Table of Contents

Understanding the American Airlines Pet Policy for 2025

Flying with a cat, dog, or other companion animal demands careful preparation far beyond booking a ticket. American Airlines maintains detailed, science-backed pet travel rules that prioritize safety for every passenger—human and animal. The airline’s 2025 policy covers three separate service channels: in-cabin travel for small pets, checked baggage limited to specific government travelers, and the cargo division that handles larger animals and international moves. Each path has distinct eligibility rules, fees, documentation requirements, and operational constraints. This guide walks through every layer of the policy, from carrier dimensions and breed bans to temperature embargoes and international import permits, so you can plan with confidence and reduce the risk of last‑minute denial at the airport.

In-Cabin Pet Travel on American Airlines

For many owners, the least stressful option is keeping a small pet in the cabin. American Airlines permits domesticated cats and dogs to ride under the seat on most domestic flights and on select international routes where local regulations allow. The animal must stay inside an FAA‑approved carrier stowed beneath the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Space is strictly limited—typically four to six carriers per cabin depending on aircraft type—and cannot be guaranteed even after booking the pet’s spot. Demand runs high during holiday periods and summer vacation windows, so early phone reservation is non‑negotiable.

Eligibility, Age, and Species Limits

Only cats and dogs at least 8 weeks old are accepted in the cabin. Puppies and kittens under 4 months are rejected outright because their immature immune systems and small body mass make them especially vulnerable to stress, dehydration, and temperature shifts during flight. Some destination countries impose higher age minimums; for example, most European Union member states require dogs and cats to be at least 15 weeks old before entry. The airline also enforces species restrictions: birds, rabbits, ferrets, rodents, and reptiles cannot travel in the cabin, even in a secure carrier. If your animal is not a cat or dog, American Airlines Cargo becomes the only option—and even then, acceptance depends on species‑specific regulations at origin and destination.

Breed Restrictions and Brachycephalic Concerns

Short‑nosed (brachycephalic) dogs and cats face additional restrictions. Breeds such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Persian or Himalayan cats have elongated soft palates and narrowed nostrils that compromise their ability to breathe and regulate body temperature in the dry, pressurized cabin air. The airline’s 2025 policy bars brachycephalic pets from in‑cabin travel and from checked baggage service. The restricted breed list is published on the American Airlines pet policy page and is updated as veterinary research evolves. Always cross‑check the list before booking, especially if your pet is a mixed breed that shows short‑nose traits. For brachycephalic animals, cargo may be the only path, but even then the cargo team will evaluate the animal’s fitness based on the health certificate and, in some cases, may still decline acceptance.

Carrier Specifications and Aircraft-Specific Dimensions

The carrier must be leak‑proof, well ventilated, and large enough for the animal to stand upright, turn around, and lie down naturally. Both soft‑sided and hard‑sided carriers are accepted, but under‑seat clearance varies dramatically across the fleet. A soft‑sided carrier measuring approximately 18 x 11 x 10.5 inches works on most Boeing 737, Airbus A321, and larger wide‑body jets, though it may compress slightly to fit. Hard‑sided carriers are less forgiving; maximum dimensions on a typical mainline aircraft run closer to 17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches. Regional jets flown by American Eagle partners have significantly tighter under‑seat space, sometimes limiting carrier height to just 8 or 9 inches. Never rely on generic size charts. Instead, call American Airlines Reservations with your flight number and seat assignment to receive the exact maximum allowable dimensions for your specific aircraft and cabin. Confirm this at the time of booking and re‑verify 72 hours before departure in case of an equipment swap.

Fees, Reservations, and Space Confirmation

American Airlines charges a non‑refundable pet fee of $150 per carrier each way. A single fee covers the entire one‑way itinerary, including connections, as long as the animal stays inside the same carrier. Because cabin pet slots are capped, you must call reservations directly to add a pet to your booking. Agents will verify space availability on every segment. Even after you’ve paid and received confirmation, the seat assignment might change at check‑in, moving you to a location where an underseat carrier doesn’t fit—window seats and some bulkhead rows lack stowage space. To protect your spot, select a seat that offers clear under‑seat storage and avoid bulkhead rows. American’s app allows seat changes up to departure, so check your assignment the night before.

Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Trained Task Dogs

Federal regulations changed in 2021, and American Airlines’s 2025 policy reflects the updated definition of a service animal. Only individually trained dogs that perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability are accepted as service animals and travel free of charge. These dogs must be harnessed, leashed, and under control at all times. Emotional support animals—previously recognized—are treated as standard pets and must fit in an approved carrier under the seat, with the same $150 fee and space restrictions. If your service dog’s size or weight prevents safe floor placement, the airline may offer an extra seat at no charge, but this is handled on a case‑by‑case basis. Always submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before departure when traveling with a service dog.

Checked Baggage Pet Policy: Limited to Official Government Travel

For years, passengers could check a pet in the cargo hold as excess baggage, but American Airlines narrowed this service in 2025. Today, only active‑duty U.S. military personnel and U.S. Department of State Foreign Service employees traveling on official orders may transport a pet as checked baggage. The policy applies solely to domestic flights and a few select international routes where the cargo compartment is temperature‑controlled. The same breed restrictions and health documentation rules apply, including the ban on brachycephalic animals. Reservations must be made by phone—no online option exists—and space is allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis. If you do not hold qualifying orders, the cargo division is your only avenue for transporting a pet outside the cabin.

American Airlines Cargo: The Core Solution for Larger and International Pets

When a pet exceeds cabin dimensions, travels without an owner in the passenger compartment, or moves internationally under complex import rules, American Airlines Cargo steps in. The cargo operation runs independently at major airports with climate‑controlled kennel reception areas, trained animal handlers, and temperature‑monitored vehicles for ramp transfers. Two service tiers accommodate different shipment sizes and priorities.

Priority Parcel Service (PPS)

Designed for smaller shipments, PPS accepts a pet and kennel combination weighing less than 100 pounds. This domestic‑only service covers the continental U.S., Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. Maximum external kennel dimensions are 36 inches long, 26 inches wide, and 28 inches high, though these limits may be lower on certain narrow‑body aircraft. PPS shipments usually move on the next flight with available space, keeping transit times short. Because the kennel size ceiling is firm, measure your animal while standing to confirm head clearance, and add the full kennel height to avoid rejection at drop‑off.

ExpediteFS

For pets that weigh over 100 pounds with their kennel or that travel internationally, ExpediteFS provides scheduled air freight with priority handling. This tier accepts larger kennels—up to the 500‑series (roughly 48 inches in length) on wide‑body aircraft—and covers American’s entire route network, including transoceanic flights. The cargo team reviews every connection to ensure layover temperature thresholds are not breached and will hold a shipment if extreme heat or cold is forecast at a transfer point. International shipments using ExpediteFS almost always require a customs broker or freight forwarder at the destination; the cargo station can supply a list of experienced partners.

Cargo Booking Windows, Health Certificates, and Temperature Embargoes

Reservations for PPS and ExpediteFS can be made up to 30 days before departure. The airline strongly recommends booking at least five business days in advance for domestic moves and two weeks for international routes that need import permit coordination. A health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian is mandatory and must be dated within 10 days of the flight. For Hawaii and many international destinations, that window shrinks to 48 or 72 hours. American Airlines Cargo enforces a strict temperature policy: if ground temperatures at any origin, connection, or destination point are forecast to exceed 85°F or drop below 20°F, the shipment cannot proceed unless you provide an acclimation letter from your veterinarian. Even then, the team may rebook to an early morning departure that avoids midday heat.

