American Airlines' pet policy: Here’s how to fly with your cat or dog
Flying with a pet can be complicated. Each airline has its own guidelines, and the devil is really in the details.
In this story, we'll cover the most important details you need to know about the American Airlines pet policy, including the American Airlines pet cargo policy.
American Airlines' pet policy
American Airlines only allows passengers to carry on cats and dogs; no other types of pets are allowed. According to the American Airlines pet policy, you can bring a cat or dog along (assuming they meet the size and age requirements) on most flights up to 12 hours or flights to or from the following locations:
- The 48 contiguous United States.
- The United States and Canada.
- Alaska.
- Mexico.
- Puerto Rico.
- St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
- St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
American Airlines charges a $125 charge for each one-way itinerary where your pet accompanies you in the cabin. You'll also incur an additional $125 charge on any one-way itinerary within the U.S. with more than a four-hour voluntary stopover. You might be able to recoup some or all of the fees if you charge it on a credit card that offers airline fee credits.
Additionally, the American Airlines pet policy prohibits pets from traveling in first or business class on the following aircraft types:
- 777-200.
- 777-300.
- 787-8.
- 787-9.
You'll want to make sure you book your pet early as part of your reservation. Unlike the United Airlines pet policy, American Airlines publishes the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight. So, we know American Airlines only allows up to seven kennels on its mainline flights (although service animals don't count toward this limit).
Meanwhile, American will only accept five kennels per flight — and a maximum of one carrier in first class — for American Eagle flights. While American has largely eliminated change fees, you'll be stuck rescheduling your trip if your particular flight has already reached its cap for in-cabin animals.
Lastly, American Airlines considers a pet carrier a carry-on item. So, if you're bringing along a pet, you'll only be permitted a personal item along with your pet carrier. Any other bags will need to be checked, with the appropriate fees applied.
Related: A comprehensive guide to traveling with pets
American Airlines' pet carrier requirements
The American Airlines pet policy allows for both hard-sided and soft-sided carriers. Hard-sided carriers have different size restrictions based on whether your flight is on American Airlines or American Eagle, American's regional carrier.
Hard-sided kennels can be no larger than 19 inches by 13 inches by 9 inches on mainline flights and no larger than 16 inches by 12 inches by 8 inches on American Eagle flights. However, the American Airlines pet policy recommends soft-sided carriers, which can be no larger than 18 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches on both mainline and American Eagle flights.
Lastly, the American pet policy states that the animal must be able to stand up and turn around in the pet carrier.
Related: 8 things to consider before flying with your pet
American Airlines' pet cargo policy
American Airlines will only allow a pet to travel in cargo if you are a member of the U.S. military on active duty or a U.S. State Department Foreign Service employee traveling on official orders. There are several additional requirements for a pet traveling in cargo which you can find on the American Airlines website.
Related: What you need to know about traveling with dogs on a plane
How to use the American Airlines pet policy
The only way to use the American Airlines pet policy is to call reservations to add a pet to your reservation. An agent will be able to help you with adding a pet to your record, assuming there is still capacity for kennels on your preferred flights.
Related: How to change or cancel an American Airlines flight
Bottom line
The American Airlines pet policy can make it challenging to travel with your pet. You won't be able to bring anything other than a cat or dog on board. And American is one of several airlines that severely restrict the ability to have your animal travel in the cargo hold.
The American Airlines pet policy contains some restrictions on the size of kennels on certain flights and destinations. Finally, American Airlines will only accept a certain number of pets in the cabin per flight, so you'll need to reserve space for your pet early.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.