American Airlines Pet Policy for Dogs in 2026
See American Airlines dog travel fees, carrier rules, weight limits, breed restrictions, and booking steps before you fly.
American Airlines Pet Policy Overview
American Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin on eligible routes and also offers checked-pet service only for active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel on qualifying itineraries. Pets that do not qualify may be shipped through American PetEmbark cargo service.
American requires your dog to remain inside the carrier and under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. Soft-sided collapsible kennels are recommended, and only one additional onboard item is allowed with a pet carrier. Temperature restrictions apply to pets not traveling in the cabin: travel is not allowed if any point on the itinerary is above 85°F or below 45°F, and seasonal embargoes apply for certain hot-weather airports.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on American Airlines
- Confirm your route is eligible for pet travel before you buy or manage your ticket. American does not allow carry-on pets on flights to or from Hawaii, on trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific itineraries, or on certain South America routes. 2. Make sure your dog qualifies for in-cabin travel: your dog must stay inside the carrier under the seat for the full flight, and the combined weight of the dog and carrier cannot exceed 20 pounds. 3. Choose an approved carrier. American recommends a soft-sided kennel up to 18 x 11 x 11 inches; hard-sided limits vary by aircraft type. 4. After booking your ticket, open your trip on aa.com or in the American app. In Additional Services, select “Add carry-on pets,” review the requirements, choose the flight segments, and confirm the change. 5. Arrive early at the airport. American instructs customers traveling with a carry-on pet to go to the ticket counter to pay the pet fee and have the pet and kennel checked for compliance. 6. At security, be prepared to remove your dog from the carrier if TSA requires it, then place your dog back in the carrier after screening. 7. During travel, keep your dog in the carrier in the gate area, while boarding, and throughout the flight. 8. If your dog does not qualify for cabin travel, review American PetEmbark cargo options. If you are eligible active-duty military or State Department personnel traveling with a checked pet, contact Reservations at least 48 hours before departure, allow extra check-in time, and bring the required health certificate and official orders.
American Airlines vs Other Airlines
| Feature | American Airlines | Delta Air Lines | Southwest Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | $150 each way | $150 each way within U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands; $200 international | $125 one-way within U.S. Mainland |
| Cargo Fee | Varies via American PetEmbark | Varies via Delta Cargo | Not offered |
| Weight Limit | 20 lb pet + carrier in cabin; 100 lb checked pet + kennel | No single published in-cabin combined weight limit on overview page; kennel must fit under seat | No published combined weight limit; pet must fit comfortably in carrier under seat |
| Carrier Size | 18 x 11 x 11 in soft-sided recommended; 19 x 13 x 9 in hard-sided mainline | Delta recommends 18 x 11 x 11 in soft-sided for most aircraft | Must fit under seat; no fixed dimensions stated in current contract excerpt |
| Breeds Restricted | Snub-nosed/brachycephalic dogs not accepted as checked pets | Destination and cargo restrictions apply; see Delta Cargo rules for larger pets | No breed list stated in current contract excerpt; airline may refuse pets incompatible with air travel |
| Booking Method | Add in Manage Trips on aa.com/app, then pay at airport counter | Contact Delta Reservations as soon as possible; fee collected at check-in | Book by calling Southwest; pay at airport ticket counter |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does American Airlines charge to fly with a dog in the cabin?
American Airlines charges $150 per kennel, each way, for a carry-on pet on eligible routes.
What size pet carrier does American Airlines allow?
American recommends a soft-sided carrier up to 18 x 11 x 11 inches. Hard-sided carriers are limited to 19 x 13 x 9 inches on American mainline flights and 16 x 12 x 8 inches on American Eagle flights.
What is the American Airlines in-cabin weight limit for dogs?
The combined weight of your dog and carrier must not exceed 20 pounds for in-cabin travel.
Can my dog fly in cargo on American Airlines?
Yes, pets that do not qualify as carry-on or checked pets may be shipped through American PetEmbark. Standard checked-pet service is limited to eligible active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel.
Does American Airlines restrict certain dog breeds?
Yes. American does not accept brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs, including mixes, as checked pets because of safety concerns.
Can I bring my dog on an American Airlines international flight?
Sometimes, but not on every route. American does not allow carry-on pets on trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific trips, and some countries and regions have additional restrictions.
How do I add my dog to an American Airlines reservation?
For carry-on pets, open your trip on aa.com or in the American app, choose “Add carry-on pets” in Additional Services, confirm the eligible flights, and then pay the fee at the airport ticket counter.
Are there temperature restrictions for dogs on American Airlines?
Yes. Pets not traveling in the cabin cannot travel if any point on the itinerary is above 85°F or below 45°F, and some hot-weather airports have seasonal restrictions.