How To Fly With A Dog American Airlines?

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Traveling with your furry companion can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. If you’re planning to fly with your dog on American Airlines, you may have a lot of questions and concerns. Luckily, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable trip for both you and your pup.

American Airlines has specific rules and regulations when it comes to flying with pets, so it’s important to do your research and plan ahead. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about flying with a dog on American Airlines, including requirements, fees, and tips for a stress-free journey.

How to Fly With a Dog American Airlines?

How to Fly With a Dog American Airlines?

Flying with your dog can be a daunting process. However, it doesn’t have to be. American Airlines has a well-organized pet policy that makes traveling with your furry friend a breeze. This article will guide you through the process of flying with your dog on American Airlines.

1. Check Your Dog’s Eligibility

Before booking a flight with American Airlines, make sure your dog is eligible to travel. American Airlines only allows dogs to travel in the cabin or cargo hold if they are at least eight weeks old and fully weaned. Certain breeds of dogs, such as snub-nosed breeds, are not allowed to fly due to respiratory issues.

If your dog is eligible to fly, you will need to provide American Airlines with a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within ten days of travel.

2. Book Your Flight

Once you have confirmed your dog’s eligibility, it’s time to book your flight. When booking your flight, let American Airlines know that you will be traveling with a pet. You will need to pay a pet fee of $125 each way for in-cabin travel and $200 each way for cargo travel.

It’s important to note that American Airlines only allows a certain number of pets on each flight, so it’s best to book your flight as early as possible to ensure that there is space for your furry friend.

3. Prepare Your Dog for Travel

Before traveling with your dog, it’s important to prepare them for the journey ahead. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and has a collar with identification tags. It’s also a good idea to feed your dog a light meal before traveling and to exercise them before the flight.

If your dog is traveling in the cabin, they will need to be in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. If your dog is traveling in cargo, make sure they are in a secure and comfortable crate that meets American Airlines’ requirements.

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4. Arrive Early at the Airport

When traveling with a pet, it’s important to arrive at the airport early. American Airlines recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight if you are traveling with a pet. This will give you plenty of time to check in, go through security, and get your dog settled before the flight.

5. Check-In with Your Dog

When checking in with your dog, you will need to provide American Airlines with your dog’s health certificate and pay the pet fee. If your dog is traveling in cargo, you will need to drop them off at the cargo facility. If your dog is traveling in the cabin, you will need to have them in their carrier and ready to go through security.

6. Go Through Security

Going through security with a pet can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s important to remain calm and follow the TSA’s guidelines. You will need to take your dog out of their carrier and carry them through the metal detector. Your dog’s carrier will go through the X-ray machine.

If your dog is traveling in cargo, they will go through a separate security screening process.

7. Board the Plane with Your Dog

When boarding the plane with your dog, you will need to let the flight attendant know that you have a pet with you. If your dog is traveling in the cabin, they will need to be stowed under the seat in front of you. If your dog is traveling in cargo, they will be loaded onto the plane separately.

8. During the Flight

During the flight, it’s important to keep your dog calm and comfortable. If your dog is traveling in the cabin, keep them in their carrier and under the seat in front of you. If your dog is traveling in cargo, they will be monitored by the airline staff throughout the flight.

It’s also a good idea to bring some treats and a water bottle for your dog during the flight.

9. After the Flight

After the flight, you will need to pick up your dog at the baggage claim area or cargo facility. Check in with the airline staff to make sure your dog is safe and secure.

10. Benefits of Flying with Your Dog on American Airlines

Flying with your dog on American Airlines has several benefits. First, American Airlines has a well-organized pet policy that makes traveling with your furry friend a breeze. Second, American Airlines allows dogs to travel in the cabin or cargo hold, giving you flexibility in how you choose to travel with your pet. Finally, American Airlines’ staff is trained to handle pets and will do everything they can to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort during the flight.

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In conclusion, traveling with your dog on American Airlines is a straightforward process. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your furry friend arrives safely and comfortably at your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for flying with a dog on American Airlines?

When flying with a dog on American Airlines, there are certain requirements that you must meet. Firstly, you will need to provide a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, stating that your dog is in good health and fit to fly. Secondly, you will need to ensure that your dog is up-to-date with all vaccinations that are required by the airline. Finally, you will need to ensure that your dog is well-behaved and able to travel safely in a carrier or on a leash.

It is also worth noting that there are certain breeds of dog that are not permitted to travel on American Airlines due to their physical characteristics. These include brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as bulldogs and pugs, as well as larger breeds that are too big to fit in the cabin or under the seat in front of you.

What size and type of carrier can I use to fly with my dog on American Airlines?

When flying with a dog on American Airlines, you will need to ensure that your dog is able to travel safely and comfortably in an airline-approved carrier. The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated, and must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for the carrier are 19 inches long x 13 inches wide x 9 inches high.

You can use either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier, as long as it meets the above requirements. It is also recommended that you label the carrier with your name, contact information, and your dog’s name, to ensure that it is easily identifiable.

How much does it cost to fly with a dog on American Airlines?

The cost of flying with a dog on American Airlines varies depending on the size of your dog and the length of your flight. For flights within the United States, the cost is typically $125 each way. For international flights, the cost can be higher, and you may also need to pay additional fees for customs and quarantine requirements at your destination.

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It is important to note that American Airlines only allows a certain number of pets on each flight, so you will need to book your dog’s ticket in advance to ensure that there is space available.

Can I bring my emotional support animal on American Airlines?

American Airlines does allow emotional support animals to travel with their owners. However, there are certain requirements that you must meet in order to bring your emotional support animal on board. You will need to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that you require the support of an emotional support animal, and you will need to contact American Airlines at least 48 hours before your flight to inform them of your intention to travel with an emotional support animal.

It is worth noting that American Airlines has recently updated their policy on emotional support animals, and will no longer permit certain animals, such as hedgehogs, ferrets, and goats, to travel in the cabin as emotional support animals.

What should I do if my dog becomes ill during the flight?

If your dog becomes ill during the flight, it is important to notify a flight attendant as soon as possible. American Airlines has trained professionals on board who are able to provide basic first aid to your dog if necessary. They can also arrange for a veterinarian to meet you at your destination if required.

It is recommended that you bring any necessary medication or medical supplies with you on the flight, and that you provide clear instructions to the flight attendants on how to administer any medication or treatment that your dog may require.

How To Travel With A Dog On American Airlines


In conclusion, flying with a dog on American Airlines can be a smooth and stress-free experience if you prepare ahead of time. Always ensure that you have all the necessary documents, such as a health certificate or vaccination records, and that your dog is comfortable and prepared for the flight.

Additionally, it’s important to research the airline’s policies and procedures for flying with a pet, as they can vary depending on the type of aircraft and destination. Take advantage of resources such as American Airlines’ dedicated pet travel program to make the process as easy as possible.

Overall, traveling with your furry friend can be a rewarding experience, and with the right preparation and precautions, you can ensure that both you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable flight on American Airlines. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the airline or a veterinarian for additional guidance in making your travel plans.

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