Planning to fly with your dog or cat? American airlines pet booking is easier than it used to be, but your pet still has to meet route, carrier, aircraft and destination requirements. American Airlines currently allows eligible cats and dogs to travel as carry-on pets on qualifying flights, and passengers can add a carry-on pet through the airline’s website or app.
The key is to check the pet rules before finalising your travel plans. Pet space is limited on many aircraft, and some seats, cabins and international routes do not accept carry-on pets.
How Does American Airlines Pet Booking Work?
American Airlines pet booking means adding an eligible animal to your passenger reservation so the pet can travel in an approved carrier in the cabin. For qualifying flights, American currently lets passengers add a carry-on pet through Find Your Trip on aa.com or the American Airlines app.
The current booking process
- Book your American Airlines flight.
- Open Find Your Trip on the website or app.
- Go to Additional Services.
- Select Add carry-on pets.
- Review the carry-on pet requirements.
- Select the flight segments on which your pet will travel.
- Confirm the pet addition.
- At the airport, visit the American Airlines ticket counter.
- Pay the applicable pet fee and have the pet and carrier checked for compliance.
This is an important update for SEO content because older guides still tell travellers that a pet must always be booked by phone. The current American Airlines process provides an online option.
Expert booking tip
Check the aircraft and cabin before choosing your seat. Pet availability depends on the aircraft, cabin and under-seat storage.
How to Add a Carry-On Pet to an American Airlines Reservation
The simplest option for an eligible cabin pet is to add it after finding your existing trip.
Online steps
- Open your American Airlines trip.
- Select Additional Services.
- Choose Add carry-on pets.
- Review the rules.
- Select the applicable flights.
- Confirm the pet.
- Pay the applicable fee at the airport ticket counter.
What information should you check first?
Before adding the pet, confirm:
- Your pet is eligible.
- Your destination accepts pets.
- Your aircraft has pet capacity.
- Your carrier fits under the seat.
- Your seat is not restricted for pets.
- You understand the destination’s entry requirements.
If the carrier dimensions are uncertain because your itinerary includes multiple aircraft, American specifically advises contacting Reservations to verify the maximum dimensions.
Example
Suppose you book a domestic flight with a small dog. You later retrieve your reservation and see Add carry-on pets under Additional Services. You can select the eligible flight segment, accept the requirements and complete the addition. At the airport, the ticket counter checks your carrier and collects the fee.
That is different from simply arriving at the gate with a pet and hoping there is space.
How Much Is the American Airlines Pet Booking Fee?
For eligible carry-on pet travel, American Airlines currently lists a US$150 fee per kennel for travel within and between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, subject to country-specific entry rules.
| Pet travel type | Current American Airlines fee |
|---|---|
| Carry-on pet | US$150 per kennel |
| Checked pet — eligible military/State Department travellers | US$200 per kennel |
| Checked pet to/from Brazil — eligible travellers | US$150 per kennel |
| Cargo pet | Varies |
| Service animal | No charge |
American says pet fees are non-refundable and apply per kennel, each way. A stopover or connection of four hours or more can cause fees to apply for additional segments.
Important booking detail
American currently says carry-on pet fees are paid at the airport or travel centre using a credit card or paper voucher where accepted. Cash and cheques are not accepted.
Do not rely on older websites quoting a different pet fee. Airline charges can change, so use the current American Airlines fee page when preparing for travel.
What Pets Can Fly in the American Airlines Cabin?
American Airlines currently limits carry-on pets to cats and dogs that meet the airline’s age, size and destination requirements.
For travel within the U.S. and Puerto Rico, pets must be at least 8 weeks old. International travel can have additional age, vaccination and health requirements.
Carry-on pet requirements
Your pet must:
- Stay inside its carrier.
- Remain under the seat for the entire flight.
- Fit comfortably inside the closed carrier.
- Be able to travel safely in the carrier.
- Meet the destination’s entry rules.
American does not accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilised for travel. The airline cites the increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at altitude.
Pet versus service dog
A normal pet and a service dog are not booked in exactly the same way.
