Hey there, dog parent! Are you dreaming of taking your furry best friend on an adventure with you, and American Airlines is your carrier of choice? Well, you've come to the right place! Traveling with your dog can be a fantastic experience, but it requires careful planning and adherence to airline regulations. American Airlines has specific policies in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, including our beloved canines. Let's dive in and break down everything you need to know, step by step!
Bringing Your Dog on American Airlines: A Comprehensive Guide
Step 1: Engage and Assess Your Dog's Eligibility
Before you even think about booking tickets, the very first thing you need to do is seriously consider if flying is the right choice for your dog. This isn't just about airline rules; it's about your pet's well-being.
Is your dog generally calm and comfortable in new environments? A stressed dog can make for a very difficult journey for both of you.
What's your dog's size and breed? This is crucial for American Airlines' policies. Small dogs (cats too!) might qualify for in-cabin travel, while larger dogs generally need to travel as cargo (with very specific exceptions). American Airlines has breed restrictions, especially for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory issues, and certain historically aggressive breeds. Check their official website for the most up-to-date list of restricted breeds.
What's your dog's age? Generally, dogs must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel and 6 months old for international travel.
Does your dog have any health conditions? Consult your veterinarian well in advance. Sedation is generally not recommended or accepted by American Airlines for pet travel, as it can be dangerous for animals at high altitudes.
Once you've honestly assessed these points, and you believe your dog is a good candidate for air travel, you can move on to the practical steps!
Step 2: Understanding American Airlines Pet Travel Options
American Airlines offers a few ways for dogs to travel, depending on their size, breed, and your specific circumstances.
Sub-heading: In-Cabin Travel (Carry-On Pet)
This is the most desirable option for many pet parents, as your dog can be with you in the cabin. However, it comes with strict requirements.
Size and Weight Restrictions: Your dog and its carrier combined must not exceed 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms). The pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in its carrier and the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
Carrier Requirements:
Soft-sided carriers are generally recommended and offer more flexibility, often allowing dimensions of up to 18" x 11" x 11" (46 x 28 x 28 cm).
Hard-sided kennels have slightly stricter dimensions: 19" x 13" x 9" (48 x 33 x 22 cm) for mainline flights and 16" x 12" x 8" (40 x 30 x 20 cm) for American Eagle regional flights.
The carrier must be secure, padded, made of water-repellent material, and have nylon mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides.
Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the carrier.
The pet must remain inside the carrier with the zipper closed for the entire duration of the flight, including in the airport gate area.
Fees: There is a non-refundable fee for carry-on pets, typically around $150 USD per kennel, each way.
Limited Availability: There's a limit to the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight. It's crucial to book early as spots are first-come, first-served.
One Pet Per Passenger: Generally, only one pet carrier is allowed per passenger. However, two puppies or kittens of the same species, between 8 weeks and 6 months old, and weighing less than 20 lbs each, may be permitted in a single carrier if there's adequate room.
Seating Restrictions: You cannot sit in an exit row or a bulkhead row when traveling with a carry-on pet. In First or Business on certain aircraft (like the 3-cabin Airbus A321T), you might need to place the carrier in a dedicated animal-friendly compartment at the front of the plane.
Sub-heading: Checked Pet (Cargo Hold) - Limited Availability
As of current American Airlines policy, checked pet service (where your pet travels in a specially heated and pressurized compartment of the cargo hold) is only available for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders.
If you fall into this category:
You must contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
You'll need to check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight).
You'll complete a checklist with an agent and provide a health certificate.
Fees apply (e.g., $200 per kennel, with a discount for military personnel).
The flight must be less than 12 hours.
There are temperature restrictions: American Airlines will not transport animals if the actual or forecasted temperature is above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any point in the itinerary (origin, connection, or destination). Between 20°F and 44°F, a veterinarian-signed acclimation letter is required. Animals will not travel if temperatures are below 20°F.
