Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your travel plans with your furry friend on American Airlines suddenly changed, and you needed to remove them from your carry-on reservation? It can be a bit confusing to navigate airline policies, especially when it comes to beloved pets. But don't worry, we're here to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you seamlessly remove your carry-on pet from your American Airlines booking.
Whether your pet can no longer travel, or you've decided on an alternative arrangement, knowing the correct procedure will save you time, stress, and potentially, money. Let's get started!
Step 1: Assess Your Situation and Gather Information
Before you do anything, take a moment to understand why you need to remove your pet and gather all relevant details. This will make the process much smoother.
Sub-heading: Why are you removing your pet?
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Change of Plans: Did your trip get canceled, or are you no longer traveling with your pet?
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Pet No Longer Eligible: Has your pet grown too large, or are there new health considerations that prevent them from traveling in the cabin? (Remember American Airlines has a 20-pound weight limit including the carrier for carry-on pets as of 2025, and your pet must fit comfortably under the seat.)
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Rebooking as Cargo: Are you planning to rebook your pet to travel via American Airlines Cargo instead? (This is a different service with different requirements and fees.)
Sub-heading: What information do you need?
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Your American Airlines Confirmation Code: This is essential for accessing your booking.
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Your Name (as on the booking): Ensure it matches the reservation details.
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Pet Information: While not always strictly required for removal, having your pet's name, breed, and carrier details handy can be useful in case of any queries.
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Original Payment Method: If you're expecting a refund for the pet fee, the refund will typically go back to the original form of payment.
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| How To Remove Carry On Pet American Airlines |
Step 2: Understand American Airlines' Pet Policy on Cancellations and Refunds
Knowing what to expect regarding fees and refunds will prevent any surprises. American Airlines generally has clear policies.
Sub-heading: Carry-on Pet Fees and Refunds
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
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American Airlines charges a non-refundable fee for carry-on pets. As of 2025, this fee is $150 per flight segment.
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However, if you cancel the pet segment of your trip, the pet fee is eligible for a refund. This is a crucial distinction. If you simply don't show up with your pet, you might not get a refund.
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Partial refunds or credit issuance for pet fees are possible, depending on the fare type and how you cancel.
Step 3: Initiate the Removal Process – Your Best Options
While American Airlines offers online tools, for pet-related changes, a direct conversation is often the most efficient.
Sub-heading: Option A: Calling American Airlines Customer Service (Recommended)
This is typically the most reliable and quickest method to ensure your pet is properly removed from your reservation and to discuss any potential refunds.
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Locate the Customer Service Number: The general American Airlines customer service number is your go-to. You can find it on the official American Airlines website under "Contact American" or "Reservations and ticket changes."
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Pro-tip: Have your confirmation code ready before you call to expedite the process.
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Explain Your Request Clearly: When you connect with an agent, state that you need to "remove a carry-on pet from your existing reservation."
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Provide Booking Details: Share your confirmation code and the primary passenger's name.
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Confirm the Removal: The agent will process the removal. Crucially, ask for confirmation that the pet has been removed from the booking. You can also request an updated itinerary via email that reflects this change.
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Inquire About Refunds: Ask about the refund process for the pet fee. The agent should be able to tell you the expected refund amount and timeframe (typically 7 business days for credit cards, 20 days for other payment methods).
Sub-heading: Option B: Managing Your Trip Online (Use with Caution for Pets)
American Airlines' website and app allow for managing trips, but the option to remove a carry-on pet might not be as straightforward as adding one.
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Log In or Find Your Trip: Go to aa.com or open the American Airlines app. Log in to your AAdvantage® account or use the "Find your trip" option with your confirmation code and last name.
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Navigate to "Special Services" or "Additional Services": Look for sections related to special assistance or additional services added to your booking.
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Look for "Add/Remove Carry-on Pets": While you can usually add a carry-on pet this way, the option to remove might be less explicit. If you see an option to modify or cancel the pet reservation, proceed carefully.
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Review Changes: If you are able to remove it online, always double-check that the change is reflected in your itinerary before concluding.
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If you're unsure at any point, revert to Option A (calling customer service). This ensures proper processing and avoids potential issues at the airport.
