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American Pet Travel Policy 2024

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American Pet Policy

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Let's get right into the updates of American pet policy. Reports say that they now allow pets in-cabin for some charges. In addition to this, you can also bring a personal item or in-cabin baggage. What pets are allowed in carry-on? Cats and dogs are permitted in-cabin if they stay under the seat in front of you. Pets must follow the rules of American pet policy such as size, breed, and weight restrictions. You can take your pets in-cabin as carry-on or on American Airlines cargo. Keep reading to know more about American pet policy.

American Pet Policy

You can bring your pet in-cabin if you pay the carry-on fee. You must keep your pets inside the carrier and under the seat for the whole flight. You can bring one additional item with your pet, i.e., a personal item or a carry-on. The overhead bin must accommodate the carry-on luggage.

Pet strollers are allowed and must be checked at the ticket counter. You will need to pay the checked bag fees.

Checked Bag Policy

They only accept checked pets at the ticket counter for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel flying on official orders. They must meet the age and health requirements of the destination country if any. For example, a rabies vaccine certificate is required in most countries. 

How to add a pet to the trip?

Follow the below steps to add a pet to your trip online as a carry-on:

  • Visit American Airlines official website or  the American app
  • Login or Find your trip by entering your details. (Last name and ticket number)
  • Select ‘Add carry-on pets’ under ‘Special Services’ section
  • Read the carry-on pet requirements and agree 
  • Select the flight for your pet
  • Confirm the changes.
  • Visit the American ticket counter to pay the fee and ensure your pet and kennel meet the requirements.

American Airlines Pet Carrier 

Pets are going to be in the carrier for the whole flight so the carrier needs to be comfortable for the pet. The pet should be able to stand up, sit, and sleep in the carrier.

American Airlines suggests getting soft-sided collapsible kennels. As per American pet policy, the soft kennel should be:

  • Padded
  • Water-resistant (Waterproof)
  • Nylon mesh
  • Ventilated

The dimensions allowed on the aircraft for hard and soft-sided kennels are given by American pet policy. 

How much is an American pet fee?

As American Airlines don't take cash or cheques as payment you will have to pay with credit cards or vouchers. Fees vary as per your itinerary, pet, and carrier size if you are transporting your pet in American Airlines cargo as per American pet policy. Service animals are transported at no cost.

Type 

Itinerary

American pet fee

Checked pets for Active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel only*

Between the United States and Europe, as well as from the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean

$200 per carrier

$150 to/from Brazil

Cargo pet

Differs

Varies, At the time of booking, fees will be determined.

In-cabin pet

both inside and between Canada and the US, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (depending on that nation's acceptance policy)

$150 per kennel

Service animals

All destinations

No charge


American Airlines Service Animal 

Service animals are allowed on American Airlines. As per American pet policy, dogs that are trained to perform tasks for the disabled are service animals. Disability includes 

  • physical, 
  • psychiatric or other mental disability
  • Visual impairments
  • Deafness
  • Seizures
  • Mobility impairments
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

Service Animal Paperwork

Passengers traveling with service animals are required to submit the U.S. The Department of Transportation's (DOT) form for air transportation of animals.  This form says about the service animal’s health, behavior, and training and you are required to sign the form to verify them and submit it at the assistance desk before 48 hours of departure. After their approval, you can proceed. You can send them a signed form online or on the day of travel. But make sure to arrive early at the airport to do the paperwork.

The DOT form is given on the website. 

Behavioural Requirement of Service Animal 

Under American pet policy, some rules for service animals must be followed. What are they? The image below shows the requirements clearly.

American Airlines pet policy emotional support

According to American pet policy, the service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are supposed to follow the normal pet rules. They need to pay the American pet fee according to the amenities like in-cabin, or cargo. And follow the rules and restrictions of normal pets.

FAQs on American pet policy

  • How much does it cost to carry pets in-cabin on American Airlines?

As per American pet policy, you need to pay $150 per kennel to take your pet in-cabin.

  • Can I carry pet strollers in the cabin?

No. Pet strollers should be checked and fees are applicable as per American pet policy.

  • Are emotional support animals charged?

Yes. According to American pet policy, the service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are supposed to follow the normal pet rules. Fees and other rules apply to them.


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