American Airlines
Cats and dogs are the only types of pets accepted on American Airlines.
Please be prepared. Check the American Airlines website for additional info.
Pets in the cabin:
Dogs and cats must be at least eight (8) weeks old for travel. If two animals are traveling in the same carrier, they must be the same species (two cats or two dogs, not one of each) The maximum weight of pet and container combined cannot exceed 20 lbs.
The maximum size carriers is 19″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high for cabin travel. Soft-sided pet carriers may exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible. Animals must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in the kennel. Soft-sided pet carriers are accepted as long as they are constructed of water-repellent, padded nylon with mesh ventilation on two or more sides.
A pet kennel counts as either a passenger’s one carry-on bag or personal item.
Cabin Pet fee:
$125.00 USD per kennel
* Only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger may be accepted for travel in the cabin.
* The maximum number of carry-on kennels allowed (on American Airlines flights accepting them) is seven per flight: two (2) in First Class and five (5) in Coach and/or Business Class.
* To ensure your pet is accommodated, please make arrangements in advance by contacting Reservations.
* NOT allowed to Hawaii
* Service animals are not counted in the maximum number allowed in the cabin. An assistance animal traveling with a disabled passenger can fly free of charge to any destination, with the exception of the UK.
* Pets must stay in their closed and/or zipped kennels under the seat in front of you at all times. Pets may not be removed from their kennel/container at any time while onboard the aircraft.
* American Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin.
* American Airlines assumes no liability for the health or well-being of carry-on pets.
* Carry-on pets are not allowed to/from Hawaii or transatlantic/transpacific destinations or to/from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela
Pets in the Baggage Compartment:
The maximum Kennel size allowed in baggage is the 500 kennel with the following dimensions: 40″ long x 27″ wide x 30″ high. However, this size kennel is not accepted on the Boeing 737 or McDonnell Douglas MD-80 (S80) aircraft. Kennels checked on MD-80s must be able to fit through the cargo door while remaining in an upright position.
Checked Pet Fee:
* $175 USD per kennel – Exception: $150 USD per kennel to/from Brazil
* Checked pets do not need a reservation. Attention dog show participants: Capacity is limited therefore checked pets are accepted on a first-come basis.
* American Airlines requires a health certificate for the acceptance of pets for travel as checked baggage. A veterinarian must issue valid health certificates to ensure the health and safety of the animal:
* Within 10 days of originating travel
* Within 60 days of return travel on the same ticket
* Within 10 day when return travel is on a separate ticket
* For health requirements for destinations outside the continental U.S, contact that country’s consulate or embassy for information, below.
* Checked dogs and cats must be at least eight (8) weeks old to travel
If two animals are traveling in the same carrier:
* They must be of the same species (two cats or two dogs, not one of each).
* The pets, the container and its contents can weigh no more than 20 lbs. combined.
* The pets must be between eight weeks and six months old.
* A maximum of two checked pets per passenger is allowed.
Checked Pet Temperature Restrictions
Pets cannot be accepted when the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary.
Pets cannot be accepted when the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary
Pets will not be accepted for flights over 12 hours or on flights traveling to the United Kingdom. American Eagle does not accept pets as checked baggage for Priority Parcel Service between San Juan, (SJU) and St. Kitts (SKB).
Pets not accepted at departure time remain the responsibility of their owner.
American Airlines will not accept brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs and cats as checked luggage. The following is a list of brachycephalic dog breeds and any “mix” of will not be accepted:
Affenpinscher
Bulldog (All breeds)
Lhasa Apso
Pug (All breeds)
American Staffordshire Terrier
Cane Corso
Mastiff (All breeds)
Shar Pei Boston Terrier
Dogue De Bordeaux
Pekingese
Shih Tzu Boxer (All breeds)
English Toy Spaniel
Pit Bull
Tibetan Spaniel Brussels Griffon
Japanese Chin
Presa Canario
The following is a list of brachycephalic cat breeds and any “mix” of will not be accepted:
Burmese
Persian
Himalayan
Exotic Shorthair
There are destination specific restrictions. Please see American Airlines website for more info.
