Can I travel with pet on American Airlines?

# Can I travel with pet on American Airlines? You can travel with pets on American Airlines in cabin or cargo; book early or call at 1-888-760-1051 customer service Traveling with pets has become an important part of modern journeys. Many people see their pets as family members and do not want to leave them behind when they travel. If you are planning to fly with American Airlines, you may be wondering whether pets are allowed, what the rules are, and how you can prepare. The good news is that American Airlines does allow passengers to travel with pets, but there are specific conditions, procedures, and guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety and comfort of both the pet and the passengers. This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about traveling with pets on American Airlines. It will cover the types of pets allowed, cabin travel, cargo travel, fees, restrictions, preparation tips, and common mistakes to avoid. --- ## Why Travelers Bring Pets Along Before diving into the rules, it is helpful to understand why travelers often choose to bring pets on board. Pets provide comfort, companionship, and even emotional support during stressful journeys. For many passengers, leaving a pet behind is not an option, especially for long trips or when relocating permanently. By allowing pet travel, airlines like American Airlines make it possible for passengers to stay connected with their furry companions. --- ## Can You Travel with Pets on American Airlines Yes, American Airlines allows pets to travel, but it depends on several factors such as the size of the pet, the destination, the type of aircraft, and the booking conditions. Pets can travel in the cabin with their owners, in the cargo hold, or in some cases, as checked baggage. However, each method has specific requirements and rules that must be followed. --- ## Types of Pets Allowed American Airlines generally allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, while larger pets may need to be transported in the cargo hold. Birds and some other small animals may be permitted depending on route and regulations, but dogs and cats are the most common pets accepted. Pets that are too large for the cabin but meet the airline’s size and safety requirements may be transported as cargo. Some animals, however, are not allowed at all due to health, safety, or legal restrictions. --- ## Travel Options for Pets When traveling with American Airlines, there are three main options for pets ### 1. Pets in the Cabin Small dogs and cats that meet the airline’s size and weight requirements can travel in the cabin. They must remain inside an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. This option is suitable for passengers who want to keep their pets close during the journey. ### 2. Pets as Cargo Larger pets or those that cannot fit in the cabin may be shipped in the cargo hold. American Airlines has a special program for this called American Airlines Cargo. Pets travel in climate controlled conditions, and this option is typically used for big dogs or pets traveling long distances. ### 3. Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals Service animals that are trained to assist passengers with disabilities are allowed on board under different rules. Emotional support animals used to be permitted in the past, but most airlines, including American Airlines, now have stricter rules. Only trained service animals are accepted, not emotional support animals. --- ## Rules for Pets in the Cabin For pets traveling in the cabin with American Airlines, there are several important rules * Only small dogs and cats are allowed * Pets must remain in their carrier at all times * The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you * The pet must be able to stand and turn around comfortably inside the carrier * Only one pet carrier is allowed per passenger * Each carrier can contain one pet, or in some cases two very small pets of the same species if they fit comfortably --- ## Pet Carrier Requirements American Airlines requires that all pets be transported in approved carriers. The carrier must meet certain size limits to fit under the seat and must have ventilation on multiple sides. Soft sided carriers are often preferred since they can flex to fit under the seat more easily. The carrier must be secure, leak proof, and provide enough comfort for the pet to stand, sit, and move around naturally. Always check the dimensions allowed for your specific aircraft, as seat space may vary depending on the route and plane type. --- ## Fees for Traveling with Pets Traveling with pets on American Airlines comes with a fee. The amount depends on whether the pet is traveling in the cabin or as cargo. For cabin pets, the fee is usually a fixed amount per one way journey. For cargo pets, the cost may vary depending on weight, size, and route. These fees are non refundable, and you must pay them at the time of check in. Planning ahead helps you avoid surprises about the total cost of your journey. --- ## Destination Restrictions Not all destinations accept pet travel. Some countries have strict entry rules, and certain international flights may not allow pets in the cabin