American Airlines’ pet policy ensures that pets traveling on their flight get the best care. Passengers can travel with their pets as carry-on, in cargo, or in checked baggage. However, in these challenging times, American Airlines has temporarily suspended its policy of carrying pets as checked baggage. Therefore, American Airlines’ pet policy has gone under some reforms. So, it is better to get all the details of American Airlines flying with pets. Read the following blog to know the critical points of the American Airlines pet policy.
American Airlines Pet Policy For In-Cabin Pets
American Airlines allows its passengers to carry their pets in the cabin. However, the passengers must adhere to many restrictions and guidelines before boarding the flight.
Each aircraft can carry a maximum of 7 kennels by American Airlines. American Eagle flights can carry only 5 kennels. Here are the norms of American Airlines’ in-cabin pet policy.
What are the Necessary In-Cabin Pet Carrier Requirements?
- The maximum size of the cabin should be 19X13X9 inches for soft or hard-sided cabins.
- The total weight of the carrier, including the pet, cannot exceed 20 pounds.
- Dogs and cats should ideally be at least 8 weeks old.
- The bottom of the pet container should be waterproof.
- Popper ventilation and fastening are also necessary.
- Easily come under the seats.
What are the In-Cabin Pet Restrictions?
- The only kinds of animals that can fly on American Airlines are cats and dogs.
- Pets can travel only if the country of arrival permits entry.
- Pets allowed in the cabin must either have a health certificate or be completely immunized.
- On flights to or from Hawaii, Central America, South America, and transatlantic or transpacific flights, passengers cannot board the flight with carry-on dogs.
- Most U.S. locations (other than Hawaii), as well as Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Central America, and St. Croix, allow pets to fly in the cabin. However, the flight duration should not exceed 11 1/2 hours.
- Carry-on dogs are not eligible to fly in First or Business Class in the following aircraft:
- 757-L, 757-EW, 767.
- 777-200, 777-300.
- 787-8, 787-9.
- Airbus A330-200 or A330-300.
American Airlines Pet Policy For Pets in Check-in Baggage
If the pet is of a larger size and cannot fit underneath the seats of the flight, passengers have the option to check them in as checked baggage.
What are the Norms for Pets to Travel as Checked Baggage?
- The dimension of the container should not exceed 40X27X30 inches.
- Only 2 pets per passenger are allowed as checked baggage.
- American Airlines’ pet policy states that only cats and dogs can travel as checked baggage.
- Secure the bookings 10 days before departure.
- Also, the combined weight of the animal and container should not exceed 100 pounds.
- Moreover, containers for checked dogs must have a food bag and a water container.
Restrictions for Pets as Check Baggage
- Pets, as checked baggage, cannot travel to the United Kingdom and Japan.
- There are no Series 700 kennels permitted on any American Airlines aircraft, and Series 500 kennels are not allowed on Boeing MD-80s.
- According to American Airlines’ pet policy, the flight should not last more than 12 hours.
- Pets cannot be accepted more than four hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Pets cannot fly as checked baggage on A321S, A321, A320, A321H, or A319 aircraft.
American Airlines Pet Policy For Pets in Cargo
However, if you are not traveling with your pet, American also offers the service of shipping them in Cargo. American Airlines Cargo allows pets in cargo on flights that are less than 12 hours in duration. The airlines provide two options to pet owners.
- ExpediteFS (international).
- Priority Parcel Service (domestic).
Eligibility Norms of American Airlines Cargo Pet Policy
- Only warm-blooded animals like dogs, cats, birds, and monkeys are eligible to travel in the cargo of American Airlines.
- Carrier dimensions should not exceed 40X27X30 inches.
- Passengers can travel with only 2 pets in cargo.
- It should be 8 weeks old.
- The weight of the carrier and pet together should not exceed 100 pounds.
- Also, obtain the pet bookings 10 days in advance.
- Must have a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure.
Travel Restrictions for Pets in Cargo
- Animals cannot travel by American Airlines on Airbus models: 319, 321, 320, 321S, and 321H.
- Series 100 (small) pet boxes are no longer permitted in the cargo hold on American Airlines flights.
- Flights longer than 12 hours do not allow pets to travel in cargo.
- Also, pets under sedation won’t be accepted.
What are the Fare Charges for Traveling With Pets?
- For travel inside the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, checked pet costs $200 per container.
- The airline charges a fare of $150 for checked pets for flights to Brazil.
- According to Americal airline pet policy, $125 of fare will be levied on carry-on pets.
- For cargo travel, fares vary according to the routes on American Airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can American Airlines refuse to carry pets?
Due to disease, hostile conduct, inadequate kenneling, or high temperatures at the airports of origin, transfer, or destination, American Airlines reserves the right to refuse to carry an animal.
When should I reserve my pet’s flight?
You can book your pet’s flight up to ten days in advance. Also, the airline recommends that passengers contact them at least 24 hours in advance.
How can I track my pet on American Airlines?
American Airlines provides you with an airway bill number. Enter the air waybill number into the website’s tracking feature to find out your pet’s current location. Also, passengers can contact 1-800-227-4622 to get a status.
What breeds of dogs are prohibited from flying by American Airlines’ Pet Policy?
According to American Airlines’ dog policy, Pit Bull, Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Bulldog (all breeds), Boxer (all species), Pekingese, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Toy Spaniel, Cane Corso, Japanese Chin, Presa Canario, Brussels Griffon, Lhasa Apso, Dogue De Bordeaux, Mastiff (all breeds), Pug, and others are prohibited from traveling in the cabin under American Airlines’ pet policy.
