The following American Airlines pet policy information will provide the answers to many common questions regarding the transportation of pets. Special pet guidelines apply for travel to international destinations and Hawaii. Please refer to the appropriate American Airlines pet policy sections below for more detailed pet information regarding those destinations.
Important Pet Travel Information
Customers with pets traveling as checked baggage are required to present a valid health certificate. Learn more about health certificates.
Important Temperature Restriction Information
To help ensure the well-being of pets traveling as checked baggage, American adheres to day-of-travel temperature restrictions. Learn more about Temperature Restrictions.
Reservations
Pets traveling in the cabin require a reservation
to ensure no more than seven pets are booked
on any single flight. To ensure your pet is accommodated, please make arrangements in advance by contacting Reservations.
Checked pets do not need a reservation.
Attention dog show participants: if capacity is reached, checked pets are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Check In
Being prepared will help reduce stress for you and your pet. Please remember:
- You must check in at the ticket counter – Curbside or Self-Service Check-In is not allowed.
- Allow extra time beyond normal check-in guidelines.
- Checked pets will not be accepted more than four hours prior to your flight time.
- You will be asked to complete a checklist with an agent. Here are a few of the questions as examples:
- Are separate food/watering dishes securely attached and accessible without opening the kennel?
- When was the last time the pet was fed and offered water?
- Have you complied with all government requirements for international destinations?
- Have you provided an original, valid health certificate for checked pets?
- Can the pet sit, stand and rest comfortably without touching any of the sides of the kennel?
View a list of animal relief areas at select airports. If your airport is not listed, please ask for directions or assistance at our ticket counter.
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Types of Pets Allowed
Cats and dogs are the only types of pets accepted on American Airlines. We maintain the right to refuse acceptance of any animal that is exhibiting aggressive behavior. View breed restrictions for more details.
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Pets Traveling In The Cabin
Pets traveling in the cabin require a reservation
to ensure no more than seven pets are booked
on any single flight. To ensure your pet is accommodated, please make arrangements
in advance by contacting Reservations.
Allowed Travel Destinations
- Flights within the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Croix
- To or from the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central American and some destinations in South America provided the country of arrival permits entry
Carry-on pets are NOT ALLOWED to/from Hawaii or transatlantic/transpacific destinations or to/from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Venezuela
Visit our Special Assistance section to view guidelines for Service Animals.
Required Charges
See below for applicable
charges. If AA is the only carrier
in the itinerary, charges are payable
to AA at origin of trip. If any other
carrier is operating one of your
flights, the charges are payable
to that operating flight upon check-in.
This includes AA flight numbers operated
by a codeshare partner airline. |
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IMPORTANT NOTES
Pets are NOT allowed outside their carrier at any time during flight.
Pets may only travel
upon payment of the applicable
charges. |
Pet Carrier Guidelines
The maximum size for cabin pet carriers is
19" long x 13" wide x 9" high. Soft-sided
pet carriers such as Sherpa bags may exceed
these dimensions slightly because they are
collapsible. Animals must be able to stand
up, turn around and lie down in a natural
position in the kennel. Soft-sided pet
carriers are accepted as long as they are
constructed of water-repellent, padded
nylon with mesh ventilation on two or more
sides.
A pet kennel counts as either a passenger's
one carry-on bag or personal
item - a cabin pet charge still
applies, however.
Number of Pets Allowed
Only one pet kennel per ticketed passenger
may be accepted for travel in the cabin.
The kennel may contain two (2) dogs or two (2) cats but they must be the same species, at least 8-weeks old, and the pet and container can weigh no more than 20 lbs. combined.
The maximum number of carry-on kennels allowed
(on American Airlines flights accepting them)
is seven per flight: two (2) in First Class
and five (5) in Coach and/or Business Class.
Service animals are not counted
in the maximum number allowed in the cabin.
On American Eagle and AmericanConnection®, a maximum of two pet carriers per cabin are allowed depending on the aircraft - please contact Reservations before your flight.