or cargo at all. For example, some nations require quarantine upon arrival, while others only accept pets as cargo. In addition, American Airlines may not allow pets on flights to destinations with extreme weather conditions to protect the animals from harm. Always check the airline and the country regulations before booking a flight with your pet. --- ## Seasonal and Weather Restrictions American Airlines places restrictions on pet travel during periods of extreme heat or cold. This is especially true for pets traveling in the cargo hold. If the outside temperature is unsafe for the animal, the airline may refuse to transport the pet. These rules are in place to protect pets from health risks. --- ## Booking a Pet Reservation It is not enough to just buy your own ticket if you want to travel with a pet. You must make a separate reservation for your pet, since the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight is limited. Steps to book a pet reservation 1. Book your own flight ticket 2. Call American Airlines customer service to request a pet reservation 3. Confirm availability for your specific flight 4. Pay the pet fee 5. Receive confirmation of your pet’s travel arrangements --- ## Checking in with a Pet When you arrive at the airport, you must check in with your pet at the counter. American Airlines requires that pets and their carriers be inspected to ensure they meet the airline’s rules. Arrive at the airport earlier than usual when traveling with a pet. This gives you enough time for check in, security checks, and preparing your pet for boarding. --- ## Preparing Your Pet for Travel To make your pet’s journey safe and stress free, preparation is key. * Visit your vet before travel to ensure your pet is healthy * Carry required health certificates if traveling internationally * Introduce your pet to the carrier in advance so they feel comfortable * Avoid feeding your pet a heavy meal just before travel * Carry water and a small snack for after the flight * Label the carrier with your contact information --- ## Pets in Cargo Travel When pets are transported in the cargo hold, American Airlines takes precautions to ensure their safety. The cargo hold is climate controlled and pressurized, just like the cabin. However, some breeds of pets, such as brachycephalic or snub nosed dogs and cats, may not be allowed in cargo due to breathing difficulties. Cargo travel is recommended for larger dogs or when pets cannot travel in the cabin. Owners must use a sturdy hard sided carrier approved for cargo travel. --- ## Service Animals Passengers with disabilities are allowed to travel with trained service animals. These animals are permitted in the cabin free of charge. The passenger must submit required documentation and the animal must behave properly in public spaces. Unlike cabin pets, service animals do not need to remain in a carrier, but they must remain at the passenger’s feet or under the seat. --- ## Things Not Allowed with Pets When traveling with a pet on American Airlines, there are certain restrictions passengers must follow. * Pets cannot travel in the cabin on long haul international flights * Pets are not allowed in first class on some aircraft due to space limits * Pets cannot sit in exit rows or bulkhead seats * Some aircraft types do not allow pet carriers due to under seat space restrictions * Aggressive or sick animals may be denied travel --- ## Common Mistakes Passengers Make 1. Forgetting to make a separate pet reservation 2. Buying a carrier that does not meet size requirements 3. Not checking destination country pet entry rules 4. Feeding pets just before the flight leading to discomfort 5. Assuming emotional support animals are still accepted under the old rules --- ## Tips for Smooth Pet Travel 1. Book early since space for pets is limited 2. Choose direct flights whenever possible to reduce stress on your pet 3. Carry a small blanket or toy to comfort your pet in the carrier 4. Check the weather conditions before your travel date 5. Keep documents like vaccination records handy --- ## Why American Airlines Has Pet Policies Airlines create strict rules for pet travel to ensure the safety of everyone on board. Pets can experience stress, health issues, or discomfort during flights, and clear policies help minimize risks. These rules also protect other passengers who may have allergies or concerns about animals on board. --- ## Final Thoughts Yes, you can travel with a pet on American Airlines. The airline allows small dogs and cats in the cabin under strict conditions, and larger pets can travel in the cargo hold. Trained service animals are also accepted with appropriate documentation. The key to smooth travel with pets is preparation. Book your pet reservation early, buy an approved carrier, check all rules for your destination, and arrive at the airport with plenty of time. By following the airline’s policies, you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind knowing your pet is safe and comfortable. American Airlines has designed its pet travel policies to balance passenger comfort, animal safety, and practical travel conditions. With the right planning, traveling with your furry companion can be a positive and memorable experience.