At American Airlines, we understand that your furry companions are more than just pets; they're members of your family. That's why we strive to provide exceptional care and service to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience for both you and your pets. In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of American Airlines' pet policies, detailing everything you need to know before embarking on your journey.
Types of Pets Allowed
Small Dogs and Cats
At American Airlines, we welcome small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin with their owners. This allows for a close bond between pet and owner throughout the flight.
Service Animals
Service animals, such as guide dogs, are an integral part of our commitment to accessibility and inclusion. These animals are welcomed on board to assist passengers with disabilities, providing vital support and companionship.
Emotional Support Animals
Recognizing the importance of emotional support animals, American Airlines allows these companions to accompany passengers during their travels. With proper documentation, passengers can ensure their emotional support animals are by their side throughout the journey.
Other Pets
For pets that do not fit into the above categories, American Airlines offers options for transporting them as cargo. We understand the importance of ensuring the safety and comfort of all pets, regardless of their size or species.
Documentation Requirements
Health Certificates
Before traveling with your pet, we require passengers to provide up-to-date health certificates to ensure their pet is fit for travel.
Vaccination Records
In addition to health certificates, we also require vaccination records to ensure the health and safety of all passengers and pets on board.
Other Necessary Documents
Depending on the destination, additional documentation may be required for your pet's travel. It's essential to check the specific requirements for your destination to avoid any last-minute complications.
Pet Carrier Guidelines
Size Specifications
To ensure the comfort of your pet during the flight, we have specific size specifications for pet carriers. It's essential to choose a carrier that allows your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Ventilation Requirements
Proper ventilation is crucial to your pet's well-being during the flight. We recommend carriers with adequate ventilation to ensure your pet remains comfortable throughout the journey.
Security Guidelines
To ensure the safety of all passengers and pets on board, we have strict security guidelines for pet carriers. We recommend carriers with secure locks and closures to prevent any incidents during the flight.
Booking and Fees
Reservations
To guarantee space for your pet on board, we recommend making reservations in advance. Space for pets on American Airlines flights is limited, so it's essential to book early to avoid disappointment.
Fees
American Airlines charges a fee for pet transportation, which varies depending on the size and destination. We recommend checking the latest pricing and policies before booking your trip.
Tips for Traveling with Pets
Prepare Your Pet
Help your pet acclimate to their carrier and the travel environment before the trip. We recommend introducing your pet to the carrier gradually and taking short practice trips to familiarize them with the experience.
Pack Essentials
Bring along food, water, medication, and any comfort items your pet may need during the journey. We also recommend packing a leash, collar, and ID tag with your contact information in case of emergencies.
Our customers have a similar climate-controlled and pressurized aircraft compartment for their pets. Your pet will wait for their flight in a climate-controlled area before being taken to the departure gate. Your pet will be the last to board the plane and the first to get off when it is time for them. They're taken back to their destination and then transferred to a climate-controlled area, where they will wait until they are picked up.
Yes. We will give you an airwaybill number when you book your animal. To monitor the status of your pet, you can use our online tracking system to enter your airwaybill number.
Contact our 24-hour animal helpline at 1-800-227-4622, or PetEmbark@aa.com.
All dogs and cats must be certified fit to travel by a licensed veterinarian within 10 working days of departure for both outbound and return flights. You will need to have a new exam and a health certificate for your return flight if you fly more than 10 days after the issue of their health certificate.
It all depends on how big your pet is and if they are flying domestically or internationally.
Your pet can be booked up to 10 days ahead. Please contact us at least 24 hours before your pet's flight to book.
Although we are happy to allow your pet to travel on any of our flights with us, certain aircraft do not have the proper heating or ventilation for your pet's comfort. We will not transport pets on these aircraft types: Airbus 319 and 320, 321E, 321H and 321X, 32Q, 32Q, 32B and 32B. This excludes New York JFK.
A mismatch between the size of your kennel and the space available on our plane could also be a reason your pet may not be accommodated.
We may decide to place your pet in an off-site kennel if your pet arrives at the airport with you on a later flight. Additional kennelling fees may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
If your pet is ever injured or becomes ill while under our care, we will provide immediate medical attention to ensure that your pet is safe and secure.
We will be in touch with you when we have a flight available.
We will offer a comfort stop at the local kennelling facility if your pet has to lie down between connections. The kennel will conduct a well-being exam to ensure that your pet is healthy and happy while they are at the comfort stop. You can allow your pet to go outside and, depending on how long they have been traveling, you will provide food and water.
Comfort stop fees will be assessed based on the connection city.
If your pet is unable to travel on the booked flight due to circumstances beyond our control, we will book your pet onto the next flight. We will refund 50% of freight charges for PPS and 100% for Expedites if your pet is not picked up within the time limit.
We will not issue a refund for delays caused by weather conditions, mechanical issues, termination, postponement, delay or force majeure of flights due to strikes, riots or civil commotion, international circumstances, any governmental regulations or order demands or requirements, shortage of labour or fuel facilities or labour difficulties, or any other cause beyond our control.