Carry on or transport your pet

Depending on animal breed and size, they can travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo. Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements.

We only accept 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.

Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.

Service animals

Please contact Reservations before your trip so we can notify you of any requirements or travel changes that may affect you and your pet, like aircraft restrictions.

Carry-on pets
On flights with American you can bring 1 kennel as your carry-on bag if:

You pay the carry-on pet fee

Your pet stays in the kennel and under the seat in front of you the entire flight

You can travel with your pet carrier and 1 personal item, but you will not be permitted to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a pet carrier and personal item. Instead, the kennel will replace your carry-on bag.

If your pet is too large to fly in the cabin, it must travel with American Airlines Cargo. Keep in mind, we only accept checked pets for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders, and the pet carrier must meet all kennel guidelines for checked-pets. If you don’t meet these requirements, your pet may not travel. Fees and restrictions apply.

Kennel guidelines for checked-pets

Pet strollers must be checked at the ticket counter, and all checked bag fees apply.

Checked pets
We only accept checked pets for active-duty U.S. military 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 limited, we accept checked pets on a first-come basis.

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 least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
Complete a checklist with an agent
Provide a health certificate