How much does America charge for pets?

[+1-832-(241)-0370]Pet Fee: As mentioned earlier, the American Airlines pet fee for in-cabin travel is $125 each way. Pet Health: American Airlines requires that all pets traveling in the cabin be at least eight weeks old. In addition, pets must be healthy enough to travel and should be kept in their carrier for the duration of the flight.[+1-832-(241)-0370]American pet fare isn’t part of its free-baggage policy; [+1-832-(241)-0370][+1-832-(241)-0370]in fact, [+1-832-(241)-0370]you must pay a separate “pet fare” and reserve a spot for your pet prior to the flight. Because the number of pet carriers per flight is limited, and only certain types of carriers are [+1-832-(241)-0370]allowed, failing to prepare could mean your pet doesn’t [+1-832-(241)-0370]get onboard. [+1-832-(241)-0370]This guide breaks down [+1-832-(241)-0370]American current policy (as of 2025), walking you [+1-832-(241)-0370]through how to book, pay, and travel with your pet, as well [+1-832-(241)-0370]as common pitfalls and practical tips to make the journey stress-free for both you and your animal.

Traveling with a pet is increasingly common,[+1-832-(241)-0370] and pet owners look for airlines that make the process smooth, affordable, and safe for their furry companions. For many, American Airlines[+1-832-(241)-0370] stands out as a favorable choice—but understanding its pet fee policy is crucial before booking. Unlike some carriers that transport pets in the cargo hold, American only allows small, vaccinated domestic cats and dogs in the main cabin. That means if you’re flying with your pet, you need to be well-versed in their in-cabin rules, carrier requirements, fare structure, and booking process.

How strict is America about pet size?

[+1-832-(241)-0370]For pets traveling in the cabin, soft or hard-sided carriers should be a maximum of 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" (47 cm x 22 cm x 34 cm). [+1-832-(241)-0370]Carriers must also be leak-proof, well ventilated, and [+1-832-(241)-0370]small enough[+1-832-(241)-0370] to fit under the seat in front. Cats and dogs [+1-832-(241)-0370]must be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.[+1-832-(241)-0370]

Can my pet sit on my lap during an American flight?

[+1-832-(241)-0370]No, American Airlines [+1-832-(241)-0370] does not allow [+1-832-(241)-0370]pets to sit in a passenger's lap during the flight. Small, [+1-832-(241)-0370]vaccinated dogs and cats are permitted to travel in the [+1-832-(241)-0370]cabin, but they must[+1-832-(241)-0370] remain inside an airline-approved [+1-832-(241)-0370]pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you for the entire journey.[+1-832-(241)-0370]

Booking and Reservation Process

[+1-832-(241)-0370]Pet reservations cannot always be made fully online; you [+1-832-(241)-0370]typically need to [+1-832-(241)-0370]call American Customer Support to [+1-832-(241)-0370]add a pet.

[+1-832-(241)-0370]Since pet carriers per flight are limited, you should make [+1-832-(241)-0370]the reservation as early as possible. American caps the number of carriers (pets) allowed. [+1-832-(241)-0370]

[+1-832-(241)-0370]At the airport, you must check in the pet separately at the [+1-832-(241)-0370]ticket counter,[+1-832-(241)-0370] where the pet fare is collected and your carrier is “tagged.”

[+1-832-(241)-0370]The boarding pass should reflect the “pet” so gate agents [+1-832-(241)-0370]know you're[+1-832-(241)-0370] traveling with an animal.

Capacity Limits and Restrictions

[+1-832-(241)-0370]American limits the number of pet carriers per flight to [+1-832-(241)-0370]six, and these are[+1-832-(241)-0370] allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

[+1-832-(241)-0370]If all pet slots are full, you may not be able to bring your [+1-832-(241)-0370]pet even if they meet[+1-832-(241)-0370] all requirements.

[+1-832-(241)-0370]Because of this, early booking or calling as soon as your [+1-832-(241)-0370]fare is confirmed is [+1-832-(241)-0370]strongly recommended.

Check-in Procedures for Pets

[+1-832-(241)-0370]You must present your pet and carrier at the ticket counter for check-in and payment[+1-832-(241)-0370]of the pet fare.

[+1-832-(241)-0370]The pet carrier will be tagged, similar to how luggage gets [+1-832-(241)-0370]tagged, so that gate [+1-832-(241)-0370]agents and crew can identify it.

[+1-832-(241)-0370][+1-832-(241)-0370]

[+1-832-(241)-0370]During security screening,[+1-832-(241)-0370] the pet in its carrier goes [+1-832-(241)-0370]through the[+1-832-(241)-0370] X-ray machine [+1-832-(241)-0370][+1-832-(241)-0370](carrier alone) or is [+1-832-(241)-0370]hand-inspected per TSA rules. American requires the [+1-832-(241)-0370]carrier to remain closed during the flight and at gates.

