Ciao, Marco here. American Airlines will take your dog in the cabin, and for a flat-nosed little tank like my Mochi, cabin is the only sane option. Here's what nobody tells you: the word 'accepted' hides a stack of small print that decides whether you board or stand at the counter looking foolish. Read this before you buy the ticket, not after. Trust me on the timing.
American Airlines's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How American Airlines handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedCarry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements. verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesths old Aircraft restrictions and acceptable kennels Checked pets cannot travel on: A319 A320 A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S Aircraft type Maximum kennel height A321T 46 inches / 117 cm B737-800 28 inches / 71.12 cm… verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese 6 cm Checked pet restrictions This content can be expanded Cat restrictions We don’t accept brachycephalic cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8… verified 2026-07-20 One-way fee 50 USD …Premium Economy Business First Notes Within and between U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands $55* $50* $0 $0 $0 *Basic Economy: $55 ($50 if you pay online) for tickets issued on / after May 18, 2026 Basic… verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 15 weeks Age requirements Minimum age for transport is 15 weeks. verified 2026-07-24 Advance booking notice 48 hours inations allow travel with pets? You can travel with a pet on most flights up to 12 hours or flights to / from select locations: Within the 48 contig verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking required ✓ YesWhen checking a pet, you need to: Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours… verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 On flights with American you can bring one pet carrier as a carry-on verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 1 (excluding service animals) Airbus - A319 Airbus - A320 Airbus - A321 Airbus - A321NEO Boeing - B737 – Not available A maximum of 20 pet carriers… verified 2026-07-20 Cold-weather embargo 7.2°C Cold restrictions This content can be expanded You cannot travel with a pet if the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Banned destinations ✗ Yes50 federated states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) A federal Cabinet department of the U.S. government that regulates aspects of air… verified 2026-07-15 Routes excluded HI Within / between U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean (if the country allows entry); not allowed to Hawaii Within / between U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean (if the country allows… verified 2026-06-03 Sedation allowed ✗ Nowe don’t accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilized verified 2026-07-20 Season restrictions May 1 – September 30 Pets not traveling in cabin cannot travel to / through / from Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS) or Palm Springs (PSP) May 1 – September 30 verified 2026-07-20 Aircraft restrictions ✗ Yes50 federated states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) A federal Cabinet department of the U.S. government that regulates aspects of air… verified 2026-07-15 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoAdditional restrictions You cannot travel with your pet to Hawaii: On nonstop flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai If your pet is pregnant and past 45 days gestation Mexico All pets traveling to Mexico… verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 28 × 28 cm 28 centimeters Hard-sided American Mainline flights 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimeters Hard-sided American Eagle flights 16 x 12 x verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 9.07 kg …carriers will fit in Business. The total weight of your pet and its carrier must not exceed 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms). We will weigh them at check-in. A maximum of 20 pet carriers verified 2026-07-20 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier 28 centimeters Hard-sided American Mainline flights 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimeters Hard-sided American Eagle flights 16 x 12 x verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedWe only accept checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesach Between 8 weeks and 6 months old Aircraft restrictions and acceptable kennels Checked pets cannot travel on: A319 A320 A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S Aircraft type Maximum kennel height A321T 46 inches / 117 cm… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese 6 cm Checked pet restrictions This content can be expanded Cat restrictions We don’t accept brachycephalic cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: One-way fee 200 USD Checked pet for active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel only^^ Within / between U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean (Main Cabin) — $200 verified 2026-06-14 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks …cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8 weeks old when traveling within the U verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yesmilitary and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. Since capacity is… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max pets per passenger 2 Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Cold-weather embargo 7.2°C Cold restrictions This content can be expanded You cannot travel with a pet if the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Heat embargo 29.4°C …You cannot travel with a pet if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoSedation As recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), we don’t accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilized. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Season restrictions May 1 – September 30 Pets not traveling in cabin cannot travel to / through / from Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS) or Palm Springs (PSP) May 1 – September 30 verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance notice hours 48 hours Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoAdditional restrictions You cannot travel with your pet to Hawaii: On nonstop flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai If your pet is pregnant and past 45 days gestation Mexico All pets traveling to Mexico… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 110 × 117 cm …travel on: A319 A320 A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S Aircraft type Maximum kennel height A321T 46 inches / 117 cm B737-800 28 inches / 71 eac verified 2026-06-09 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Must not exceed maximum weight (combined pet and kennel) of 100 lbs. / 45 kgs. