Oct 23, 2015, 12:17 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
American Airlines Checked and Cabin Animal / Pet Policies and Requirements
NOTE: This is the new thread for checked and carry-on animals / pets as they are permitted by American Airlines. It is strictly for bona fide questions, replies and relevant discussion of pets and animals in-cabin and checked as animal cargo.
Discussions relating to reactions to in-cabin animals, service or support animals or their legitimacy, purpose, false labeling, etc. are considered dilatory to this topic and will be summarily deleted. There are other, more appropriate fora for those discussions.
Thank you for your understanding.
/American Airlines | AAdvantage Moderator team
Discussions relating to reactions to in-cabin animals, service or support animals or their legitimacy, purpose, false labeling, etc. are considered dilatory to this topic and will be summarily deleted. There are other, more appropriate fora for those discussions.
Thank you for your understanding.
/American Airlines | AAdvantage Moderator team
For discussion regarding AA policies regarding assistance, psychiatric or emotional support animals, please see AA Policy Regarding Service, Psychiatric and Emotional Support Animals here on FT.
Link to U S Department of Transportation Service Animal Guidance (and downloadable PDF)
In 1990, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) promulgated the official regulations implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Link to downloadable PDF covering service animals.
For general information about travel with pets, please see the Link to FlyerTalk "Travel with Pets" forum .
Link to thread on A321T First class "Cuddle Class" pet cabin / kennel.
Which destinations allow travel with pets?
You can travel with a pet on most flights not longer than 12 hours or flights to/from:* *12 hours includes the time it takes to clear customs at the arrival city.
(Note: There are additional special restrictions that may apply when traveling with pets - please refer to the aa.com page linked to above. Some destinations absolutely prohibit the carriage of pets on AA, others have significant restrictions. Failure to observe these could result in up to confiscation and destruction of your pet in some countries. - JD)
You can travel with a pet on most flights not longer than 12 hours or flights to/from:*
- Within the 48 contiguous United States
- The U.S. and Canada
- Alaska
- Central America**
- Mexico
- Puerto Rico
- St. Croix
- St. Thomas
(Note: There are additional special restrictions that may apply when traveling with pets - please refer to the aa.com page linked to above. Some destinations absolutely prohibit the carriage of pets on AA, others have significant restrictions. Failure to observe these could result in up to confiscation and destruction of your pet in some countries. - JD)
Carry on pets $125.00 per pet
When traveling on an American Airlines flight, you can bring one pet kennel as your carry-on bag if: If all your travel is on American Airlines we can only accept up to 7 kennels each flight (not including service animals). When traveling on an American Eagle flight, we can accept up to 5 kennels per flight (with a maximum of 1 in first class). You’ll need to contact Reservations to make arrangements in advance.
Guidelines for carry-on pets
When carrying on your pet, you’ll need to make sure that they can stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel. Non-collapsible kennels can be a maximum of 19in x 13in x 9in (see next section).
Soft-sided collapsible kennels such as Sherpa bags can be larger if they're made of water-repellant, padded or the have nylon have mesh ventilation on 2 or more sides.
*American Airlines assumes no liability for the health or well-being of carry-on pets.
When traveling on an American Airlines flight, you can bring one pet kennel as your carry-on bag if:
- You pay the carry-on pet charge
- Your pet is at least 8 weeks old
- Your pet stays in their kennel and under the seat in front of you for the entire flight
Guidelines for carry-on pets
When carrying on your pet, you’ll need to make sure that they can stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel. Non-collapsible kennels can be a maximum of 19in x 13in x 9in (see next section).
Soft-sided collapsible kennels such as Sherpa bags can be larger if they're made of water-repellant, padded or the have nylon have mesh ventilation on 2 or more sides.
*American Airlines assumes no liability for the health or well-being of carry-on pets.
Underseat stowage issues
A number of aircraft have limitations not revealed on aa.com. For example, * see http://www.dogjaunt.com/posts/catego...-measurements/ for under seat stowage measurements and other information
A number of aircraft have limitations not revealed on aa.com. For example,
- Some newer Business configurations may have seats that are not FAA STC'd to allow under seat stowage throughout the flight
- Some aisle or window seats have much narrower under seat stowage
- Some seats may be obstructed by power or/and A/V distribution boxes
- The MiQ seats used in F/J on many Oasis refitted A20321 &. 738, as well as on A321neo and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, have very limited under seat stowage
- Some smaller regional carriers may have restricted under seat stowage areas
Checked pets
You can travel with up to 2 checked pets that are at least 8 weeks old. Please note that as capacity is limited, we accept checked pets on a first-come basis. When checking a pet, you’ll need to:
Special notice:
Checked pets cannot travel on A321S, A321H, A320, A319 aircraft and all flights operated by... regional partner Air Wisconsin.
