How To Fly With Pets American Airlines?

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Traveling with your furry friend can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to air travel. However, with American Airlines, you can rest assured that your pet will be in good hands. American Airlines allows pets to travel in the cabin, as well as in the cargo hold, ensuring that your pet arrives at its destination safely and comfortably.

To fly with your pet on American Airlines, there are certain guidelines that you must follow. From the size of the carrier to the health requirements for your pet, there are a few things you need to know before taking off. In this article, we will guide you through the process of flying with your pet on American Airlines, so you can have a stress-free travel experience with your furry companion.

How to Fly With Pets American Airlines?

How to Fly With Pets American Airlines?

Traveling with pets can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re flying with them for the first time. American Airlines understands that pets are important members of the family and offers several options for pet travel. In this article, we will guide you through the process of flying with pets on American Airlines.

1. Pet Policy

Before you book your flight, it’s essential to understand American Airlines’ pet policy. American Airlines allows small pets to travel in the cabin for a fee, while larger pets can travel in the cargo hold. The airline also permits emotional support animals and service animals to travel with their owners for free. However, specific requirements must be met for each type of pet.

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To travel in the cabin, pets must be at least eight weeks old and fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you. The pet and carrier combined weight cannot exceed 20 pounds. For pets traveling in the cargo hold, the maximum weight limit is 100 pounds, including the carrier.

2. Booking Your Flight

Once you’ve read and understood American Airlines’ pet policy, you can book your flight. You can book your pet’s travel by calling the American Airlines reservation department. It’s crucial to book your pet’s travel as early as possible, as the number of pets allowed on each flight is limited.

When booking, be sure to provide all necessary information about your pet, including its breed, age, and weight. You’ll also need to specify whether you’re traveling with your pet in the cabin or cargo hold.

3. Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Preparing your pet for travel is essential to ensure a safe and stress-free journey. If your pet is traveling in the cabin, it’s essential to get them comfortable with their carrier before the flight. You can do this by gradually introducing your pet to the carrier and taking short car trips before the flight.

If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, it’s crucial to visit your veterinarian before the flight. Your vet can ensure that your pet is healthy enough for travel and provide any necessary vaccinations and health certificates.

4. Carrier Requirements

American Airlines has specific carrier requirements for pets traveling in the cabin. The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated, with enough room for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The carrier must also fit under the seat in front of you.

For pets traveling in the cargo hold, the carrier must meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. The carrier must be sturdy, well-ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

5. Check-In

When traveling with a pet, it’s essential to arrive at the airport early for check-in. American Airlines requires pet owners to check-in at the ticket counter and provide all necessary documentation, including health certificates and vaccination records.

Make sure to bring plenty of food, water, and any necessary medication for your pet. Additionally, it’s important to exercise your pet before the flight to help them relax.

6. Boarding the Plane

If your pet is traveling in the cabin, you’ll board the plane first to ensure that your pet is safely stowed under the seat in front of you. If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, it will be loaded onto the plane separately.

Before takeoff, it’s important to inform the flight attendants that you’re traveling with a pet. They can make sure that your pet is safe and comfortable throughout the flight.

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7. In-Flight Care

If your pet is traveling in the cabin, it’s important to keep them calm and quiet throughout the flight. You can do this by covering their carrier with a blanket and talking to them soothingly.

For pets traveling in the cargo hold, American Airlines provides climate-controlled cargo holds to ensure that your pet is safe and comfortable throughout the flight.

8. Arriving at Your Destination

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ll need to retrieve your pet from the baggage claim area. If your pet is traveling in the cargo hold, they’ll be unloaded separately from the other baggage.

Take your pet to a quiet area and let them stretch their legs and use the bathroom before continuing your journey.

9. Benefits of Traveling with American Airlines

Traveling with American Airlines has several benefits for pet owners. The airline offers a pet-friendly travel policy, with options for pets to travel in the cabin or cargo hold.

American Airlines also provides excellent in-flight care for pets, with climate-controlled cargo holds and attentive flight attendants.

10. American Airlines vs. Other Airlines

Compared to other airlines, American Airlines has a comprehensive pet travel policy and excellent in-flight care for pets. The airline also offers a range of pet-related services, such as pet relief areas and pet-friendly hotels.

Overall, if you’re traveling with pets, American Airlines is an excellent choice for a safe and comfortable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for flying with pets on American Airlines?

To fly with pets on American Airlines, you need to comply with the airline’s policies and regulations. Some of the requirements include:

– The pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
– The pet must be in good health and fit to travel.
– The pet must be transported in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
– You must have all the necessary documentation, including a health certificate, proof of vaccinations, and any other required permits.

What types of pets are allowed to travel on American Airlines?

American Airlines allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin or as cargo. However, there are some breed restrictions and other limitations you need to be aware of.

– Certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls and mastiffs, are not allowed to travel in the cabin but can be transported as cargo.
– Some countries have specific regulations regarding pets, so if you’re traveling internationally, it’s essential to check the requirements for your destination.

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

The cost of flying with pets on American Airlines varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the pet, the destination, and whether it’s traveling in the cabin or as cargo.

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– For pets traveling in the cabin, the fee is $125 per carrier each way.
– For pets traveling as cargo, the cost is calculated based on the weight and size of the pet and the distance traveled.

What should I do to prepare my pet for air travel?

Flying can be stressful for pets, so it’s important to take steps to prepare them for the journey. Here are some things you can do:

– Familiarize your pet with the carrier they’ll be traveling in before the trip.
– Make sure your pet has had enough exercise and has gone to the bathroom before the flight.
– Provide your pet with food and water before the flight, but avoid giving them too much.
– Consider using calming products, such as pheromone sprays or supplements, to help your pet relax.

Can I bring my emotional support animal on American Airlines?

American Airlines allows emotional support animals to travel with their owners in the cabin, but there are some restrictions and requirements you need to be aware of.

– You need to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that you have a disability and that the animal is necessary for your well-being.
– The animal must be trained to behave properly in public and follow commands.
– Emotional support animals are not allowed to sit on seats or block aisles, and they need to be transported in an airline-approved carrier or on a leash.

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Flying with pets can be a stressful experience, but with American Airlines, the process can be smooth and hassle-free. By following the guidelines and regulations set forth by American Airlines, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friend.

Remember to make all necessary arrangements well in advance of your travel date, including booking your pet’s ticket and securing the appropriate carrier. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the airline’s rules and regulations regarding pet travel, including restrictions on breeds, temperatures, and age limits.

With a little preparation and attention to detail, you and your pet can enjoy a stress-free travel experience with American Airlines. So go ahead and plan your next trip with your furry companion, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re in good hands with American Airlines.

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