Are you worried about your American Airlines pet travel? Then, do not worry! You are on the right page where you will learn about the American Airlines Pet Policy. As per airline’s pet policy, it allows the passengers to carry an emotional support animal or service but they must adhere to all the rules. In addition, you must carry all the relevant documents when traveling with your pet.
Read this blog in detail to learn more about the American Airlines pet policy carrier size, fee etc.
Important Points to Remember About American Airlines Pet Policy
American Airlines allows pets in the cabin to fly with you, but you must follow the specific guidelines:
- Your pet must be either a dog or a cat. American Airlines does not allow other species in the cabins.
- Remember, your pet and the carrier must not weigh more than 20 pounds together. Pets weighing more can not travel in the cabin unless they are service animals.
- Your pet must stay in its carrier the whole journey with the door closed and under your seat.
- However, there are certain routes where your pets cannot be allowed to fly regardless of their size and weight. These routes include all translated flights, flights from and to Hawaii, and flights to Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Argentina.
American Airlines Pet in Cabin
Carriers must be made of wood, metal, or plastic, be a leak- and escape-proof, and be big enough for pets to turn around, rest, and lie down in their natural position. Carriers’ doors need to close tightly and have ventilation on all sides in addition to the door. Additionally, drivers must have a water bottle that can be filled from the outside. For information on the max dimensions for your trip, please visit the American Airlines Manage Booking page.
The pet carrier can only be 23″ long, 13″ wide, and 9″ high because the pet and carrier must weigh less than 20 pounds and be able to fit beneath the seat. In a carrier of this size, your pet must be capable of standing up, lying down, and turning around.
Pets in Checked baggage
- Carriers must be made of metal, wood, or plastic, be leak and escape-proof and be big enough for pets to turn around, rest, and lie down in their natural position.
- Carriers’ doors need to close tightly and have ventilation on all sides in addition to the door. Additionally, passengers must have a water bottle that can be filled from the outside.
Pets in Cargo
- As per American Airlines pet cargo policy, the pets that are unable to fit under the seat will fly as cargo.
- Five kennels are permitted on American Eagle flights and seven kennels are permitted on American Airlines flights.
- If your pet is other species than a cat or dog. However, birds are not permitted to fly in cargo.
- When you are traveling on long-haul flights. But, the duration of your flight should not be more than 12 hours.
- The pet carrier can only be (40 x 27 x 30) inches or (101 cm x 68 cm x 76 cm).
American Airlines Pet Carrier Size
- Soft-sided carriers that are no larger than (18 x 11 x 11) inches (45 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm) are advised for pets flying in the cabin. Carriers with hard sides must be larger than 19″ x 13″ x 9″. (48 cm x 33 cm x 22 cm).
- In their carrier, animals should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Pet carriers with soft sides should have ventilation on two or more sides, along with padded nylon, and be water-resistant.
- American Airlines pet carrier dimensions and sizes for pets flying as cargo should not exceed (40 x 27 x 30) inches or (101 cm x 68 cm x 76 cm).
American Airlines Pet Fee
- Cats and dogs that are at least eight weeks old are allowed to fly in the cabin on American Airlines as long as their combined weight and that of their carrier do not go above 20 lbs (9 kg).
- Small animals must spend the whole trip in their carrier, with the door closed and under the seat. Pets are allowed in the cabin for a $125 fee.
For more information on American Airlines Pet Policy, visit americanairlines.net.
FAQs
How strict is American Airlines pet policy?
American Airlines does not put any restrictions as long as your pet fits in the carrier. However, if you are flying in first or business class, then the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 20 pounds. Also, the pets flying in American Airlines should be at least 8 weeks old.
How much does American Airlines charge for pets?
Passengers who are flying with their pets need to pay $125 per kennel. Small pets should spend their whole trip in their carrier, with the door closed and under the seat.
Does American Airlines weigh pets?
Your pet must weigh less than 9.07 kg or 20 lbs when flying on American Airlines. This is the combined weight limit of both the pet and carrier.
How big can a pet carrier be on American Airlines?
Soft-sided carriers that are no larger than (18 x 11 x 11) inches (45 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm) are advised for pets flying in the cabin. Carriers with hard sides must be larger than 19″ x 13″ x 9″. (48 cm x 33 cm x 22 cm).
How do I know if my pet carrier is TSA approved?
Your pet carrier should have proper ventilation and waterproof bottom. You must securely fasten your pet in the carrier.
How much does American Airlines charge for pet cargo?
American Airlines pet cargo policy states that pets that are unable to fit under the seat will fly as cargo. As far as the pet cargo fee is concerned, it will vary according to the pet type and confirmed during booking.
Does American charge a pet fee?
Yes, American Airlines charge a certain fee to carry a pet in the cabin and on cargo. To fly a pet in a cabin, you need to pay $125 as a carry-on fee. And if you are flying a pet in cargo, then the fee will vary and be confirmed during booking.
What documents do I need to bring my dog on a plane?
Passengers who are flying with their pets in the cabin or as cargo need to submit a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to the airline before traveling. It is a health certificate that is mandatory to carry. The certificate is only valid if a veterinarian (federally accredited) has a sign on it.
