Before packing your luggage and your pet head to the airport. It is best advised that you check the pet policy of the particular airline and even the airport you are traveling with. This is majorly due to the reason that other people see pets as an irritant and airlines are very protective of their customer experience.
American Airlines Pet Policy
The first criteria to consider before deciding to travel with your pet is the breed and size, this is because they can be transported through American Airlines Cargo or can come along as a carry-on pet. However in most cases including American airlines, carry-on pets are only limited to cats and dogs that meet the size criteria, so if you have a 10ft tall Dalmatian, I’m sorry but you are out of luck.
There are also destination and age requirements: Destination requirements stand on the basis that some airports may not be pet friendly and will reject your pet at arrival. Age requirement on the other hand is because it is believed that a younger pet tends to misbehave more, while an older pet will adhere to instructions more.
American Airlines policy strictly accepts active checked pets traveling on official order by the United States military and State Department Foreign Service. Fees and restrictions apply.
Checked Pets
As mentioned earlier we only accept active duty checked pets under the United States military and State Department Foreign Service. Check-in limits the maximum number of pets to two and Pets must abide by the age and health requirements of the destination. Due to limited capacity checked on pets are accepted on a first-come basis.
Requirements needed when checking in your pet
At least 48-hour Airline notice before travel. Come with papers of official order and present during check-in at the ticket counterAllow extra check-in time Provide pet health certificate to confirm pet is in good health conditionsMeet agent and complete checklist
Carry On Pets
Payment of fee permits you to bring one kennel as your carry-on bag as long as your pet stays in the kennel under the sit in front of you at all times.
In this case, you are not permitted to have a carry-on bag as your pet is your carry-on. The pet must be of carrying size and if it is too big to fit in the kennel must go through American Airlines Cargo. The pet carrier must meet all kennel guidelines for checked pets. Fees and restrictions apply
If you fail to meet the airline’s requirements your pet will not be allowed to travel. Accessories such as pet strollers must be checked at the ticket counter along with all checked bags. Fees apply.
Kennel Guidelines For Checked Pets
The kennel must be big enough for your pets to stand in, turn, lie down, and sit in a natural positionMeet maximum weight requirements which are 45kg plus petPossess a welded doorMade of familiar materials like wood, plastic, or metalSecured at the top and bottom with bolt and screws to protect the pet during turbulenceHave ventilation on all sidesPossess different watering and food dishes attached at the topBe secure enough to avoid the animal from escapingPosses absorbent materialPossess a small bag for food for 24 7 periods.
When Traveling With Two Pets Note That
Required to be the same speciesRequired to weigh similar size no less than 2olbs eachRequired to be around the same age between 21 months and 6 months old.
Fees
When flying with American airlines, the pet travel fee can be paid at the travel center or the airport using your voucher or credit card. Cash and check payments are however not accepted.
Checked pets within and between and from the United States, North America, South America, Caribbean, and Europe cost a fee of $200 per kennel with exception of Brazil which cost $150. Cargo pets region destination varies along with the pricesCarryon pets within and between and from the United States, North America, South America, and the Caribbean based on the entry policy of the specific country is $125 per kennelService animals are however free for all destinations
Frequently asked question
American Airlines Pet Policy for Reptiles?
For reptiles such as Lizards, American airlines do not allow them to fly as carry-on pets but can fly through cargo. The number of lizards you can take varies depending on the size. Fees also vary depending on the weight, size, destination, and route.
American Airlines Pet Policy for pet birds?
American Airlines allows birds to fly as carrying on pets and can also fly through cargo. The number of birds you can take varies depending on the size. Fees also vary depending on the weight, size, destination, and route.
