American Airlines Pet Policy 2025 - 2026: In-Cabin, Cargo & Service Animal Rules Explained
Flying with pets can be daunting since each airline has its own regulations. American Airlines has a formal policy for traveling with dogs and cats. It is worth knowing the rules prior to reservation whether you intend to carry your pet in the cabin, check them through baggage or go abroad.
This blog presents the American Airlines Pet Policy organized around the most common questions travelers have. Call American Airlines at 800-433-7300 and AirCancellation at +1-888-826-0067 for more information.
What is American Airlines Pet Policy?
American Airlines allows certain pets to travel either in the cabin with their owners or in the cargo hold under a program called PetEmbark. The airline no longer accepts pets as standard checked baggage for most customers. Airlines Pet Cargo travel is confined to active duty US military personnel and State Department Foreign Service employees traveling on official orders.
The only option for most passengers is American Airlines Pet in-cabin transport, provided the pet meets size, weight and carrier requirements. The airline also recognizes service animals, specifically trained dogs that can travel free of charge with the appropriate paperwork. Emotional support animals are not recognized under current rules.
The American Airlines pet policy is built around animal safety which is why the airline enforces limits on breed types, carrier dimensions, the number of pets per flight, and even temperature restrictions for cargo transport.
What Pets Are Allowed On American Airlines?
Only cats and dogs are accepted for in-cabin travel. Exotic pets, birds, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, or insects are not permitted on American flights.
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For American Airlines pet in-cabin travel:
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Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic U.S. travel.
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For most international flights, the minimum age is 16 weeks and some destinations may require 6 months or older.
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The pet should be small enough to fit comfortably inside a carrier that slides below the seat.
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For American Airlines pet cargo travel:
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Cats and dogs are also the only species accepted.
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Some breeds are banned because of health risks. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, etc., are not allowed in cargo because they are prone to respiratory problems.
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Service Animals:
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Only dogs that are inpidually trained to perform tasks for a disabled person qualify as service animals.
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They may travel for free but emotional support animals are not accepted.
Which destinations are you allowed to travel to with pets?
American Airlines permits pet travel to and from Alaska, the contiguous United States, Canada, Mexico, St. Thomas and St. Croix. You are able to travel with a pet on most 12-hour flights or flights to and from these locations.
A separate protocol exists for foreign travel with pets flown as cargo and subject to tighter regulations like health certificates along with vaccination documentation and possibly quarantine. Always verify your destination’s pet entry regulations before your flight since certain countries do not allow pets to enter or have very strict policies regarding in-cabin travel.
What are American Airlines carry-on pet carrier guidelines and limits?
American Airlines has strict carrier rules for smaller pets that are fit enough for cabin travel. These rules are designed to ensure safety, comfort and compliance with federal regulations.
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American Airlines Pet Carrier size and type:
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Soft-sided carrier maximum dimension: 18″ x 11″ x 11″.
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Hard sided carrier's maximum dimensions: 19″ x 13″ x 9″ on mainline aircraft and 16″ x 12″ x 8″ on regional jets.
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The American Airlines pet carriers must be ventilated, escape-proof and leakproof.
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Pets should be able to stand upright and turn around as well as lie down comfortably inside.
Weight limit:
The combined weight of the pet along with the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds. Larger pets cannot fly in the cabin.
Placement on board:
The American Airlines pet carrier must fit fully under the seat in front of you. Pets cannot ride in the overhead bins or on your lap.
Other rules:
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There is only one pet carrier per ticketed passenger.
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Two small pets of the same type can travel in the same carrier if they fit snugly and are within the weight requirement.
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Pets should stay inside the carrier with the door closed during the entire flight.
How much is the American Airlines pet fee?
The American Airlines pet fee for in-cabin travel is $150-$300 each way. These charges apply to both domestic and international routes where in-cabin pets are allowed.
One key revision to the policy is that the pet carrier no longer qualifies as your one carry-on item. In the past, passengers had to choose between a pet carrier and a carry-on bag but American now allows travelers to bring the pet carrier plus one personal item or carry-on bag. This change makes the $150 fee more worthwhile as it no longer restricts your luggage options.
The American Airlines pet fees vary depending on route, pet size, kennel weight and shipping logistics for cargo travel through the PetEmbark program. Most customers will only encounter the $150 in-cabin pet since this service is restricted to government and military travelers.
Service animals fly free of charge but owners must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before departure.
Conclusion: American Airlines Pet Policy
The American Airlines pet policy is designed to balance passenger convenience with animal safety. For most travelers, the only realistic option is in-cabin travel which requires pets to be cats or dogs under 20 pounds inside a carrier that meets specific size limits. Early reservations are important because capacity is limited.
Traveling with your pet on American Airlines can be manageable and secure if you plan, recheck entry requirements for your destination and make your pet's booking prior to time. You may contact American Airlines at 800-433-7300 and AirCancellation at +1-888-826-0067 in the event of any questions or additional information.
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