Movement of Pets During Flight
Pets must stay in their closed and/or zipped kennels under the seat in front of you at all times. Pets may not be removed from their kennel/container at any time while onboard the aircraft.
Age/Health Information
Dogs and cats must be at least eight (8)
weeks old for travel. If two animals are
traveling in the same carrier, they must be the same species (two cats or two dogs, not one of each) and the pet and container can weigh no more than 20 lbs. combined.
American Airlines assumes no liability for the health or well-being of carry-on pets.
See Health Requirements below for additional information.
Service And Working Animal Information
Service animals accompanying a disabled passenger
travel free of charge. Applicable charges will
apply for all other animals.
For information regarding assistance animals traveling with a disabled passenger, please see our Service Animals page.
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Pets Traveling As Checked Baggage
Checked pets do not need a reservation. Participants
of dog shows should be aware that if capacity is reached, checked pets are accepted on a first come basis.
American Airlines will require a health certificate for the acceptance of pets for travel as checked baggage. Valid health certificates must be issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of originating travel, and within 60 days of return travel on the same ticket. Return travel on a separate ticket will be subject to the 10 day restriction in order to ensure the health and safety of the animal.
Acceptance Restrictions
Pets will not be accepted for flights over 12 hours or on flights traveling to the United Kingdom. American Eagle does not accept pets as checked baggage for Priority Parcel Service between San Juan, (SJU) and St. Kitts (SKB) and between San Juan, (SJU) and Nevis (NEV).
Pets not accepted at departure time remain the responsibility of their owner.
Required Charges
See below for applicable
charges. Charges are payable at the
airport. The pet travel receipt must be shown at the departure gate and at security in many cities. |
|
IMPORTANT NOTES
American adheres to day-of-travel temperature restrictions. Please refer to Temperature
Restrictions below.
Pets may only travel
upon payment of the applicable
charges.
McDonnell Douglas MD-80 (S80) and Boeing 737 aircraft cannot accept a Type 500 series kennel for checked pets.
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Pet Carrier Guidelines
Animals must have room to stand/turn around, sit and lie down in a natural position.
Kennels must be constructed of wood, metal,
plastic or a similar material, leak-proof,
escape proof and door must fasten securely
and need ventilation on 2-sides in addition
to the door. Kennels must also have a water
container with outside access for filling,
in case a delay occurs.
Collapsible Kennels (those which can fold down flat) cannot be accepted due to the risk of collapse during transport.
Separate food and water dishes must be securely attached inside the kennel and accessible without opening. Customer must also attach a small bag of food for a 24-hour period to the top of the container.
The customer is required to secure rigid plastic kennels with releasable cable ties (see example at right) attached to all four corners. American Airlines will provide the ties to the customer at no cost.
The maximum size for checked kennels is a series 500 kennel with the following dimensions: 40” long x 27” wide x 30” high. However,
this size kennel is not accepted on the Boeing 737 or McDonnell Douglas MD-80 (S80). Kennels checked on MD-80s must be able to fit through the cargo door while remaining in an upright position.
Series 700 kennels are not allowed on any aircraft.
The maximum weight of a checked pet and kennel (combined) cannot exceed 100 lbs.
Number of Pets Allowed
A maximum of two checked pets per passenger is allowed.
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Temperature Restrictions
Temperature restrictions have been established to ensure animals are not exposed to extreme heat or cold in the animal holding areas, terminal facilities, when moving the animals between terminal and aircraft or on an aircraft awaiting departure.
