Traveling with a furry companion is increasingly common and often stressful due to changing airline rules. With the updated American Airlines pet policy, passengers can now enjoy a more flexible and comfortable experience flying with cats or dogs in the cabin. In this article, we’ll explore all the key changes—including fees, restrictions, and helpful tips—to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. This in-depth, SEO‑friendly guide includes the keyword “american airlines pet policy” naturally throughout. For any help with reservations or pet-related inquiries, contact +1-8555-107-629.
As of early 2024, American Airlines has updated its cabin pet rules significantly. Previously, passengers traveling with pets could bring only one small item—the pet carrier—which counted as their personal item. An overhead carry-on required a $35 fee.
Under the new pet policy, passengers may now bring both a pet carrier and one additional piece (either a standard carry‑on or personal item) into the cabin for the $150 pet fee. However, you cannot bring both a carry-on and a personal item in addition to the pet. This gives travelers more flexibility and better value .
Allowed pets: Cats and dogs only, meeting size, age, and destination eligibility criteria .
Pet must remain in airline-approved carrier at all times and fit under the seat in front of you.
Only one pet per carrier.
Maximum number of carriers per flight: typically 20 on American Airlines and 5 on American Eagle (excluding service animals) .
Breed and size restrictions apply, particularly for snub-nosed breeds and heavier pets in cargo portions.
Cannot fly incapacitated by sedation; pets must be acclimated to carriers .
The current in‑cabin pet fee is $150 per leg, regardless of whether you book during check-in or later . That fee now covers both the pet carrier and one additional allowed item (either carry-on or personal item).
Under the old policy, passengers had to choose between bringing a pet carrier or their carry-on—now pet owners save on baggage fees while traveling with their companion.
Some pets cannot travel in cabin—due to size or breed restrictions or international route rules. In such cases, travel must be arranged via American Airlines Cargo:
Suitable for larger or restricted breeds, or pets requiring climate-controlled transport.
Fees and service vary; cargo is typically reserved for specific routes and must be booked separately from passenger reservations .
Certain destinations and weather conditions may prohibit cargo pet travel—e.g., extreme temperatures above 85 °F or below 20 °F, or embargoed airports like Phoenix, Las Vegas, Palm Springs in summer.
Only trained service dogs performing a specific task for a person with a disability are recognized as service animals and may travel without a pet fee in cabin, regardless of size, provided documentation is submitted at least 48 hours before travel .
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized for free travel—they must follow standard pet policy and incur the $150 fee .
Flying internationally often introduces extra rules:
As of August 2024, CDC Dog Import Forms and specific rabies vaccination and microchip records are required for dogs entering the U.S. from high-risk countries .
U.S. regulations now align for both in-cabin and cargo pets—especially for dogs from countries with higher rabies risk.
Service animals must meet DOT and CDC vaccination/form requirements to be allowed on international flights .
Several benefits of the revised american airlines pet policy include:
Pet carrier no longer counts as your one allowed item.
You can now bring either a carry-on bag or personal item—whichever suits your needs.
Reduces pressure to falsely declare pets as service animals simply to carry luggage .
Allows better planning and a more comfortable journey for both passenger and pet.
Book early: Limited pet spots per cabin (20 per flight) .
Check size requirements: Approved carriers—soft-sided max 18" x 11" x 11", hard-sided up to 19" x 13" x 9" depending on domestic vs American Eagle flight.
Complete required forms: Especially for service animals or international travel.
Arrange travel documentation: Vaccinations, health certificates, microchips as needed.
Airline carrier etiquette: Pets must remain inside carrier under seat; no sedation.
Plan for cargo if needed: Larger pets or restricted breeds must travel via cargo, subject to weather and route limitations.
Q: How much does it cost to bring a pet in cabin on American Airlines?
A: It’s $150 each way per pet, covering the pet carrier plus one additional personal item or carry-on.
Q: Can I bring both a regular carry-on and personal item plus a pet?
A: No—pet owners may bring either a carry-on or personal item in addition to the carrier, but not both.
Q: Are emotional support animals allowed for free travel?
A: No, ESAs must follow standard pet policy and pay the $150 fee.
Q: How many pets are allowed per flight?
A: Typically up to 20 carriers per flight on American and 5 on Eagle regional flights (excluding service dogs).
Q: What forms are needed for service dogs?
A: DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form, vaccination and behavior documentation submitted at least 48 hours before travel.
Q: What about cargo travel fees and restrictions?
A: Cargo transport is separate and subject to destination, weather, and breed limitations. Airlines may impose quotas and document requirements.
The updated american airlines pet policy offers a more traveler-friendly approach to flying with pets. It eliminates the old restriction that forced pet owners to choose between their carry-on and their pet—and it simplifies pre-flight planning. However, success requires booking early, verifying aircraft capability, completing all required documentation, and understanding both cabin and cargo pet restrictions.
If you have questions about your specific route, breed eligibility, or pet carrier dimensions, our support team is here to help—call +1-8555-107-629 anytime for assistance.
With proper preparation and knowledge of the American Airlines pet policy, you and your furry friend can enjoy smoother and more stress-free travel—both domestically and internationally.