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American Airlines pet policy

Flying with a dog or cat on American Airlines — cabin rules, carrier size, fees, cargo and breed restrictions.

American Airlines allows small pets in the cabin up to 9.07 kg including the carrier. Pets as cargo or checked baggage are available. The in-cabin fee is USD 150 per kennel (carry-on: within/between US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean). Each way, nonrefundable..

In-cabin travel

Pets allowed in cabin
Yes
Carrier & size
Pet + carrier total weight must not exceed 20 lb (9.07 kg); weighed at check-in. Soft-sided collapsible recommended; non-collapsible kennels cannot exceed the aircraft under-seat dimensions; must fit under the seat. Contact Reservations to verify max dimensions.
Weight limit
9.07 kg (pet + carrier)
Cabin fee
USD 150 per kennel (carry-on: within/between US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean). Each way, nonrefundable.

Cargo & checked pets

Available: Yes — Checked pets accepted only for active-duty US Military / US State Department Foreign Service on official orders (up to 2; USD 200 per kennel, USD 150 to/from Brazil). Larger pets ship via American Airlines Cargo / American PetEmbark (fees vary). Temperature restrictions apply.

Breed restrictions

  • Brachycephalic cats not accepted as checked pets: Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair

Fees

Amounts the airline doesn't publish on its pet page are marked, not guessed.
  • In-cabin pet fee
    Per direction unless stated.
    USD 150 per kennel (carry-on: within/between US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean). Each way, nonrefundable.
  • Cargo / checked
    Varies by route and weight.
    Checked pets accepted only for active-duty US Military / US State Department Foreign Service on official orders (up to 2; USD 200 per kennel, USD 150 to/from Brazil). Larger pets ship via American Airlines Cargo / American PetEmbark (fees vary). Temperature restrictions apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fly with my pet in the cabin on American Airlines?

Yes. Pet + carrier total weight must not exceed 20 lb (9.07 kg); weighed at check-in. Soft-sided collapsible recommended; non-collapsible kennels cannot exceed the aircraft under-seat dimensions; must fit under the seat. Contact Reservations to verify max dimensions.

How much does American Airlines charge to bring a pet?

USD 150 per kennel (carry-on: within/between US, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean). Each way, nonrefundable.

Does American Airlines carry pets as cargo or checked baggage?

Checked pets accepted only for active-duty US Military / US State Department Foreign Service on official orders (up to 2; USD 200 per kennel, USD 150 to/from Brazil). Larger pets ship via American Airlines Cargo / American PetEmbark (fees vary). Temperature restrictions apply.

Are any breeds restricted by American Airlines?

Brachycephalic cats not accepted as checked pets: Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair

Source & last verified

Last verified:

Each policy is taken from the airline's own official pet-travel page. Fees and carrier sizes marked as pending were not published verbatim on that page and need reconfirmation.