A Complete Guide on American Airlines Pet Policy!

Are you planning to take your furry friend on the AA flight with you? If so, you must learn about the pet policy in advance and be aware of the associated guidelines. The American Airlines pet policy is quite strict, so it is best to be prepared in advance. This blog will discuss different rules related to this policy so you can fly peacefully with your pet.

What is the American Airlines Pet Policy?

American Airlines allows you to fly with your pet, but some guidelines exist. Find the associated rules below.

• With AA, you can either take your pet in the cabin or transfer it as checked baggage.
• In the cabin, only cats and dogs that meet the age, size, and destination requirements are allowed.
• According to the American Airline pet policy, checked pets are only accepted for active-duty U.S. State Department Foreign Service officials and U.S. military personnel.
• The airline also accepts fully trained service dogs in the cabin without any additional charges.
• American Airlines permits pets on almost all flights to some selected destinations, such as Mexico, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Alaska, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.

American Airlines Carry-On Pets

You can bring your pet as a carry-on in the cabin. Here are the rules that you should know. 

• According to the American Airlines cabin pet policy, you can only bring one pet kennel as a carry-on.
• There will be a specific fee for the carry-on pet.
• Your loving pet must be in the pet carrier throughout the flight.
• Ensure to place this pet carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
• The airline accepts only one more item besides your pet, such as your personal item or one more carry-on bag.

Steps to Add a Carry-On Pet to Your Booking

• Find your booking on the official site or mobile app.
• Go to the Special Services section.
• Choose “Add Carry-On Pets.”
• Review all the requirements to bring your pet on the flight.
• Agree to all the mentioned terms.
• Follow the instructions.
• Confirm your pet booking as a carry-on.

Ensure to read the American Airlines carry on pet policy in advance to avoid any complications.

Pet Carrier Guidelines for Carry-On Pets

• Your pet should fit in the closed pet kennel.
• Hard-sided pet carriers should not exceed 48 x 33 x 22 cm or 19 x 13 x 9 inches.
• If you are bringing a soft-sided kennel, it should be 46 x 28 x 28 cm or 18 x 11 x 11 inches.
• American Airlines accepts only 7 pet carriers. On American Eagle flights, 5 pet carriers are allowed.
• As per the American Airlines pet policy, you have to pay a cost for your pet.

American Airlines Checked Pets

If your pet doesn’t meet the carry-on pet requirements, you can check it at the ticket counter. Below are the related guidelines.

• AA only accepts checked pets if you are an active-duty U.S. State Department Foreign Service official or U.S. military member.
• You can check up to 2 pets.
• Ensure that your pets meet the health and age requirements of the destination. 
• The capacity for checked pets is limited, and the airline accepts them on a first-come, first-served basis.
• If you want to check a pet, you must connect with the Reservations department at least 48 hours before departure.
• You must have your official orders when checking your pet at the ticket counter.
• Share the health certificate of your pet with the airline agent.
• You must get the health certificate of a pet from the vet within 10 days of travel.

Pet Carrier Guidelines for Checked Pets

• The pet kennel should be large enough to accommodate the pet comfortably.
• It should meet the applicable weight and size restrictions. 
• The pet policy of American Airlines is simple, and it states that the pet carrier should be made of plastic, wood, metal, or a similar material.
• The top and bottom of the pet kennel should be secured with screws or bolts.
• Ensure that the pet carrier you are bringing must be escape-proof and leak-proof.
• On 3 sides of the kennel, there must be ventilation if flying on a domestic flight.
• As per the American Airlines International pet policy, the kennel must have ventilation on 4 sides on international travel.
• Inside the kennel, there should be separate food and watering dishes.
• If you are flying with 2 pets in the kennel, they must be of the same species.
• Your pet should be between 8 weeks and 6 months old to fly on the AA flight.

How Much Is the Pet Travel Fee on American Airlines?

The pet policy of American Airlines states that you will have to pay a specific fee to take your pet on the flight. Take a look at the following table to know the pet fee on AA, and avoid any hassle later on.
 

This is the American Airlines pet fee for bringing your pet on an AA flight. Pay the required charges, and ensure a stress-free journey with your pet.

Does American Airlines Accept Service Animals?

Yes, you can bring fully trained service dogs in the cabin without any additional charges. However, they must meet specific requirements. The dog must be trained to do the tasks for the passenger with a disability. The team members of American Airlines will ask certain questions to determine if the service animal is acceptable on the flight.

Please note that emotional support animals, service animals in training, and comfort animals will travel as normal pets, not service animals. A specific pet fee will apply to bring a pet on the flight. 

In Conclusion

This is all about the American Airlines pet policy. Read the associated rules in detail, and start planning your trip with your lovely pet today. In this blog, we have shared everything related to the policy so you can have a stress-free trip in the air. So why the wait? Book your pet on AA as soon as possible, and have an amazing experience.

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