Pets may travel in-cabin with ticketed passengers in approved carriers with adequate documentation. Pets must check-in at the ticket counter, no curbside or self-self service check-in is allowed, so please allow extra time for check-in.
American Airlines allows cats, dogs and household birds. No pountry or undomestic or birds of prey are allowed. American further reserves the right to refuce acceptance of any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior. Pets are allowed in-cabin on flights within the contiguous United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Croix, but not to/from Hawaii, Central or South America. Pets are further not allowed on transatlantic or transpacific flights. Pets are allowed to fly to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean provided the country of arrival permits entry.
Pet fees are payable at the airport and receipt is required at the departure gate. In-cabin pets are limited to one per kennel per ticketed passenger and the kennel may contain a maximum of 2 dogs or cats, between ages of 8-wks and 6-months and must weigh less than 20 lbs and be of the same species (no mixing dogs and cats). Maximum size for cabin pet carriers is 23" long x 13" wide x 9" high and the kennel counts as one piece of passenger carry-on luggage. The pet must be able to stand, turn and lay down in a natural position within the kennel.
If soft-sided carriers are used, they must be constructed of water-repellent, padded nylon with mesh ventilation on at least two sides. Any dog or cat must be a minimum of 8 weeks of age. A maximum of seven kennels allowed on American flights accepting pets: 2 in first class and 5 in coach and/or business class. On American Eagle and AmericanConnection, a maximum of two kennels are allowed on flights (depending on the aircraft). Please confirm with reservations before the flight. Pets may not be removed from their kennel/container at any time while aboard the aircraft and American assumes no liability for the health or well-being of carry-on pets.
Pets as checked baggage:
Not accepted on flights of over 12 hours or on flights to the United Kingdom. American Eagle does not accept pets as checked baggage for Priority Parcel Service between San Juan and St. Kitts or between San Juan and Nevis. Check with American Airlines for rates.
Pet must be at least 8 weeks old and a maximum of two pets per passenger is allowed. Pets must be in separate kennels unless they are of the same species and comparable size weighing less than 20 lbs each and no more than six months old.
Maximum size for checked kennels as baggage is: 40" long x 27" wide x 30' high. However, please note that the maximum size kennel (series 500) is not allowed on the Boeing MD-80 (S80) aircraft and series 700 kennels are not allowed on any American aircraft. Collapsible kennels (those that fold flat) are not accepted due to the risk of collapse during flight. Customer is required to secure rigid plastic kennels with releasable cable ties attached to all four corner; American Airlines will provide the ties at no cost.
Maximum weight of a checked pet and kennel (combined) cannot exceed 100 lbs. For 100 lbs or more, check American cargo for shipping options.
Federal regulations require written certification from customer that the pet has not been offered food or water within 4 hours (with specific time noted) before delivery to the airline. This certification must be securely attached to the outside of the kennel so it may be easily noticed and read and have the customer's signature, date and time. Feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period must be provided and "no food or water" is not accepted unless directed by the attending veterinarian.
Pets not accepted at depature time remain their owner's responsibility.
Temperature Restrictions:
American Airlines' website states that aircraft cargo compartments are pressurized and normally maintained at a temperature range of 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. This has been disputed, so the pet owner should satisfy for themselves that the cargo whole is sufficient temperature and pressure controlled for the safety of their pet. Temperature restrictions are established, according to American Airlines, to ensure that animals are not exposed to extreme heat or cold in the animal holding areas, terminal facilities when moving animals between terminal and aircraft, or on an aircraft sitting, waiting departure.
Heat Restriction:
Pets will not be accepted if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary. This is further restricted to 75 degrees for snub-nosed animals (dogs and cats).
Cold Restriction:
Pets will not be accepted if the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary unless the pet has a veterinarian's statement of low temperature acclimation. If the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pets will not be checked even with a low temperature acclimination. The low temperature acclimation certificate/statement/form must include the passenger's name and address; animal's name; name and signature of licensed veterinarian and the veterinarian's accreditation date and number; the temperature to which the animal is acclimated.
Health Requirements:
American Airlines does not require a health certificate for acceptance of pets for travel in cabin or as checked baggage within the 50 United States. However, American encourages pet owner to contact their veterinarian or state authorities directly for individual state requirements to avoid any possible inconvenience at the final destination. All states require proof of current rabies vaccination for dogs over 12 weeks old and some require proof of rabies vaccination for cats.
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. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs and snub-nosed cats are especially affected.
This information was paraphrased from American Airlines information on their website and that obtained by telephone discussions with their reservations agents. It is provided for the use of our visitors in determining the applicability of flying their pet. Anyone making such arrangements should verify and satisfy for themselves that the information is current and accurate before proceeding. No guarantee is given or implied by Vacation Guides USA as to the accuracy of statements made by the airline.