| Heat Restriction |
Cold Restriction |
Pets cannot be accepted when the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary. |
Pets cannot be accepted when the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary. |
| |
The restriction for cold temperature restriction may be waived with a written veterinarian statement. The low temperature acclimation certificate/statement/form must include the following:
- Name and address of the passenger
- Name of the animal
- Name and signature of licensed veterinarian
- Veterinarian's accreditation date and number
- Temperature which the animal is acclimated
- The letter must be dated within 10 days of the first flight the animal will be on and within 30 days of any subsequent travel within the same itinerary. It may be necessary for a passenger to obtain an additional letter for a lengthy trip
When temperatures fall below 20
degrees Fahrenheit ((-6.6 degrees C), pets may not be checked even with a statement of low temperature acclimation. |
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Breed Restrictions
American Airlines will not accept brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs and cats as checked luggage. The following is a list of brachycephalic dog breeds and any "mix" of will not be accepted:
| Affenpinscher |
Bulldog (All breeds) |
Lhasa Apso |
Pug (All breeds) |
| American Staffordshire Terrier |
Cane Corso |
Mastiff (All breeds) |
Shar Pei |
| Boston Terrier |
Dogue De Bordeaux |
Pekingese |
Shih Tzu |
| Boxer (All breeds) |
English Toy Spaniel |
Pit Bull |
Tibetan Spaniel |
| Brussels Griffon |
Japanese Chin |
Presa Canario |
|
The following is a list of brachycephalic cat breeds and any "mix" of will not be accepted:
| Burmese |
Persian |
| Himalayan |
Exotic Shorthair |
Charges
For AA itineraries, charges are payable at the airport or American Airlines Travel Centers by check, cash, credit card or voucher. If not used, the refund is to the original form of payment.
For itineraries involving another operating
carrier (even those with an AA flight number),
the charges are payable to each individual
carrier upon check in.
AA does not collect pet charges on behalf
of another operating airline in the itinerary.
| Service |
Itinerary |
Charge* |
Checked Pet |
Within and between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
For all other locations, contact Reservations. |
$175 USD per kennel
Exception:
$150 USD per kennel to/from Brazil
Charges for travel NOT within and between
the United States and Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America and the Caribbean
may be obtained from Reservations. |
Cabin Pet |
Within and between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central America, Colombia and the Caribbean provided the country of arrival permits entry.
NOT allowed to Hawaii. |
$125 USD per kennel |
Assistance animal traveling with a disabled passenger (such as seeing eye dog) |
Any destination with
the exception of the U.K. |
No charge. |
*Charges shown above apply for each origin/destination
without a voluntary stopover/connection of
four hours or more. If your itinerary includes
a voluntary stopover/connection of more than
four hours, charges apply for each connection
segment.
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Age And Health Requirements
Dogs and cats must be at least eight (8) weeks old for travel. If two animals are traveling in the same carrier, they must be the same species (two cats or two dogs, not one of each) and the pet and container can weigh no more than 20 lbs. combined and are between eight weeks and six months old.
Pets in the Cabin
American Airlines does not require a health certificate for the acceptance of pets for travel in the cabin.
Pets traveling as Checked Baggage
American Airlines will require a health certificate for the acceptance of pets for travel as checked baggage. Valid health certificates must be issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of originating travel, and within 60 days of return travel on the same ticket. Return travel on a separate ticket will be subject to the 10 day restriction in order to ensure the health and safety of the animal.
Dogs and cats must be at least eight (8) weeks old for travel. If two animals are traveling in the same kennel, they must be the same species (two cats or two dogs, not one of each) and the pet and container can weigh no more than 20 lbs. combined and are between eight weeks and six months old.
For health requirements for destinations outside the continental U.S, contact that country's consulate or embassy for information. A
listing of consulates can be found at the U.S. Department of State's Web site. Also see Destination
Specific Restrictions below.
Federal Regulations require written certification from the customer that dogs/cats have been offered food and water within 4 hours (with the specific time noted) before delivery to the carrier. This certification must be securely attached to the outside of the kennel so that it may be easily noticed and read and have the customer's signature with the date and time it was signed.
Feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period must also be provided. Instructions of "No food or water" are not acceptable unless directed by the attending veterinarian.
Aircraft cargo compartments are pressurized and are normally maintained at a temperature range of 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Sedation
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases cats and dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying. An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the kennel is moved.
Whether flying as a cabin or checked pet, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures, which can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats which are sedated or tranquilized.
