How to Fly with Pets on American Airlines: Rules, Fees & Requirements

Taking a pet on a trip and seeing it explore the place. Well, this experience is beautiful, but the hassle on the flight is tiring. Choose the American Airlines pet policy to fly, and you can make the experience very hassle-free. 

This policy is simple and mostly focuses on the well-being of both the pet and the passengers. The policy has few restrictions. Read the regulations, charges, and restrictions to prepare yourself before you travel. 

What are the American Airlines Pet Policy regulations?

All the American Airlines policies are made in a very clear way. American Airlines' pet policy and regulations are not that complex. Read the common rules of this policy:

• Passengers can take their pets in the cabin only. 
• Some destinations provide restrictions on carrying pets. Make sure to check it for the destination before.
• In the state where the size of the pet will not allow it to be accommodated in the aircraft's ordinary pet carrier, the pet may not fly at all.
• Animals that can cause harm are not allowed on the plane. 

Important regulations:

Here are some important regulations of AA Airlines' pet policy: 

• Only cats and dogs can fly as carry-on pets.
• The pet must stay inside its soft-sided or hard-sided carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
• Checked pets are not available for the general public — only official military/State Department travel.
• All other pets must travel through Cargo (PetEmbark®).
• Service animals have their own rules and may fly in the cabin free of charge.
• The pet cannot take a journey where they have to be in the cargo for more than 12 hours. 
• The pet's age must not be below 8 weeks. 

How to add the pet slot? 

Steps to Add a Pet to the Reservation:

• First, buy the passenger ticket for yourself.

Make sure to check the pet travel eligibility of your flight (look at the rules of the destination and the type of aeroplane).

• Get in touch with American Airlines Reservations.

Call the customer support and let them know that you would like to add a carry-on pet. Give them your confirmation number.

• Provide all the necessary details:

Pet type, Age, Weight including carrier, Itinerary, Any layovers

• Check in from the counter

You will have to check in at the counter (not online) once the pet has passed the inspections, and you have to pay the charges. 

What are the pet carrier size regulations?

American Air Pet Policy provides us with the permissible dimensions of cargo and kennel:

• American Airlines carry-on pet policy requirements: 

• Size: 19x13x9 inches, 

• Weight: 20 pounds. 
• Kennel requirements: 
• Size: 36x26x28 inches. 
• Weight: 100lbs. 
• The carrier must be spacious enough. 
• The pet must be comfortable inside the kennel. 

Sitting requirements:

American Airlines pet cabin policy provides these regulations for after you enter in cabin: 

• The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you
• Only one pet carrier is allowed per passenger
• You may carry one additional personal item or carry-on, but not both
• The pet must stay inside the carrier for the full duration
• No pet is allowed on laps, seats, or aisles
• Aggressive or disruptive animals may be refused to fly. 

How much are the Charges for a Pet Carrier? 

American Airlines' pet policy costs vary based on the type of service and the destinations. These charges are non-refundable. Here is a list of charges: 

If you have a voluntary stopover longer than 4 hours, the pet fee applies again for the next segment.

What are the American Airlines Service Animal Regulations?

A dog trained to perform tasks for a person with:

• Visual impairment
• Hearing loss
• Mobility limitations
• Seizure disorders
• PTSD or psychiatric disabilities
• Not Considered Service Animals
• Emotional support animals
• Comfort animals
• Service animals in training

(These must travel as pets and follow all pet rules.)

Forms Required for Service Animals: 

To fly with a service dog, passengers must complete:

• DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form

This helps to confirm training, behaviour, and health.

American Airlines follows U.S. DOT rules for service animals.

• DOT Relief Attestation Form (for flights 8+ hours)

Ensures the dog can relieve itself hygienically.

• CDC Dog Import Form

Required for entering the U.S.

Submit these 48 hours before travel or bring them to the airport.

Once approved, you receive an SVAN ID valid for one year.

Behavior Requirements

Service dogs must:

• Stay leashed or harnessed
• Remain well-behaved
• Fit at your feet, under your seat, or in your lap (if small enough)
• Animals may be refused if they:
• Growl
• Bite
• Jump on the passengers
• Disrupt safety

Destination Rules for Service Dogs: 

American Airlines' pet policy, some international destinations require advance approvals, such as:

• Hawaii
• U.K. (HARC approval)
• Ireland
• Japan
• India (NOC required)
• Hong Kong
• New Zealand
• Guyana
• St. Vincent

Documents must be presented at check-in.

What are the Regulations Related to the Health Certificate? 

American Airlines Pet Travel Policy usually don’t ask for a health certificate, but for specific destinations, passengers may have to bring a health certificate: 

• It must be issued by a qualified licensed veterinarian. 
• The veterinarian must declare in the certificate that: 
• The pet is fit to fly. 
• There is no contagious disease 
• And the pet is free of infection.
• The breed of the pet 
• Weight and age of the pet. 
• Please make the certificate based on the destination. 
• The certificate should be released within 10 days of the flight.
• If it is a round trip, the certificate may be issued no later than 60 days from your return. 

What are the Restrictions of American Airlines' Pet Policy?

American Airlines' pet regulations provide these restrictions: 

Breed Restrictions

• Some breeds are more affected by the listed challenges because they are more susceptible to dental damage than others, or exhale harder and with more intensity than the other variants.
• Breeds historically associated with unsafe behaviour in confined spaces are banned regardless of training.

Mixed Breeds

• A vet must identify the predominant breed.
• Aircraft Restrictions
• Not all aircraft are safe for animal transport.
• Pets cannot travel on many Airbus 319/320/321 variants — except certain transcontinental routes.
• The American restricts pet travel on aircraft that lack proper ventilation or heating in the cargo hold.

Cargo Travel: American PetEmbark®

When a pet is too large for the cabin and the owner is not military personnel, the only option is cargo.

• Used for domestic and international travel
• Accepts pets up to 100+ lbs with a kennel
• Provides comfort stops during long layovers
• Offers a money-back guarantee if AA fails to transport due to controllable conditions
• Cargo Requirements
• Approved kennel (IATA standards)

Temperature Certificate: 

American Airlines follows temperature rules to protect pets from heat or cold stress.

• Animals are forbidden to go to any zones where the temperatures are below 20°F or above 85°F. 
• If the temperature is in the range of 20 to 44°F, obtain a letter for acclimatisation.
• Your vet must specify the lowest safe temperature your pet can tolerate.
• American uses real-time system forecasts at drop-off, departure, connections, and arrival.

Conclusion

Traveling with a pet isn’t just about logistics; it’s about carrying a heartbeat that trusts you completely. American Airlines has a long list of rules, but once you break them down, they’re simply designed to protect your companion.

From carrier sizes to temperature limits, from fees to service-animal forms, each step is a layer of safety. Which becomes easier with certain preparation and patience, is keeping one's pet in close range, secure and sound.

Read More Related Post: Spirit Airlines Pet Policy , Delta Airlines Pet Policy