A Complete Overview of American Airlines Pet Policy

It is far better to learn the airline policy well and in advance before beginning the flight trip to prevent last-minute rush and sometimes not to miss one’s much-awaited trip. Now let us take a complete look at the American Airlines pet policy. American Airlines openly recommend the passenger to carry Fido in the cabin with them or to ship them as a Cargo.

Airlines Policy, a brief:

How to make Pet Reservations:

In American Eagle Flights, this carrier makes 5 Kennels and 7 Kennels in American Airlines Flights. American Airlines does not permit pets to travel while the environmental conditions are bad, i.e., under 45 degrees Fahrenheit and above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. So if you wish to fly with your pet, you must approach the American Airlines customer support team.

Pets permitted on Checked Baggage:

This airline allows up to two pets for a traveler, as well as the allowed pets should not be below eight weeks old where carrier and pet’s combined weight should be anything less than or equivalent to 45 Kgs. Both cats and dogs are permitted to be shipped on a first-come, first-serve basis as cargo.

Pets allowed in cabin:

American Airlines permits tiny dogs (no less than eight weeks old) to fly in the cabin provided the crate, and total pet weight may not reach 9 kgs. Pets will stay in their carrier for the whole flight trip, with the doors finished locked, so they need to position it under the cover. American Airlines Pet Policy ban travel to and from certain countries, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Hawaii, Uruguay, Venezuela, or the Transatlantic.

Carrier guidelines for pets: 

For pets travelling in the cabin, non-collapsible carriers should be present, and theses carriers must not exceed 19 “x 13” x 9. “this should be designed such that animals can turn around, stand up, and lie in it. Smooth-sided carriers of pets must be water-repellent, built of padded nylon, and also have air circulation on two or more sides.

With pets transported in cargo, carriers should have the correct size, i.e., 40 “x 27” x 30. “Pets must be big enough even to rest, lay down and turn around easily, so it should be constructed of aluminum, wood or concrete and must be spill-proof. Carriers will have a water bowl with direct filling access.

Other restrictions:

Snub-nosed pets are not allowed as checked baggage by American Airlines.

Breeds of dogs are not permitted to travel:

Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all kinds), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all types), Cane Corso, Dogue De Bordeaux, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa ApsoMastiff (all breeds), Pug (all kinds), Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel  

Dogs should be a minimum of eight weeks old while traveling in the U.S. When you’re moving to the U.S., your dog’s age and vaccine specifications depend on the possibility of rabies in your country of origin. Dogs coming from high-risk nations must be at least 16 weeks old and have their rabies vaccination before they travel to the U.S.

Some of the Cats Breeds that are not allowed are
Burmese, Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair.
Also, checked pets cannot travel on A321H, A320, A321S, A321, or A319 aircraft.

Flying in Business/ First on an A321T?

On the flight, animals must stay in their kennel and must be put in a reserved animal-safe cabin at the front of the aircraft on taxi, take-off, landing, and turbulence.

Because of the lack of under-seat storage space, carry-on pets are not allowed in First or Business at the following air crafts:
Boeing: 757- L, 787- 8, 777- 200, 777- 300, 757- EW, 767, and 787- 9
Airbus: A330- 300 and A330- 200

Checked Pets Cannot travel on
Airbus: A321, A321S, A321 neo, A320, A321H, and A319

Food and Water
You may need to have formal certificates pursuant to Federal Regulations that:

• The pet was fed and offered water within 4 hours (with the specified time) before bringing it to the aircraft.
• It safely and clearly placed outside the kennel.
• Does your signature contain the time and date you signed it
• You will also need to provide 24-hour guidance for feeding and watering. You cannot give orders stating ‘no food or drink’ until a vet has stated.