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier …travel on: A319 A320 A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S Aircraft type Maximum kennel height A321T 46 inches / 117 cm B737-800 28 inches / 71 eac verified 2026-06-09 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDepending on the animals' breed, size and requirements, pets can travel as a carry-on, be checked or transported with American Airlines Cargo. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesRelated: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant ? verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese 6 cm Checked pet restrictions This content can be expanded Cat restrictions We don’t accept brachycephalic cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks …cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8 weeks old when traveling within the U verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yesmilitary and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. Since capacity is… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Max pets per passenger 2 There is a maximum of 2 pets per passenger permitted to travel as checked baggage There is a maximum of 2 pets per passenger permitted to travel as checked baggage verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Booking method freight forwarder Contact a freight forwarder pet must be made with American Airlines Cargo services between one and ten days of departure verified 2026-06-24 Cargo: Cold-weather embargo 7.2°C Cold restrictions This content can be expanded You cannot travel with a pet if the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Heat embargo 29.4°C …You cannot travel with a pet if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoIf the animal is a mixed breed, then this form must state the predominant breed with the word "mix" or "mixed." Dogs Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer (All breeds),… verified 2026-07-21 Cargo: Season restrictions May 1 – September 30 Pets not traveling in cabin cannot travel to / through / from Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS) or Palm Springs (PSP) May 1 – September 30 verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoAdditional restrictions You cannot travel with your pet to Hawaii: On nonstop flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai If your pet is pregnant and past 45 days gestation Mexico All pets traveling to Mexico… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier travel and 4 sides for international travel Have separate food and watering dishes attached securely inside the kennel Have a small bag of food for a 24-hour period attached to the top Be clean and have absorbent… verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents High risk rabies excluded ✗ Yese Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Fees and restrictions apply. Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements. Service animals Which… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate required ✓ Yesyou need to: Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days If the latter is true, then it will need a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 60 days …of your pet, the health certificate you provide must be issued by a vet within: 10 days of your travel 60 days of your return (travel on the same ticket) 10 days of your return (travel on a separate ticket) All… verified 2026-07-20 Microchip · Required ✓ YesYour pet must have a tattoo or implanted microchip that matches the ID number on their vaccination card. verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Required ✓ Yesel from Japan, you’ll need to: Make sure your pet has a microchip and documents required by the country you are traveling to Notify the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at least 7 days prior to departure to arrange an… verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Pre-approval required ✓ Yesel from Japan, you’ll need to: Make sure your pet has a microchip and documents required by the country you are traveling to Notify the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at least 7 days prior to departure to arrange an… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Issuer a licensed veterinarian ted: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold Forms Required A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesWhen checking a pet, you need to: Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours… verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesForms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 8 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country. verified 2026-07-20 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-07-28 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoAdditional restrictions You cannot travel with your pet to Hawaii: On nonstop flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai If your pet is pregnant and past 45 days gestation Mexico All pets traveling to Mexico… verified 2026-07-20 Emotional support allowed ✓ YesPlease note, service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals may travel as pets, not as service animals. verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ Yesican's sole opinion, you are rendered or likely to be rendered incapable of comprehending or complying with safety instructions without the assistance of an attendant, American may refuse to transport you. In addition,… verified 2026-07-15 Service & assistance animals Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedFully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements. verified 2026-07-20 Fee free ✓ YesFully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements. verified 2026-07-20 Fee waived ✓ YesFirearms must be declared to an agent at check-in. There are other rules or temporary policies that apply; be sure you understand the rules before you go to the airport. Firearms Pets and service animals Depending on… verified 2026-07-15 Recognized ✓ YesService animals are welcome at no charge if they meet the requirements. verified 2026-07-15 Cabin allowed ✓ YesFully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements. Service animals Which destinations allow travel with pets? You can travel with a pet on most flights up to 12 hours or flights… verified 2026-07-20 Esa recognized ✓ YesAnimal Quarantine Service Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) This content can be expanded Only dogs can be accepted as service animals; emotional… verified 2026-07-20 Forms required ✓ Yesonal support animals, and comfort animals may travel as pets, not as service animals. All requirements and applicable fees will apply. Pets Forms and advanced notice If you're traveling with a service animal on