If your pet is sedated, the name of the medication, amount administered along with the date and time administered must be given to the agent at time of check-in.
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Destination Specific Restrictions
Please see the information below for restrictions specific to certain destinations. If you are taking a pet outside the United States, contact that country's consulate or embassy for information. A listing
of consulates* can be found at the U.S. Department of State's Web site.
For your pet's safety, you must adhere to all requirements of the region to which you are traveling.
| Destination |
Special Restrictions |
| European Union |
Cats and dogs are required to have a tattoo or implanted microchip that matches the identification number on their vaccination card. Pets without a tattoo or microchip will not be allowed to enter the European Union. NOTE: No pets are accepted for travel to the United Kingdom. View Service Animal Guidelines |
Hawaii |
The transportation of pets to or through Hawaii is subject to multiple, stringent restrictions.
See below. |
Japan |
Due to USDA restrictions that an animal be offered water every 12 hours, checked pets must be booked on flights where the actual flight time is less than 12 hours.
The Japanese government also requires
you to notify Japanese Animal
Quarantine Service at least 40 days prior to arrival.
The pet must be fitted with a
microchip.
Additional documents and certificates are also required. Contact Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for full information. |
Transatlantic Flights
Transpacific Flights
South American Flights |
Carry-on pets are not allowed on transatlantic, transpacific or Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay or Venezuela flights. No pets are accepted for travel
to the United Kingdom. View Service Animal Guidelines. Animals traveling as checked baggage may be allowed, however, some international destinations may limit the number of animals allowed per passenger as checked baggage.
Please contact Reservations and check with the consulate of the country to which you are traveling for further details as acceptance varies by country. |
Trinidad and Tobago |
Trinidad and Tobago (POS) have very strict limitations regarding pets. Pets arriving on flights after 4:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. will not be accepted. |
United Kingdom |
No pets are accepted for travel to the United Kingdom. View Service Animal Guidelines. |
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Travel To Or Through Hawaii
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Hawaii is a rabies-free state and
state law requires 120-day quarantine
for dogs/cats to protect residents
and pets. The quarantine periods
can be reduced to five (5) days or
less if specific qualifications are
met. See http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info
for more information.
No pets are accepted on non-stop
flights to Maui, the Big Island or
Kauai.
Pregnant animals past 45 days gestation are not permitted.
Guide and service dogs may be eligible for
reduced quarantine. Contact the Animal Quarantine
office in Honolulu at 808-483-7171 for more
information. For additional quarantine information
please visit http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info |
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IMPORTANT NOTES
Pets may travel to Hawaii as checked baggage only.
ALL pet arrivals/connections in/through Hawaii must be via Honolulu. |
Pets Connecting in Honolulu to points within Hawaii
American Airlines will transport all pets
to Animal Quarantine in Honolulu. The pet
will remain there for the pre-determined
quarantine period at which time the owner
makes arrangements to transport the pet to
outer island, either by coming to Honolulu
or through air cargo. The owner is responsible
for making all necessary arrangement with
the Animal Quarantine office in Honolulu
at 808-483-7171.
Pets Connecting in Honolulu to points beyond Hawaii
Upon arrival in Honolulu, American Airlines
will take the pet to a sterile area where
the pet is held until the connecting flight
departure time. The connecting carrier will
pick up the pet from the sterile transit
area and deliver the pet directly to the
connecting flight. The owner of the pet is
responsible for making all arrangements directly
with the Animal Quarantine office in Honolulu
at 808-483-7171 and with the connecting carrier.
The owner pays each carrier directly for
applicable charges.
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Connections To Other Carriers
Pets are not interlined between American Airlines and other carriers (including codeshare partners). Pets must be claimed and rechecked to each carrier. You will be responsible for claiming the animal and rechecking it with the other carrier.
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Pets Traveling Alone
American Airlines Cargo and Priority Parcel Service ship pets to most destinations. You can find information about pets traveling without a ticketed passenger at AACargo.com, or by calling 800-CARGOAA (800-227-4622)
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