American Airlines Pet Cargo

American Airlines Pet Cargo

It can be difficult to fly with your pet. Every airline has its own rules and regulations. The devil is in the details.

This story will cover all the important information you need about the American Airlines pet policy.

American Airlines' Pet Policy

American Airlines allows only cats and dogs to be carried on board. Other pets are not allowed. The American Airlines pet policy allows you to bring your cat or dog on most flights of up to 12 hours. This includes flights to and from the following destinations:

• The 48 contiguous United States
• Canada and the United States.
• Alaska.
• Mexico.
• Puerto Rico.
• St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
• St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

American Airlines charges $125 per one-way ticket for your pet to accompany you in the cabin. An additional $125 fee will be added to any one-way trip within the U.S. that includes a stopover of more than four hours. If you charge the fee on a card that offers airline fee credits, you might be able recover some or all of it.

American Airlines prohibits pets from flying in business or first class on these aircraft types.

• 777-200.
• 777-300.
• 787-8.
• 787-9.

It is important to book your pet in advance when making a reservation. American Airlines publishes the number and type of pets that are allowed on each flight, unlike the United Airlines pet policies. We know that American Airlines allows seven kennels per mainline flight (though service animals are not counted towards this limit).

American is currently allowing five kennels per flight, and one carrier in first-class for American Eagle flights. American has eliminated most change fees. However, you will have to reschedule your trip if your flight has reached its limit for in-cabin animals.

American Airlines considers your pet carrier to be a carry-on. If you are bringing a pet along, you will only be allowed one personal item. All other bags must be checked and the appropriate fees will be applied.

American Airlines has pet carrier requirements

American Airlines allows both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers under its pet policy. Based on whether you fly on American Airlines, American Eagle or American's regional carrier, hard-sided carriers may have different sizes.

Hard-sided kennels cannot be larger than 19 by 13 by 9 inches on mainline flights, and 16 by 12 by 8 inches for American Eagle flights. American Airlines recommends soft-sided carriers for mainline flights and American Eagle flights. They cannot exceed 18 inches by 11 by 11 by 11 inches.

The American pet policy requires that an animal be able stand and turn in the pet carrier.

American Airlines' policy on pet cargo

American Airlines will not allow pets to travel in cargo if they are members of the U.S. Military on active duty, or employees of U.S. State Department Foreign Service traveling on official orders. You can read more about American Airlines' cargo requirements.

How to use American Airlines' pet policy

To make use of American Airlines' pet policy, you must call reservations to add your pet to your reservation. If there are still kennels available on your preferred flight, an agent can assist you in adding your pet to your reservation.

Where can you take your pet?

American currently allows pets and cats to travel as checked baggage, in-cabin or manifest cargo. This is only for US Military personnel.

In-cabin

American allows fully-trained service dog pilots to fly in-cabin free of charge, provided they meet the requirements.

American Airlines will allow you to bring one pet and a kennel on your flight for an additional charge. They must remain in their kennel underneath the seat in front for the entire duration of the flight. Hard-sided kennels must not exceed 19x13x9 inches for mainline flights and 16x12x8 inches for regional flights. Soft-sided kennels must not exceed 18x11x11 inches

Additional restrictions are applicable to the seat and aircraft you are in. Please check with the reservation desk for more information.

Checked pets/checked baggage

American will not allow pets to be checked as baggage if they are members of the active-duty U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel who travel on official orders.

Although you can bring up to two pets, there is a limit on the number of pets that you can bring. Reservations must be contacted at least 48 hours before travel. You will need to check in at the ticket counter along with your official orders. You should allow additional time for check in (2-4 hours before departure). You will need to ensure that your pet meets all the requirements for entry.

All pets that are checked baggage or cargo for the airline must be in a IATA-compliant travel container.

You will need to confirm that your pet is allowed to travel on some aircrafts. American won't accept any snub-nosed (brachycephalic), breeds such as Burmese, Persian or Himalayan cats. American Staffordshire Terrier and Boston Terrier, Affenpinscher, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier and Bulldog (all Breeds), Bulldog (all Breeds), Cane Corso (all Breeds), Bulldog (all Breeds), Bulldog (all Breeds), Cane Corso (all Types), Cane De Bordeaux, Douge De Bordeaux. English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin. Lhasa Apso. Mastiff (all Races), Mastiff (all), Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

American will not allow pets to be checked in if the temperature is forecasted to rise above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures prevent pets from traveling to or through Phoenix, Tucson or Las Vegas between May 1 and September 30, because they are too hot.

Manifest cargo

American's PET Embark program allows pets and other animals to travel as cargo if they do not meet the requirements for checked baggage or in-cabin. Pets traveling as checked baggage or cargo travel in the same place beneath the plane in an area that is temperature-controlled, pressurized and oxygenated. The program has many of same breed restrictions and temperature restrictions as the previous. To fly, your pet must be at least 8 weeks old.

Starwood has partnered up with American Airlines so we can provide a complete door-to-door pet transportation service!

Bottom line

American Airlines' pet policy may make it difficult to bring your pet along on board. It is not possible to take a pet other than your cat or dog with you onboard American Airlines. American is just one airline that prohibits animals from being transported in cargo holds.

American Airlines' pet policy has restrictions regarding the size of kennels that can be used on certain flights or destinations. American Airlines only allows a limited number of pets per cabin, so it is important to reserve your space early.