Flying with a Dog on American Airlines

If you plan on flying with your dog on American Airlines, we will cover how to fly with a dog on American for both domestic and international flights, including tips on how to prepare your dog for the trip, what documents you will need, and what to expect at the airport. We will also cover the specific policies and procedures for flying with a service dog on American Airlines.

How to Fly with a Dog on American Airlines

American Airlines allows small dogs, cats, and birds to travel in the cabin with you, as long as they are in a pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier must meet the size requirements specified by American Airlines:

• The maximum size for the carrier is 19 inches long x 13 inches wide x 9 inches tall.
• The maximum weight for the carrier and pet is 20 pounds.

If your dog is too large to travel in the cabin with you, or if you are traveling with a large number of pets, American Airlines offers cargo travel for pets through its PetSafe program. The program allows dogs to travel in the hold of the plane, in a temperature-controlled and pressurized environment specifically designed for pets.

Note that American only allows a maximum of seven pets in the cabin per flight, and only one carrier per passenger. So, if you are traveling with more than seven pets, have more than one carrier per passenger, or if your pet carrier does not meet the mandatory size requirements, your pets will need to travel as cargo through the PetSafe program.

Booking your Flight

American Airlines charges a fee for traveling with a pet in the cabin of $125 each way. The fee for cargo travel is based on the size and weight of the kennel.

Note that the fees are non-refundable and are not eligible for AAdvantage mileage accrual.

When booking a flight on the American Airlines website, select “add a pet” under the “traveling with” section during the booking process. You will then be prompted to enter your pet’s information and choose a carrier. Be sure to book your pet as soon as possible, as there are limited spaces available for pets on each flight.

Before your Trip

Before your trip, it is a good idea to get your dog accustomed to being in a pet carrier or crate. Get to the airport extra early to get your dog get used to the surroundings and help reduce anxiety.

American Airlines does not provide food or water for pets during the flight, so you’ll need to make sure your pet has enough for the duration of the trip. It’s a good idea to pack a travel kit for your pet, including any necessary documents, a small bag of treats, and a pet water bottle with a spill-proof top. You’ll also want to bring a small blanket or towel to place in the carrier or crate to make it more comfortable for your pet.

Flying with a Service Dog on American

Service dogs are trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities such as assisting with mobility. American Airlines allow service dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners at no additional charge as long as the dogs meet the requirements for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

You will need to provide documentation from a licensed medical professional stating that you have a disability and that the service dog is necessary for your travel. You will also need to provide documentation from the service dog’s training program, as well as proof of the dog’s health and vaccinations.

Note that service dogs must be harnessed or leashed at all times and are not allowed to occupy a seat. It is required that the dogs be trained to behave properly in public and remain calm and quiet during the flight.

It is important to inform the airline that you are traveling with a service dog both at the time of booking and at the airport during the check-in process so the airline can make necessary accommodations and help ensure that you and your service dog have an easy and stress-free travel experience.

Note that emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA so they do not have the same privileges as service dogs. However, American Airlines does allow emotional support animals to travel in the cabin with their owners, as long as they meet the requirements for emotional support animals and the owner provides the necessary documentation. The fee to fly with an emotional support animal is $125 each way

Flying with a Dog on International Flights on American Airlines

If you are flying with your dog on an international flight with American Airlines, it is important to note that the requirements may be different depending on the country you are traveling to. Some countries have stricter rules for importing pets, and others may have quarantine requirements.

It is important to research the specific requirements of the country you are traveling to and make sure you have all of the necessary documents. You may need to provide additional documentation, such as an import permit or a health certificate from a government-approved veterinarian.

Enjoy your Flight!

By following the specific policies and procedures for flying with a pet or service dog on American Airlines and making sure you have all of the necessary documents, you can ensure that you and your dog have a safe and comfortable trip.