Kennel Construction, Food, and Water for Cargo Travel

The kennel must be rigid plastic or fiberglass, ventilated on at least three sides, secured with metal bolts (not plastic clips), and equipped with absorbent bedding. A water bowl fixed to the inside of the door and accessible from outside without opening the kennel is required, as is a small zip‑tied bag of food attached to the top. Both the kennel and the animal must be clearly labeled with your contact information, the consignee’s details, and a live‑animal sticker. Hard‑sided carriers that meet IATA Live Animals Regulations are the gold standard; your cargo booking agent can confirm whether your model qualifies for your specific route.

Documentation and Health Requirements That Apply to Every Service

No matter how your pet travels, paperwork is the linchpin. The airline, TSA, and destination authorities all need to see proof of health and identification. Starting documentation early prevents costly rescheduling.

Health Certificate Standards

A licensed veterinarian must examine your pet and issue an APHIS Form 7001 (or a state‑specific equivalent) stating the animal is free of infectious disease, has no internal or external parasites, and is fit for air travel. For domestic travel, the certificate is valid for 10 days. For international cargo shipments, many countries require the certificate to be endorsed by a USDA‑accredited veterinarian and stamped by the USDA APHIS office—a process that can take several business days. Timing is critical because the certificate must be valid on the date of arrival, not just departure. Always build in a cushion for courier delays.

Vaccination Records and Rabies Compliance

Up‑to‑date rabies vaccination is universally required for dogs and cats, even on domestic flights. The certificate must list the vaccine manufacturer, serial number, and date administered. For international travel, many countries set additional rules: rabies titer tests (FAVN) may need to be conducted at an approved laboratory months in advance, and some destinations demand a waiting period of 30 to 90 days after vaccination before entry is permitted. Always consult the USDA APHIS pet travel website for country‑specific checklists that stretch often hundreds of days ahead of departure.

Microchipping and Permanent Identification

American Airlines does not mandate microchipping for domestic travel, but the practice is strongly recommended. In the rare event a carrier is damaged or an animal escapes, a registered microchip provides the only reliable link back to you. For international shipments, an ISO‑compliant 15‑digit microchip is mandatory in almost every country. If you are moving to a rabies‑free island nation like New Zealand or Japan, the microchip must be implanted before the rabies titer blood draw; otherwise, the importing authority will reject the test sequence.

Day-of-Travel Preparation: From Curb to Cabin

Even with perfectly prepared paperwork, the hours before departure can unravel plans if you aren’t familiar with airport procedures. Arrive early, keep the animal calm, and know exactly what to expect at each junction.

Check‑In and Security Screening

Plan to arrive at the ticket counter no later than 2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. The agent will verify the health certificate, collect the pet fee if not already paid, and sometimes weigh the carrier. At the TSA checkpoint, remove the pet from the carrier (dogs on a leash, cats held in your arms) while the carrier goes through the X‑ray machine. TSA officers will swab your hands for explosive trace detection. Use a harness rather than a metal collar to reduce alarm triggers, and bring a small towel or mat for cats that may panic when handled. Once through, the animal must return to the carrier and stay there until you deplane at the destination.

After clearing security, locate the airport’s pet relief area. Major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Miami International (MIA) now offer indoor relief stations with artificial turf, drainage, and disposal bags. Visit the relief area roughly 30 minutes before boarding begins—just enough time for the animal to urinate and stretch but not so early that restlessness builds again. Pack a small collapsible water dish and allow a few sips without overfilling. Avoid feeding a full meal within two hours of flight to minimize motion sickness.

In‑Flight Etiquette and Comfort

Once on board, slide the carrier completely under the seat and leave the door closed and secured. Opening the carrier at any point—even to soothe a whining pet—violates American’s safety policy and can result in enforcement action. A spill‑proof water bowl attached to the carrier door is acceptable but must be filled minimally to avoid soakage during turbulence. Line the carrier floor with an absorbent pad, and bring a spare in your personal item. If your pet shows signs of distress, speak softly, but never remove the animal. Consider pheromone‑calming wipes clipped inside the carrier weeks before travel so the scent lingers without wetness.