The U.S. Department of Transportation defines a service animal for air travel as a dog individually trained to perform work or tasks for a qualified person with a disability. Emotional support, comfort and companionship animals are not service animals under the current federal definition.
Therefore, do not book an animal as a pet if it is legitimately travelling as a service animal, and do not assume an emotional-support animal receives the same treatment as a service dog.
What Size Pet Carrier Does American Airlines Allow?
Carrier size is one of the most important parts of American Airlines pet booking.
American currently recommends a soft-sided collapsible kennel. It must be secure, padded, water-repellent and have nylon-mesh ventilation on at least three sides. The carrier must fit under the seat without excessive collapse.
Current carrier dimensions
| Carrier | Aircraft | Maximum dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-sided, recommended | All flights | 18 × 11 × 11 in |
| Hard-sided | American Mainline | 19 × 13 × 9 in |
| Hard-sided | American Eagle | 16 × 12 × 8 in |
These dimensions are particularly important because American says a non-collapsible kennel cannot exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey.
Common carrier mistake
Do not buy a carrier simply because a retailer labels it “airline approved.”
Measure the carrier yourself and compare it with the aircraft operating your flight.
Which American Airlines Flights Allow Carry-On Pets?
Pet availability is not identical across the entire American Airlines fleet.
American’s current policy limits the number of pet carriers by aircraft and cabin. For example, several mainline aircraft permit up to 20 pet carriers across the cabins, while American Eagle aircraft have smaller limits.
Examples of current restrictions
- Certain widebody premium cabins do not allow carry-on pets because of limited under-seat storage.
- American Eagle aircraft allow fewer pet carriers.
- Some aircraft have dedicated animal-friendly compartments.
- Service animals are excluded from the listed pet-carrier limits.
Seats where carry-on pets aren’t permitted
American currently prohibits carry-on pets in:
- Bulkhead seats
- Exit-row seats
- First and Business seats on certain Boeing widebody aircraft
- Seat 13D on the Airbus A321neo
The three-cabin Airbus A321T has a different arrangement, including dedicated animal-friendly compartments in First and Business.
Best practice: Add your pet before choosing a seat, or check pet-seat restrictions before changing your seat.
Where Can You Travel With a Pet on American Airlines?
American permits carry-on pets on selected routes rather than every flight.
Its current pet page lists qualifying travel within the 48 contiguous U.S. states and selected routes involving Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix and St. Thomas, with additional destination-specific restrictions.
Important examples
Carry-on pets are currently not permitted on:
- Trans-Atlantic trips
- Trans-Pacific trips
- Routes to/from Hawaii
- Certain South American destinations, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay
There are also specific restrictions for Jamaica and other destinations.
Hawaii has especially important rules: carry-on pets cannot travel to or from Hawaii, while checked-pet travel is limited to specific circumstances and routes, including connection through Honolulu. Hawaii’s own quarantine rules also apply.
International pet booking
International pet travel has two separate layers:
- American Airlines’ transportation rules
- The destination country’s import rules
Meeting the airline’s pet requirements does not automatically mean your pet can enter the destination.
USDA APHIS says international requirements can include vaccinations, microchips, tests, treatments and health certificates, depending on the destination. Requirements can change frequently.
Do You Need Pet Documents for American Airlines?
Documentation depends heavily on the route.
For domestic travel, the airline’s basic carry-on pet rules may be the main concern. For international travel, government requirements can become much more complex.
Before an international trip
- Check American Airlines’ pet restrictions.
- Check the destination country’s official requirements.
- Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian if exporting from the U.S.
- Complete required vaccinations or tests.
- Obtain the required health certificate.
- Check whether USDA APHIS endorsement is necessary.
- Carry the original required paperwork during travel.
USDA APHIS recommends starting the process as soon as you decide to travel because destination requirements can take time to complete.
For dogs entering the United States, CDC rules also apply. American Airlines specifically warns that dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries may face additional requirements and that required documents must be presented at check-in.
Can Large Pets Travel on American Airlines?
A large dog or cat that cannot fit appropriately under the seat cannot simply be booked as a standard carry-on pet.