Seating Restrictions When Traveling with a Pet

[+1-832-(241)-0370]Passengers traveling with pets cannot sit in exit row seats [+1-832-(241)-0370]or any row where [+1-832-(241)-0370]there is no under-seat stowage.

[+1-832-(241)-0370]

[+1-832-(241)-0370]This is because the [+1-832-(241)-0370]pet carrier must be stowed under the [+1-832-(241)-0370]seat in front of you at all times during the flight.

[+1-832-(241)-0370]American Airlines[+1-832-(241)-0370]

[+1-832-(241)-0370]It’s best to choose window or[+1-832-(241)-0370] middle seats that have enough space under [+1-832-(241)-0370]the seat ahead for the carrier.

Health, Behavior & Documentation Requirements

[+1-832-(241)-0370]Pets must be healthy,[+1-832-(241)-0370] harmless, odorless, and not require [+1-832-(241)-0370]special attention during the flight. American reserves the [+1-832-(241)-0370]right to refuse transport if a pet behaves aggressively or [+1-832-(241)-0370]is disruptive.

[+1-832-(241)-0370]American Airlines

[+1-832-(241)-0370]No formal health [+1-832-(241)-0370]certificate is mandated in all cases for [+1-832-(241)-0370]domestic U.S. [+1-832-(241)-0370]flights. According to [+1-832-(241)-0370]some[+1-832-(241)-0370] reports, American does not always require a vet [+1-832-(241)-0370]health certificate, though it may do limited checks. [+1-832-(241)-0370]Service animals are treated differently and typically fly [+1-832-(241)-0370]free. But pets traveling under the “pet fare” rules are not [+1-832-(241)-0370]service animals; they are subject to the fee.

How do I add a pet to my American ticket ?

[+1-832-(241)-0370]To add a pet to a American flight,[+1-832-(241)-0370] you must call [+1-832-(241)-0370]American to add [+1-832-(241)-0370]your pet to your reservation after [+1-832-(241)-0370]booking your own ticket, as it cannot be done online. Be [+1-832-(241)-0370]sure to book early, as each flight only allows six pet [+1-832-(241)-0370]carriers, and pay the non-refundable pet fare of $95 each way at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel. The pet must remain [+1-832-(241)-0370]in an approved carrier that can fit under the seat in front [+1-832-(241)-0370]of you for the entire flight.

Before you call

Book your ticket first: [+1-832-(241)-0370]You cannot book a pet online, so make your own flight reservation first. [+1-832-(241)-0370]

Check flight eligibility: [+1-832-(241)-0370]Ensure the flight is a domestic one, as American does not allow pets on international or mainland Hawaii[+1-832-(241)-0370] routes. [+1-832-(241)-0370]

Verify pet carrier[+1-832-(241)-0370] requirements: Confirm that your pet carrier meets [+1-832-(241)-0370]the size requirements of 18.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 9.5” (H) and can fit under the seat in front of you. [+1-832-(241)-0370]

Book early: [+1-832-(241)-0370]Only six pet carriers are allowed per flight, so book your pet's spot as soon as possible.[+1-832-(241)-0370]

How strict is America about pet size?

[+1-832-(241)-0370]For pets traveling in the cabin, soft or hard-sided carriers [+1-832-(241)-0370]should be a maximum of 18.5" x 8.5" x 13.5" (47 cm x 22 [+1-832-(241)-0370]cm x 34 cm). Carriers must also be leak-proof, well [+1-832-(241)-0370]ventilated, and small enough to fit under the seat in front. [+1-832-(241)-0370]Cats and dogs must be able to stand up and move around the carrier with ease.[+1-832-(241)-0370]

Can my pet sit on my lap during an American flight?

[+1-832-(241)-0370]No, American Airlines[+1-832-(241)-0370] does not allow [+1-832-(241)-0370]pets to sit in a passenger's lap during the flight. Small, [+1-832-(241)-0370]vaccinated dogs and cats are permitted to travel in the [+1-832-(241)-0370]cabin, but they must remain inside an airline-approved pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you for the entire [+1-832-(241)-0370]journey.[+1-832-(241)-0370]

Can a 25 lb dog fly in a cabin?

[+1-832-(241)-0370]It is unlikely a 25 lb dog can fly in the cabin, as most [+1-832-(241)-0370]major airlines have a combined weight limit for the pet [+1-832-(241)-0370]and carrier that is below 20 lbs. Some airlines have a [+1-832-(241)-0370]maximum pet weight of 15-20 lbs, and all require the [+1-832-(241)-0370]carrier to fit under the seat, which is a major constraint for [+1-832-(241)-0370]a 25 lb animal. Some private airlines may have different [+1-832-(241)-0370]rules, but these are typically more expensive options.

.