Step 4: Confirm the Removal and Follow Up on Refunds
Don't assume the process is complete until you have confirmation.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Sub-heading: Verification is Key
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Check Your Email: American Airlines should send you an updated itinerary or confirmation email reflecting the removal of the carry-on pet. Save this email for your records.
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Check Your Credit Card Statement: If you were advised a refund would be issued, monitor your credit card statement for the pet fee refund within the communicated timeframe.
Sub-heading: What if the refund doesn't appear?
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If the refund doesn't appear within the promised timeframe, call American Airlines customer service again. Have your previous confirmation of removal (if you received one) and the date you made the change ready.
Step 5: Consider Alternatives (If Applicable)
If you're removing your carry-on pet because your plans changed, but your pet still needs to travel, consider American Airlines Cargo.
Sub-heading: American Airlines Cargo
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This service is for pets that are too large for the cabin or for international travel (where carry-on pets might not be allowed).
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Contact American Airlines Cargo directly to inquire about their services, requirements, and fees. They have different policies and processes, including specific kennel guidelines, health certificate requirements, and temperature restrictions.
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Note: As of recent policy changes, checked pets are primarily accepted for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove your carry-on pet from your American Airlines reservation with minimal hassle. Remember, clear communication with the airline is your best tool!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with "How to," related to American Airlines pet policies and their quick answers:
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
How to Add a Carry-on Pet to an American Airlines Flight?
You can add a carry-on pet to your trip online via aa.com or the American app in the "Additional Services" section, or by calling American Airlines Reservations. You'll need to review and agree to their requirements and pay the fee.
How to Know if My Pet is Eligible for Carry-on on American Airlines?
Your pet must be a small dog or cat, at least 8 weeks old, and the combined weight of your pet and its carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds (as of 2025 policy changes). The carrier must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you (soft-sided recommended: 18 x 11 x 11 inches; hard-sided: 19 x 13 x 9 inches for Mainline, 16 x 12 x 8 inches for American Eagle).
How to Pay the Carry-on Pet Fee for American Airlines?
The carry-on pet fee for American Airlines is typically paid at the airport ticket counter when you check in for your flight. The fee is $150 per kennel, per flight segment.
How to Determine the Correct Pet Carrier Size for American Airlines?
For soft-sided carriers, American Airlines recommends 18 x 11 x 11 inches (46 x 28 x 28 cm). For hard-sided carriers on American Mainline flights, it's 19 x 13 x 9 inches (48 x 33 x 22 cm), and for American Eagle flights, 16 x 12 x 8 inches (40 x 30 x 20 cm). The pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside.
How to Get a Refund for an American Airlines Carry-on Pet Fee?
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
If you cancel the pet portion of your reservation, the carry-on pet fee is generally refundable. It's best to call American Airlines customer service directly to process the removal and arrange the refund. Refunds are typically processed within 7-20 business days.
How to Check if There's Space for My Pet on an American Airlines Flight?
American Airlines limits the number of carry-on pets per flight (maximum of 7 on American Airlines flights, 5 on American Eagle flights). It's crucial to book your pet's spot in advance, as it's on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling customer service is the most direct way to check availability before adding your pet.
How to Prepare My Pet for Air Travel on American Airlines?
Ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly, use an airline-approved carrier, and familiarize your pet with the carrier beforehand. Avoid sedating your pet, as American Airlines does not accept sedated animals due to health risks. Consult your veterinarian for travel advice.
How to Travel with Two Pets in One Carrier on American Airlines?
You can travel with two of your pets (same species, i.e., two cats or two dogs) in the same kennel if each pet weighs less than 20 lbs (9.07 kgs) and they are between 8 weeks and 6 months old. They must be similar in size and temperament and fit comfortably.
How to Handle Pet Travel if Temperatures are Extreme on American Airlines?
American Airlines has temperature restrictions for animal transport. They generally will not transport warm-blooded animals if temperatures are below 20°F (-6.7°C) or above 85°F (29.4°C) at any point in the itinerary. A veterinarian's acclimation letter may be required for temperatures between 20°F and 44°F.
How to Contact American Airlines for Pet Travel Inquiries?
The most effective way to contact American Airlines for pet travel inquiries is to call their customer service line or, for cargo-related questions, their dedicated American Airlines Cargo customer service. Look for the specific phone numbers on their official website.
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