flights… verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 2 An individual is limited to 2 service animals verified 2026-07-20 Breed restrictions service animal means a dog, regardless of breed What is a Service Animal for the purpose of this form? A service animal means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benef verified 2026-07-13 Advance notice hours 48 hours …care attendant Disassembly and packaging for mobility assistive devices when needed *We require at least 48 hours advance notice if you need to travel with a service animal, or a POC. verified 2026-07-23 Documentation required ✓ Yeseptance by Hawaiian quarantine officials. Your service animals must meet our travel requirements as well as the quarantine restrictions and documentation requirements set by the state of Hawaii. You must provide… verified 2026-07-20 Recognized organizations Australian State or Territory Government An assistance or service dog which is accredited by an Australian State or Territory Government will also qualify verified 2026-07-20 In the cabin ✓ Accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✓ Acceptede Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Fees and restrictions apply. Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements. Service animals Which… verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesths old Aircraft restrictions and acceptable kennels Checked pets cannot travel on: A319 A320 A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S Aircraft type Maximum kennel height A321T 46 inches / 117 cm B737-800 28 inches / 71.12 cm… verified 2026-07-20 Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese 6 cm Checked pet restrictions This content can be expanded Cat restrictions We don’t accept brachycephalic cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8… verified 2026-07-20 One-way fee 50 USD …pushing 21 pounds. What would be the best way to travel with him? If he is allowed in the cabin is the $150 for each flight (I have 1 connecting flight so 2 flights total going one way to d Main Cabin: $50 ($45 if… verified 2026-07-20 Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-07-24 Advance booking required ✓ YesWhen checking a pet, you need to: Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours… verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per passenger 1 On flights with American you can bring one pet carrier as a carry-on verified 2026-07-20 Max pets per flight 1 (excluding service animals) Airbus - A319 Airbus - A320 Airbus - A321 Airbus - A321NEO Boeing - B737 – Not available A maximum of 20 pet carriers… verified 2026-07-20 Booking method counter t checked pets at the ticket counter for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Fees and restrictions apply verified 2026-07-20 Cold-weather embargo 7.2°C Cold restrictions This content can be expanded You cannot travel with a pet if the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Banned destinations ✗ Yese Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Fees and restrictions apply. Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements. Service animals Which… verified 2026-07-20 Routes excluded HI Within / between U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean (if the country allows entry); not allowed to Hawaii Within / between U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean (if the country allows… verified 2026-06-03 Sedation allowed ✗ Nowe don’t accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilized verified 2026-07-20 Season restrictions Embargo Embargo on dogs from high-risk countries American does not accept dogs as carry-on pets if they originate from or have visited a high-risk country for rabies in the six months prior to the date of travel verified 2026-07-20 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoAdditional restrictions You cannot travel with your pet to Hawaii: On nonstop flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai If your pet is pregnant and past 45 days gestation Mexico All pets traveling to Mexico… verified 2026-07-20 Carrier size 28 × 28 cm …type Dimensions (length + width + height) Soft-sided (recommended) All flights 18 x 11 x 11 inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters Hard-sided American Mainline flights 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimet verified 2026-07-20 Max weight (pet + crate) 9 kg Pets in the Cabin American Airlines allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin if they are at least 8 weeks old and the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 20 lbs (9 kg). verified 2026-06-02 Crate must have/be soft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, a carrier …type Dimensions (length + width + height) Soft-sided (recommended) All flights 18 x 11 x 11 inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters Hard-sided American Mainline flights 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimet verified 2026-07-20 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedWe only accept checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesach Between 8 weeks and 6 months old Aircraft restrictions and acceptable kennels Checked pets cannot travel on: A319 A320 A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S Aircraft type Maximum kennel height A321T 46 inches / 117 cm… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese 6 cm Checked pet restrictions This content can be expanded Cat restrictions We don’t accept brachycephalic cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: One-way fee 200 USD Checked pet for active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel only^^ Within / between U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Caribbean (Main Cabin) — $200 verified 2026-06-14 Hold: Minimum age 8 weeks …cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8 weeks old when traveling within the U verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Advance booking notice 2 hours …booking or check-in on aa.com or in the app if it’s available for your trip. You can pay for bags up to 2 hours before your scheduled departure. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yesmilitary and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. Since capacity is… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Max pets per passenger 2 Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Cold-weather embargo 7.2°C Cold restrictions This content can be expanded You cannot travel with a pet if the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Heat embargo 29.4°C …You cannot travel with a pet if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets that have been given sedatives or tranquilizers are at a higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes We will continue to transport household pets such as dogs, cats, ferrets, birds,… verified 2026-07-25 Hold: Advance notice hours 48 hours Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoAdditional restrictions You cannot travel with your pet to Hawaii: On nonstop flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai If your pet is pregnant and past 45 days gestation Mexico All pets traveling to Mexico… verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Carrier size 117 cm …travel on: A319 A320 A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S Aircraft type Maximum kennel height A321T 46 inches / 117 cm B737-800 28 inches / 71.12 cm B777-200 / 300 40 inches / 101.6 cm B787-800 / 900 40 inches / 101.6 cm… verified 2026-07-21 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 45 kg Must not exceed maximum weight (combined pet and kennel) of 100 lbs. / 45 kgs. verified 2026-07-20 Hold: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier …travel on: A319 A320 A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S Aircraft type Maximum kennel height A321T 46 inches / 117 cm B737-800 28 inches / 71.12 cm B777-200 / 300 40 inches / 101.6 cm B787-800 / 900 40 inches / 101.6 cm… verified 2026-07-21 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedDepending on the animals' breed, size and requirements, pets can travel as a carry-on, be checked or transported with American Airlines Cargo. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ Yesths old Aircraft restrictions and acceptable kennels Checked pets cannot travel on: A319 A320 A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S Aircraft type Maximum kennel height A321T 46 inches / 117 cm B737-800 28 inches / 71.12 cm… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Burmese 6 cm Checked pet restrictions This content can be expanded Cat restrictions We don’t accept brachycephalic cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Minimum age 8 weeks …cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as: Burmese Persian Himalayan Exotic Shorthair Cats must be at least 8 weeks old when traveling within the U verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours When checking a pet, you need to: Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders Allow extra check-in time (at… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yesmilitary and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. Since capacity is… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Cold-weather embargo 7.2°C Cold restrictions This content can be expanded You cannot travel with a pet if the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Heat embargo 29.4°C …You cannot travel with a pet if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Sedation allowed ✗ NoPets that have been given sedatives or tranquilizers are at a higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes " Dogs Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston… verified 2026-07-25 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoAdditional restrictions You cannot travel with your pet to Hawaii: On nonstop flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai If your pet is pregnant and past 45 days gestation Mexico All pets traveling to Mexico… verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier travel and 4 sides for international travel Have separate food and watering dishes attached securely inside the kennel Have a small bag of food for a 24-hour period attached to the top Be clean and have absorbent… verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yeseservations and ticket changes To ensure the health and safety of your pet, the health certificate you provide must be issued by a vet within: 10 days of your travel 60 days of your return (travel on the same ticket) 10… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate validity 10 days …ensure the health and safety of your pet, the health certificate you provide must be issued by a vet within: 10 days of your travel 60 days of your return (travel on the same ticket) 10 days of your return (travel on a… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days …ensure the health and safety of your pet, the health certificate you provide must be issued by a vet within: 10 days of your travel 60 days of your return (travel on the same ticket) 10 days of yo Carry-on verified 2026-06-04 Other rules Minimum age 8 weeks Age requirements Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel in the cabin. verified 2026-07-28 Emotional support allowed ✓ YesPlease note, service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals may travel as pets, not as service animals. verified 2026-07-20 Cabin travel with a dog on American Airlines is bookable up to 48 hours before departure. Call reservations or add the pet online before that window closes. Do not assume walk-up space exists at the gate. Confirm the 48-hour booking, save the confirmation number, and arrive early. A late request means the cabin slot may already be gone.
American Airlines applies a snub-nosed restriction to cabin pet travel. Check whether the specific breed sits on the restricted list before booking. Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge when they meet the requirements. Confirm the dog's status against those rules in advance. Bring documentation that proves eligibility so the gate agent can clear the animal quickly.
Frequently asked
How many pets can I bring on American Airlines? American Airlines allows 2 in the cabin, up to 2 in the hold, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier. What is the cabin weight limit on American Airlines? In the cabin, your pet plus its carrier must not exceed 9.07 kg. Heavier pets (up to 45 kg) travel in the hold. Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly American Airlines? Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the cabin, not accepted in the hold. How much does it cost to fly a pet on American Airlines? On flights within Metropolitan France, American Airlines charges from 50 USD in the cabin, and 200 USD in the hold, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary. How far in advance must I book my pet on American Airlines? Add your pet to the booking at least 48 hours before departure — do it when you book the ticket, not at the airport. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
The cabin pet fee on American Airlines is 50 USD one way. Budget 50 USD for each direction of the trip, not once for the round trip. Pay the fee at check-in for the carry-on pet. Keep the receipt as proof of payment. Multiply by the number of one-way segments to get the real total before departure.
So there it is. American Airlines says yes to cabin dogs, but the yes comes with a fee, a booking clock, and a breed check that can trip you up if you wing it. Do not wing it. Build your actual route into Pawgo's plan-builder and get a personalized plan that spells out every requirement for your dog. Mochi already approved mine. Go make yours.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
