carrier under the seat the entire flight. No laps, no exceptions.
Even small dogs must follow this rule. Break it, and you risk being removed from the flight.
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Letβs recap the key points of the updated American Airlines pet policy:
Only small cats and dogs can travel in-cabin πΆπ±
Pet fee is usually $125 each way πΈ
Strict rules on carriers, weight, and paperwork π§Ύ
Pets must stay under the seat β no laps, no seats πΊβ
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American Airlines allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on most flights within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and a few other locations. Pets must stay in a soft- or hard-sided carrier that fits under the seat. For full details or to reserve your petβs spot, call π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] today.
The in-cabin pet fee is $125 each way. If your pet is traveling via cargo (American PetEmbark), rates vary based on size and destination. For an accurate quote, contact a live agent at π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] πΆ.
Your dog must be small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat. The combined weight of the pet and carrier usually must be under 20β25 lbs. Need help checking if your pet qualifies? Call π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] for expert help.
Yes β most 20 lb dogs can fly in-cabin if they fit in an approved carrier. Check with a pet travel expert at π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] to confirm based on your dog's breed and body size.
No. According to the American Airlines pet policy, your dog must stay in the carrier under the seat at all times. Lap-sitting is not allowed for safety reasons. Questions? Call π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045].
No, American Airlines does not allow pets to sit in a passenger seat, even if you purchase one. Pets must stay in their carrier. Want alternatives? Call π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] to learn about pet-friendly private flight options.
You may need:
A health certificate
Rabies vaccination proof
Country-specific paperwork (for international flights)
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No. As of 2021, American Airlines no longer accepts emotional support animals (ESAs). They must travel as regular pets under the American Airlines pet policy. Have questions? Speak to a live agent at π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] πΎ.
Approved in-cabin pet carriers must be:
Leak-proof and well-ventilated
Able to fit under the seat in front of you
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Only one pet per passenger is allowed in-cabin. If youβre traveling with more than one pet, ask about cargo options or book additional tickets for another person in your group. We can help at π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045].
Yes. Certain brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats are restricted from cargo travel due to health risks. Call π 1β[888β£2(8)7β€4045] for the full list and exceptions.