Kennels must meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards and be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, sit, and lie down comfortably. They must have ventilation on at least three sides and "Live Animal" stickers.
Sub-heading: Service Animals
Fully-trained service dogs (not emotional support animals, which are now generally treated as pets) are permitted to fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet specific requirements.
You must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form attesting to the animal's health, training, and behavior to the Special Assistance Desk at least 48 hours before your flig
ht. The dog must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.
The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.
They must fit under your seat, in your lap (if small and safe), or at your feet without blocking the aisle or an exit row.
Service animals must be well-behaved and not exhibit disruptive behavior.
Step 3: Crucial Documentation and Health Preparations
This is where planning truly pays off. Gather all necessary paperwork and ensure your dog is healthy for travel.
Veterinary Visit: Schedule a visit with your veterinarian well in advance of your travel date.
Health Certificate: For both carry-on and checked pets, a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is mandatory.
For domestic travel, it must be issued within 10 days of your travel.
For round-trip travel within the U.S. on the same ticket, the original certificate can be used for the return if the return is within 10 days of issuance. Otherwise, a new one is needed.
For international travel, an international health certificate filled out by a USDA-registered veterinarian is often required, with specific timeframes that vary by destination country. Always check the specific requirements for your destination country through the USDA APHIS website.
The certificate must state your pet is free of infectious or contagious diseases and appears healthy enough for travel. It should include your pet's breed, weight, and age/date of birth.
Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Proof of current rabies vaccination is required for dogs and cats.
Breed Verification Form: American Airlines requires a breed verification form, signed by a licensed veterinarian, for all cats and dogs. This helps ensure your pet is not on their restricted breed list.
Acclimation Letter (for checked pets under certain temperatures): If temperatures at any point on your itinerary are between 20°F and 44°F, your veterinarian must provide a signed and dated letter stating the lowest temperature your pet can be exposed to.
Food and Water Acknowledgment: For checked pets, you'll need to certify that your pet has been fed and offered water within 4 hours before drop-off, with the specific time noted.
Step 4: Booking Your Flight and Notifying American Airlines
Don't just book your ticket and assume your dog can come along!
Book Early: Due to limited space for in-cabin pets, book your flight as soon as your travel plans are firm.
Add Your Pet to Your Reservation:
For carry-on pets, you can often add them directly through the "Additional Services" or "Special Services" section when you find your trip on aa.com or the American Airlines app. You'll review and agree to the requirements and select the flights.
For checked pets (if you qualify), you must contact American Airlines Reservations at least 48 hours before travel. For American Airlines Cargo shipments (separate from checked baggage), you can book online up to 10 days prior or call them for bookings less than 10 days out.
Confirm Pet Space: Always double-check with American Airlines to ensure there's space for your pet on your specific flights, especially if you have connecting flights.
Step 5: Preparing Your Dog and Carrier for Travel Day
The day of travel can be stressful, so preparation is key.
Acclimate Your Dog to the Carrier: In the weeks leading up to your flight, help your dog get comfortable with their carrier. Leave it open with treats and toys inside, encourage them to sleep in it, and take them on short car rides in the carrier.
Exercise Before Travel: Give your dog a good, long walk or playtime before heading to the airport. A tired dog is a calmer dog.
Feeding and Watering:
For carry-on pets, feed them a light meal a few hours before the flight. Ensure they have access to water.
For checked pets, a small meal about 4 hours before drop-off is recommended. Securely attach water and food bowls to the outside of the kennel door, accessible without opening the kennel.
Absorbent Bedding: Line the carrier with absorbent material like a pee pad or old towel.
Familiar Items: Include a favorite, non-chokable toy or a blanket with your scent to provide comfort. Remove collars, harnesses, leashes, and any clothing from your pet before they enter the kennel for checked travel, as these can pose a choking hazard.
Labeling the Carrier: For checked pets, clearly label the carrier with "Live Animal" stickers on all sides, your pet's name, your contact details, and the destination information. Include feeding and watering instructions.