American currently states that pets too large for cabin travel must travel through American Airlines Cargo, while checked-pet service is restricted to active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel travelling on official orders.
American’s cargo option is called American PetEmbark.
Checked-pet service
For eligible military and State Department travellers:
- Up to two pets may be checked.
- Reservations must be contacted at least 48 hours before travel.
- Check-in takes place at the ticket counter.
- Official orders are required.
- A health certificate is required.
- Passengers should arrive 2–4 hours before departure.
- Capacity is limited and accepted on a first-come basis.
This distinction is crucial because many older pet-policy articles make it sound as though ordinary passengers can simply check a large dog as baggage.
What Are the Most Common American Airlines Pet Booking Mistakes?
Even when a pet is technically eligible, booking mistakes can cause problems.
Avoid these errors
- Booking the flight before checking pet availability
- Assuming all aircraft accept the same number of pets
- Buying an oversized carrier
- Choosing a bulkhead or exit-row seat
- Assuming international entry requirements are the airline’s responsibility
- Using an outdated pet fee
- Assuming a large pet can be checked as normal baggage
- Confusing a service dog with a regular pet
- Giving your pet a sedative without discussing air travel safety with a veterinarian
- Ignoring partner-airline rules
American states that it does not collect pet fees for another operating airline, even when that flight has an American flight number. Passengers should check the “Operated by” information on their ticket and follow the operating carrier’s rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I book a pet on American Airlines?
After booking your flight, find your trip on American Airlines website or app. Under Additional Services, select Add carry-on pets, review the requirements, select the applicable flights and confirm the pet.
2. Can I add a pet after booking my American Airlines flight?
Yes. American Airlines currently provides an Add carry-on pets option through the trip-management section for eligible reservations.
3. How much does American Airlines charge for a carry-on pet?
The current listed fee for eligible carry-on pet travel is US$150 per kennel, each way, subject to route and destination restrictions.
4. Can I bring my dog in the American Airlines cabin?
Yes, eligible dogs can travel as carry-on pets on qualifying flights. The dog must remain inside an appropriate carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
5. Can I bring my cat on American Airlines?
Yes. American Airlines allows eligible cats to travel as carry-on pets on qualifying routes, subject to age, carrier, aircraft and destination requirements.
6. What size carrier does American Airlines allow?
American lists 18 × 11 × 11 inches for recommended soft-sided carriers. Hard-sided limits are 19 × 13 × 9 inches on American Mainline and 16 × 12 × 8 inches on American Eagle.
7. Does the pet carrier count as a carry-on?
American currently allows one additional onboard item with the pet carrier: either a personal item or a qualifying carry-on bag, not both.
8. Can I take my pet to Hawaii?
Carry-on pets cannot travel to or from Hawaii. American has separate restrictions for eligible checked-pet travel, and Hawaii’s own quarantine rules apply.
9. Can large dogs fly on American Airlines?
A dog that cannot safely fit in an appropriate cabin carrier cannot be booked as a standard carry-on pet. American directs pets that are too large for cabin travel to its cargo service, while ordinary checked-pet service is restricted to certain military and State Department travellers.
10. Does American Airlines allow pets on international flights?
Some international routes allow pets, but carry-on pets are prohibited on certain trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and South American routes. Destination-country entry requirements also apply.
11. Can I travel with a pet on a codeshare flight?
Possibly, but you must check the operating carrier’s policy. American says it does not collect pet fees for other operating airlines even if the flight carries an American flight number.
12. Can I sedate my pet before flying?
American Airlines does not accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilised. The airline cites the increased respiratory and cardiovascular risks associated with sedation at altitude.
13. Are service dogs booked as pets?
No. A trained service dog is treated differently from a regular pet under U.S. air-travel rules. DOT defines a service animal as a dog individually trained to perform work or tasks for a qualified person with a disability.
14. Do international pet trips require a health certificate?
Often, yes, but the exact requirement is set by the destination country. USDA APHIS says most countries require some form of health certificate and recommends starting the process with a USDA-accredited veterinarian early.
