Are Dogs Allowed On American Airlines? | Pet Travel Guide

American Airlines permits small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin as carry-on pets, and larger dogs as checked pets or cargo, with strict rules.

Traveling with your beloved canine companion can be a wonderfully enriching experience, adding joy to your adventures. Understanding the specific policies of American Airlines for pet travel is crucial to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your dog.

Bringing Your Dog in the Cabin (Carry-On Pets)

American Airlines allows small, domesticated dogs and cats to travel with you in the aircraft cabin on most flights. This option is generally for pets small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

• Your pet carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated, allowing your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally.
• The carrier’s dimensions are critical: it must fit under the seat in front of you. American Airlines specifies maximum dimensions, which vary slightly by aircraft type, but a common guideline is 18 x 11 x 11 inches (46 x 28 x 28 cm) for soft-sided carriers and slightly smaller for hard-sided ones. Always confirm the exact dimensions for your specific aircraft type on their website.
• The combined weight of your pet and carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds (9.07 kg).
• The carrier counts as one piece of your carry-on luggage. You are still allowed one personal item in addition to the pet carrier.
• Your dog must remain inside the carrier with the door secured at all times while in the airport and on the aircraft.

Booking and Fees for Cabin Pets

There is a fee for bringing a pet in the cabin. This fee is typically assessed per carrier, not per pet, though only one pet is allowed per carrier unless they are small enough to comfortably share and are from the same litter (check specific rules). You should book your pet’s spot as early as possible, as American Airlines limits the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight.

• The current fee for a carry-on pet on American Airlines is $150 per carrier, each way.
• You must contact American Airlines reservations directly to add your pet to your booking; this cannot be done online.
• Ensure you receive confirmation that your pet’s space is reserved.

Checked Pets: Larger Dogs in the Cargo Hold

For dogs too large to fit under a seat, American Airlines offers the option to travel as checked pets in the climate-controlled cargo compartment. This service is available for active duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department personnel traveling on official orders.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Checked Pets

• Pets traveling as checked baggage must be at least 8 weeks old.
• The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 100 pounds (45.36 kg).
• American Airlines has strict temperature restrictions for pet travel in cargo. During extreme heat or cold, pet travel may be embargoed to ensure animal safety. These embargoes are based on the temperatures at the origin, destination, and any connecting cities.
• Certain dog breeds, particularly brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers, face restrictions due to their susceptibility to respiratory issues in cargo environments. American Airlines generally prohibits these breeds from traveling as checked pets.

Approved Kennels for Cargo Travel

The kennel used for cargo travel must meet specific requirements set by the IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animal Regulations. These regulations specify materials, ventilation, size, labeling, and food/water dish requirements to ensure the pet’s safety and comfort.

• The kennel must be made of rigid plastic, wood, or metal, with a solid top and bottom.
• It needs adequate ventilation on at least three sides for domestic travel, and four sides for international travel.
• “LIVE ANIMAL” labels must be prominently displayed on the top and sides, along with “THIS WAY UP” arrows.
• Food and water bowls must be attached inside the kennel, accessible from the outside without opening the door.
• The kennel must be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.

Service Animals: A Different Category

Service animals are not considered pets by American Airlines and are permitted to travel in the cabin free of charge if they meet specific criteria. A service animal is a dog (or miniature horse, in some cases) individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

Documentation and Behavior for Service Animals

• American Airlines requires passengers traveling with a service animal to complete and submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form prior to travel.
• The form attests to the animal’s training, health, and behavior.
• The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times and must be under the handler’s control.
• It must behave appropriately in public, meaning no barking, biting, jumping, or relieving itself in unauthorized areas.
• If a service animal exhibits disruptive behavior, American Airlines may require it to travel as a pet in a carrier or deny boarding.

International Travel with Your Dog

Bringing your dog on an international flight with American Airlines involves additional layers of complexity. Each country has unique import requirements, which can be extensive and vary significantly.

Key International Requirements

1. Health Certificates: Most countries demand a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, often endorsed by the USDA APHIS. This certificate typically needs to be issued within a specific timeframe (e.g., 10 days) before travel.
2. Vaccinations: Rabies vaccination is almost universally required, with specific timing rules (e.g., administered at least 21 days before travel, but not more than 1 year prior). Other vaccinations may also be necessary depending on the destination.
3. Microchip: Many countries require pets to be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip for identification.
4. Quarantine: Some nations, particularly island nations like Hawaii or Australia, have strict quarantine periods for arriving animals, regardless of health status.
5. Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds may be restricted or banned from entry into some countries.

It is essential to research the specific requirements of your destination country well in advance, ideally several months before your planned travel date. The CDC provides crucial guidelines on animal imports for entry into the United States, including rabies vaccination proof and health certificates.

Booking Your Dog’s Ticket & Fees

Booking your dog’s travel is not like booking a human ticket. It requires direct communication with the airline to ensure all rules are followed and space is available.

Steps for Booking

1. Confirm Availability: Call American Airlines reservations as soon as your travel dates are firm to check pet space availability on your desired flights. Cabin space for pets is limited.
2. Provide Details: Be ready to provide your dog’s breed, weight (for cabin), and carrier dimensions.
3. Pay the Fee: The pet fee is typically paid at the airport check-in counter, but confirm this when you book.
4. Receive Confirmation: Ensure you receive a clear confirmation that your pet is added to your reservation.

Preparing Your Dog for Travel Day

A little preparation goes a long way in reducing stress for both you and your dog on travel day. The goal is to make the experience as predictable and comfortable as possible.

Pre-Flight Tips

• Acclimation: Familiarize your dog with their carrier in the weeks leading up to the flight. Make it a positive space with treats and toys.
• Exercise: Give your dog plenty of exercise before heading to the airport. A tired dog is a calm dog.
• Potty Breaks: Ensure your dog has ample opportunities to relieve themselves before entering the terminal and before boarding. Many airports now offer pet relief areas.
• Food and Water: Offer a light meal a few hours before the flight, but avoid feeding immediately prior to departure to prevent motion sickness. Provide water up until boarding.
• No Sedatives: Most veterinarians advise against sedating pets for air travel, as it can interfere with their ability to regulate body temperature and can cause respiratory or cardiovascular problems at altitude. Always discuss this with your vet.

At the airport security checkpoint, the TSA outlines specific procedures for screening pets, requiring them to be removed from their carrier and carried through the metal detector while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray machine.

Understanding Breed Restrictions & Temperature Embargoes

American Airlines, like many carriers, implements specific restrictions to prioritize animal welfare. These policies are non-negotiable and are crucial for safe pet transport.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Dogs with “snub noses” or brachycephalic breeds are particularly susceptible to respiratory distress, especially in the cargo hold where temperature and air pressure can fluctuate. American Airlines generally prohibits these breeds from traveling as checked pets due to the heightened health risks. This includes breeds like:

• American Bulldog
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Bulldog (all types)
• Chow Chow
• Pekingese
• Pug (all types)
• Shih Tzu

Always check the most current list on American Airlines’ official website, as it can be updated.

Temperature Embargoes

American Airlines enforces temperature restrictions for pets traveling as checked baggage to prevent heatstroke or hypothermia. If the temperature at any point along the travel itinerary (origin, transfer, or destination) is forecast to be below 20°F (-6.6°C) or above 85°F (29.4°C), pet travel in cargo will be denied. These embargoes are in place for the safety of the animals and are strictly adhered to.