Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to understand the airline's rules and requirements to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for both you and your furry friend. If you're considering bringing your dog or cat with you in-cabin on American Airlines (AA), here's an in-depth look at their in-cabin pet policy, covering everything from approved pet carriers to destination and age restrictions.

Pet Carrier Requirements for In-Cabin Travel

To bring your cat or small dog in the cabin, you'll need an airline-approved pet carrier that meets American Airlines' standards:

• Dimensions: Maximum carrier size is 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches high. If you have a soft-sided carrier, it can be slightly higher to accommodate more flexibility.
• Construction: The carrier should have a waterproof bottom, adequate ventilation on multiple sides, and be designed to fasten securely. It should also have sufficient room for your pet to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down.
• Placement: The pet carrier will not count as a carry-on item, which means you can bring your carry-on and personal item along with the pet carrier.

If your pet meets these carrier requirements, they're well on their way to joining you on your journey comfortably and securely.

Eligible Pets and Age Requirements

American Airlines permits only small dogs or cats to fly in-cabin, and your pet must meet the minimum age requirement to ensure safe and healthy travel.

• Allowed Pets: Small dogs and cats are permitted to travel in-cabin. Birds and other animals are not permitted, and American Airlines restricts certain breeds from flying due to potential safety and health risks.
• Minimum Age: Your pet must be at least eight weeks old to travel in the cabin. This requirement ensures that younger animals, which may not be resilient enough for air travel, are protected.

Route Restrictions and Prohibited Destinations

American Airlines has specific route restrictions for pets flying in the cabin:

• Transoceanic Flights: Pets are not permitted to travel in-cabin on transatlantic or transpacific flights. This means you cannot bring a pet in the cabin on flights crossing the Atlantic or Pacific oceans.
• Allowed Destinations: In-cabin pets are allowed to travel on most domestic flights within the United States (excluding Hawaii), and to/from Canada, Mexico, Central America, Alaska, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix.
• Prohibited Destinations: Pets cannot fly in-cabin to or from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Venezuela, Hawaii, or any EU countries.
• Service Dogs Only: Only service or assistance dogs are permitted to fly to Ireland and the United Kingdom.

American Airlines restricts cabin travel for pets on longer flights to reduce travel-related stress and risks associated with extended travel times.

Aircraft Restrictions

In-cabin pet travel is subject to specific aircraft restrictions on American Airlines. Certain planes do not allow pets in First or Business Class:

• Restricted Aircraft: Pets are not permitted in First or Business Class on these models: 757-L, 757-EW, 767, 777-200, 777-300, 787-8, 787-9, Airbus A330-200, and A330-300.

These restrictions ensure that pets are safely contained in cabins that offer suitable accommodations.

Pet Carrier Requirements for Multiple Pets

If you're traveling with multiple pets, there are additional requirements to consider:

• One Pet per Passenger: Only one pet per passenger is allowed in-cabin, but there are exceptions for unweaned litters. For example, a mother cat or dog with her unweaned litter may be allowed to travel together.
• Two-Pet Rule: Two pets of the same species (e.g., two small kittens or toy breed puppies) may be allowed in one carrier, provided they fit comfortably, have space to stand, and the total weight of the pets and carrier does not exceed 20 pounds.

This flexibility is helpful for travelers with young or very small pets, allowing them to remain together during the journey.

Check-In Process and Fees

Traveling with a pet in-cabin on American Airlines comes with a specific check-in process and an in-cabin pet fee:

• Check-In: Travelers with pets must check in at the passenger counter rather than curbside. This ensures proper documentation and safety checks are completed before boarding.
• Pet Fee: The fee for flying with a small dog or cat in the cabin is $150 USD per flight. This fee is collected at the time of check-in.
• Service Dogs: If your pet qualifies as a trained service dog, the in-cabin pet fee is waived, making the process smoother for those who rely on assistance animals.

Documentation and Forms

For domestic flights within the United States, no health certificate is required for in-cabin pets. However, specific documentation is necessary for service animals.

• Health Certificate: Not required for domestic flights, which simplifies the process for U.S. travelers. If you’re flying internationally, check specific requirements for health certificates and vaccinations.
• Service Dog Documentation: To travel with a service dog, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation form must be completed and submitted before your flight. This ensures that the service dog meets necessary criteria and is trained for air travel.

This documentation requirement adds a layer of safety and transparency, ensuring the well-being of all passengers and pets on board.

Special Considerations for Service Dogs

Only trained service animals are allowed to travel in-cabin for free, provided they meet all requirements. For other animals, including emotional support animals that do not qualify as service animals, American Airlines may require transportation as regular pets, subject to the in-cabin pet policy and fees.

Final Checklist for Pet Travel on American Airlines

Here's a summary of key points to check before flying with your pet on American Airlines:

1. Carrier Size and Design: Confirm that your pet carrier meets AA’s dimensions and design specifications.
2. Approved Destinations and Aircraft: Verify that your destination and aircraft allow pets in-cabin.
3. Pet Age and Breed Eligibility: Ensure your pet meets the minimum age and any breed-specific guidelines.
4. Check-In Location and Fee: Prepare to check in at the passenger counter and pay the $150 USD in-cabin fee.
5. Service Animal Forms: If you’re traveling with a service dog, complete and submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation form ahead of time.

Conclusion

Flying with a pet in-cabin on American Airlines is manageable with the right preparation and understanding of their policies. By meeting all requirements, securing the appropriate documentation, and ensuring your pet’s comfort, you can help make the journey safe and pleasant for you and your pet. Always check for any updates to American Airlines' pet policies before your trip, as these guidelines may evolve to enhance pet safety and customer convenience.

With careful planning, both you and your pet can enjoy a smooth journey and the excitement of travel together.

Freequently Asked Questions:

1. How much does American Airlines charge for a pet?

American Airlines charges a fee of $150 USD per flight for bringing a small dog or cat in the cabin. Pets must be checked in at the passenger counter, as curbside check-in is not available for animals. However, if your pet is a service dog, there will be no charge for the flight.

2. How strict is American Airlines’ pet policy?

American Airlines strictly enforces its pet policy to ensure safe travel for all passengers and pets. Pets must fit comfortably inside a closed or zipped carrier, and non-collapsible carriers must not exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft on your journey. For precise carrier dimensions, contact American Airlines Reservations.

3. What are the rules for flying with pets on American Airlines?

When flying with American Airlines, pets allowed in the cabin are limited to cats and small dogs, and only one pet per passenger is permitted. If you wish to bring two pets, you will need to purchase an additional seat directly next to yours to accommodate both carriers. Each pet must meet the in-cabin requirements and be small enough to fit comfortably inside an airline-approved carrier.

4. Can my dog sit on my lap on American Airlines?

No, your dog cannot sit on your lap during the flight. Small pets are required to stay inside their carrier and under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. This carrier does not count as part of your carry-on allowance, so you can bring a personal item or carry-on bag in addition to the pet carrier.