What methods of transport does American Airlines provide for my pet?

• Travel in the passenger cabin.
• Checked as baggage in pressurized and temperature controlled area of your aircraft.
• Shipped as cargo in pressurized and temperature controlled area.

Does my pet qualify for travel in the passenger cabin?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel in the passenger cabin:

• You are traveling domestically or to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas or St. Croix.
• Your itinerary does not include travel to/from Hawaii or Transatlantic/Transpacific or Central and South America.
• Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel, under the seat for the entire flight.
• Only domesticated dogs, cats and birds are allowed.
• Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old.
• The kennel is specifically made for animal carriage and does not exceed 23in x 13in x 9in (length x width x height).
• Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).

Does my pet qualify for travel as checked baggage?

Pets that meet the following qualifications can travel as checked baggage:

• Your itinerary does not include travel to the United Kingdom.
• Your pet can comfortably remain in its kennel for the entire flight.
• The kennel meets all requirements (see below for more information) and does not exceed 40in x 27in x 30in (length x width x height) and weight of animal and kennel combined does not exceed 100 lb.
• Your pet has all necessary health documents required by your destination (see below for more information).
• You are not traveling on a flight longer than 12 hours.
• Series 700 kennels are not allowed on any American Airlines planes.
• Series 500 kennels are not allowed on Boeing MD-80 aircraft.

Does my pet qualify to be shipped as cargo?

If your pet does not meet the requirements for travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, or if you would like your pet to travel unaccompanied, contact American Airlines Cargo for more information.

What are the fees associated with pet transport?

• Fee for animal in the passenger cabin to/from United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean: $80 one way
• Fee for animal checked as baggage to/from United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean: $100 one way
• Fee for animal traveling to other destinations in the cabin or as checked baggage: Contact American Airlines Reservations
• Fee for animal shipped as cargo: Contact American Airlines Cargo

What are the kennel requirements?

In addition to the size and weight maximums, the USDA and American Airlines require that kennels meet the following requirements:

• Be leak-proof and escape-proof.
• Be properly ventilated, but not allow any part of the animal from protruding outside of the container.
• Provide enough room for the animal to stand and turn around.
• Be made of metal, wood, or a hard plastic/composite.
• Contain absorbent material or litter.
• Have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals.
• Be closed securely, but not locked.
• Have labels with the words "Live Animal" in letters at least 1-inch tall on the crate's top and on at least one side.
• Have upright arrow labels indicating kennel's correct position.

What health documentation is required?

While American Airlines does not require a health certificate for your animal to travel domestically, some States do require health documents. As it is the passenger's responsibility to be aware of all regulations, you should consult your veterinarian and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that your animal will comply with all requirements. Contact American Airlines about health documentation required for animals traveling to Hawaii and international destinations.

Are there any other restrictions?

American Airlines can refuse to transport an animal due to illness, aggressive behavior, poor kenneling, or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer, or destination airports.