International Travel Nuances: When the Airline Policy Meets Country Law

American Airlines must comply with the import regulations of every destination and any transit country. On certain routes, even a pet small enough for the cabin must fly as manifest cargo because the receiving nation requires it. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Singapore have some of the world’s strictest biosecurity rules, involving multi‑step processes that begin six months or more before the flight. Quarantine upon arrival is common: Hawaii’s 5‑Day‑Or‑Less program offers a relatively quick clearance if all pre‑departure requirements are met, but missing a single step can extend the stay to 120 days.

Working with a veterinarian who specializes in international pet travel is the most reliable way to navigate the maze. These clinics coordinate titer tests, USDA endorsement, import permits, and often partner with cargo agents familiar with American Airlines Cargo procedures. Expect costs for the cargo service itself to range from $600 for a small dog on a domestic PPS shipment to over $2,500 for a large‑breed dog flying ExpediteFS to Europe. Customs brokerage fees, crating, and health testing add to the total. Start by reviewing the official USDA APHIS country pages and the American Airlines pet policy page, then reach out to the destination country’s consulate for the final word.

Pre‑Flight Pet Travel Checklist

  • Confirm breed eligibility against AA’s current restricted‑breed list.
  • Measure carrier and pet against your aircraft‑specific dimensions.
  • Book pet space by phone and receive a confirmation code.
  • Schedule a veterinary appointment for the health certificate within the valid time window.
  • Verify rabies vaccine status and pack written records.
  • Research destination import rules and begin titer tests or permits months ahead if needed.
  • Acclimate the animal to the carrier using treats and short practice sessions.
  • Pack absorbent pads, a leash, a spill‑proof water bowl, and a spare harness.
  • Note the location of pet relief areas at your departure and connecting airports.
  • Arrive early, keep the carrier closed in flight, and remain calm—your energy transfers to the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my pet on every American Airlines flight?

No. In‑cabin pet slots are limited, and not all aircraft have sufficient under‑seat space. Brachycephalic breeds are restricted across all services because of respiratory risk. Active‑duty military and State Department personnel may use checked baggage, but general passengers must use the cargo division for pets that cannot fit in the cabin. Even cargo has route‑by‑route temperature embargoes that may block travel on extreme weather days.

What are the exact carrier dimensions for my specific flight?

Dimensions vary by aircraft type and seat assignment. A soft‑sided carrier around 18 x 11 x 10.5 inches typically fits on a Boeing 737 or Airbus A321, but regional jets demand smaller carriers. The only reliable method is to call American Airlines Reservations with your flight number and seat assignment. Agents can pull the official under‑seat clearance data for your specific configuration.

What does the pet fee cover, and is it refundable?

The $150 in‑cabin fee applies per carrier each way, covering the entire domestic itinerary, including connections. The fee is non‑refundable if you cancel or change flights. Cargo charges are quoted individually based on weight, kennel size, and destination; they are also non‑refundable once the shipment is booked.

What health documentation is mandatory?

At minimum, a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of departure (sometimes 48 hours for international cargo). Rabies vaccination records must accompany it. Some states and countries also require an import permit; failing to present the correct paperwork results in denial at the airport.

How can I keep my pet calm during the flight?

Exercise before leaving for the airport, place a worn t‑shirt in the carrier for familiar scent, and use a pheromone wipe attached days in advance. Avoid sedatives unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian, because altitude can amplify side effects. Feed a light meal several hours before departure and offer only small water sips just before boarding.

What happens if the temperature is too hot or cold on my travel day?

American Airlines Cargo grounds any pet shipment when the ground temperature at any point along the route is forecast to exceed 85°F or fall below 20°F, unless an acclimation letter from a veterinarian is provided. Even then, the cargo team may hold the animal for a later, cooler flight. In‑cabin pets are not subject to these embargoes because the passenger cabin is climate controlled.

Where to Find Official Updates and Additional Resources

A final note: airline policies are subject to change with little notice. Always verify the latest requirements directly with American Airlines before purchasing tickets. A few minutes of preparation can turn a potentially stressful transport into a predictable, safe journey for both you and your companion.