Avoid Sedation: As mentioned, American Airlines does not accept sedated or tranquilized pets. It's generally unsafe for their health during flight.
Step 6: At the Airport and During the Flight
The big day! Stay calm and follow procedures.
Arrive Early:
For carry-on pets, arrive at the airport with ample time. You cannot check in pets at curbside; you must do so at the passenger ticket counter.
For checked pets (if applicable), plan to check in at least 2 hours, and no more than 4 hours, before your flight.
Final Checks: At check-in, an agent will verify your documentation, inspect the carrier, and weigh your pet and carrier.
Security (Carry-on Pets): You will need to remove your dog from the carrier at the security checkpoint and carry them through the metal detector. The empty carrier will go through the X-ray machine.
During the Flight (Carry-on Pets): Your pet must remain in its carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Do not remove them, even to comfort them.
Service Animal Relief Areas: If your service animal needs to relieve itself at the airport, ask an airport or airline professional for the location of the nearest service animal relief areas.
Step 7: Arrival and Pet Retrieval
For Carry-on Pets: Simply deplane with your pet.
For Checked Pets (if applicable): Your pet will typically be among the first items off the plane. Follow signs for cargo or oversized baggage claim, or ask airline staff for guidance. Inspect your pet for any signs of distress or injury immediately upon retrieval. Offer them water and a chance to relieve themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about flying with your dog on American Airlines:
How to add my carry-on pet to my American Airlines reservation?
You can usually add a carry-on pet to your trip by finding your reservation on aa.com or the American Airlines app, navigating to the "Additional Services" or "Special Services" section, and selecting "Add carry-on pets."
How to find out if my dog's breed is restricted on American Airlines?
American Airlines has a list of restricted breeds, especially brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs. You should check the "Policies & Restrictions" section on the American Airlines Cargo website or contact American Airlines directly to confirm your dog's breed eligibility.
How to get a health certificate for my dog to fly on American Airlines?
Schedule an appointment with your licensed veterinarian within 10 days of your domestic travel (or according to specific international requirements) to obtain a health certificate stating your dog is fit for air travel and free of contagious diseases.
How to ensure my pet carrier meets American Airlines requirements?
Refer to American Airlines' official website for exact dimensions for both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers, and ensure it allows your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably. The carrier must be secure, well-ventilated, and have a waterproof bottom.
How to calculate the cost of flying my dog on American Airlines?
For carry-on pets, there's a flat fee (currently around $150 USD each way). For checked pets (only for qualified military/State Department personnel), the fee is typically around $200. Cargo rates vary by weight, size, and destination; check the American Airlines Cargo website for their rate calculator.
How to prepare my dog for a comfortable flight experience?
Acclimate your dog to its carrier in advance, provide ample exercise before the flight, and include familiar, comforting items (like a blanket with your scent) in the carrier. Avoid feeding a large meal just before travel, and do not sedate your dog unless explicitly advised by a vet for specific medical reasons and approved by the airline.
How to know if my flight's temperature allows my dog to travel as checked baggage?
American Airlines has strict temperature restrictions for checked pets. They will not transport animals if the temperature is above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any point on the itinerary. A veterinarian-signed acclimation letter is required for temperatures between 20°F and 44°F.
How to identify my dog as a service animal for American Airlines travel?
You must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form to American Airlines' Special Assistance Desk at least 48 hours before your flight, attesting to your service dog's health, training, and behavior.
How to find pet relief areas at the airport when traveling with my dog?
Most major airports have designated pet relief areas, both inside and outside the terminal. You can usually find them by looking for signs, checking the airport's website, or asking airline or airport staff for directions.
How to pick up my checked dog upon arrival with American Airlines?
Upon arrival, your checked pet will typically be delivered to the baggage claim area where oversized luggage is handled, or to the American Airlines Cargo facility if shipped as cargo. Follow airport signage or ask airline personnel for exact pickup instructions.