Seasonal bans on cargo-checked pets may exist, e.g. Phoenix and Palm Springs in summer months.
Several aircraft bar cabin pets - altogether or more likely in Business of First. Be sure to read the page on aa.com linked to near the top of this Wikipost thoroughly.
Checked pets cannot travel on A321S, A321H, A320, A319 aircraft and all flights operated by... regional partner Air Wisconsin.
Seasonal bans on cargo-checked pets may exist, e.g. Phoenix and Palm Springs in summer months.
Several aircraft bar cabin pets - altogether or more likely in Business of First. Be sure to read the page on aa.com linked to near the top of this Wikipost thoroughly.
- Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel
- Check in at the ticket counter
- Allow extra check-in time (can't check pets more than 4 hours before your flight)
- Complete a checklist with an agent
- Provide a health certificate
To ensure the health and safety of your pet, the health certificate you provide must be issued by a vet within:
- 10 days of your travel
- 60 days of your return (travel on the same ticket)
- 10 days of your return (travel on a separate ticket)
Link to thread about A321T Business seat issues with carry-on animals.
Updated 22 Jun 2016 - JDiver
AA checked and cabin animal / pet information & policy (master thread)
Jan 27, 2016, 5:07 pm
#16
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 370
unless the agent that I ask is on duty on the of the flights.
Feb 2, 2016, 8:21 am
#17
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 370
no, that was not a new low.
This is the new low: AA emailed back and stated that even if she pays for
an extras seat(with real money, not miles) for the cat in a small cat carrier
under the seat in front of the purchased empty seat, she will still have to
pay the pet fee of $250.
Am I the only one who thinks that's wrong? Where is AA's common sense?
Jun 3, 2016, 5:46 pm
#18
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 706
I am looking for seating recommendations for in-cabin under-seat pet stowage (i.e. maximum space) on:
A321T in J: from what I've read, anything but a bulkhead should be fine. Perhaps opt for a window seat, to guarantee that the pet carrier won't disturb/block anyone's exit?
A321 or A320 in F: anything but an exit row seat?
CRJ-900 in Y or F: anything but an exit row seat?
Any recommendations on IFE boxes, or aisle/window seats to avoid in Y is appreciated. I looked at http://www.dogjaunt.com/posts/catego...-measurements/ but found very few posts for American, and none for the class/planes that I'll be flying. I also saw http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...pet-space.html with a bad experience on the A321 in J.
All advice and feedback appreciated.
A321T in J: from what I've read, anything but a bulkhead should be fine. Perhaps opt for a window seat, to guarantee that the pet carrier won't disturb/block anyone's exit?
A321 or A320 in F: anything but an exit row seat?
CRJ-900 in Y or F: anything but an exit row seat?
Any recommendations on IFE boxes, or aisle/window seats to avoid in Y is appreciated. I looked at http://www.dogjaunt.com/posts/catego...-measurements/ but found very few posts for American, and none for the class/planes that I'll be flying. I also saw http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...pet-space.html with a bad experience on the A321 in J.
All advice and feedback appreciated.
Aug 8, 2016, 8:01 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 706
I have a LAX-JFK booking in F on the A321T with an accompanying in-cabin pet reservation. The F cabin on that plane has a dedicated pet storage area at the front of the cabin (see: http://flyanddine.boardingarea.com/a...ss-pet-cabins/) specifically because pets aren't allowed under the front of the seat for take-off/landing.
Despite this special cabin, AA won't let me assign a bulkhead seat (i.e. 1A / 1F), claiming bulkhead seats aren't allowed with pet reservations. Given the special setup of this plane, I'd rather be closer to the pet storage area. Any way around this policy?
Despite this special cabin, AA won't let me assign a bulkhead seat (i.e. 1A / 1F), claiming bulkhead seats aren't allowed with pet reservations. Given the special setup of this plane, I'd rather be closer to the pet storage area. Any way around this policy?
Aug 8, 2016, 8:51 am
#20
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I have a LAX-JFK booking in F on the A321T with an accompanying in-cabin pet reservation. The F cabin on that plane has a dedicated pet storage area at the front of the cabin (see: http://flyanddine.boardingarea.com/a...ss-pet-cabins/) specifically because pets aren't allowed under the front of the seat for take-off/landing.
Despite this special cabin, AA won't let me assign a bulkhead seat (i.e. 1A / 1F), claiming bulkhead seats aren't allowed with pet reservations. Given the special setup of this plane, I'd rather be closer to the pet storage area. Any way around this policy?
Despite this special cabin, AA won't let me assign a bulkhead seat (i.e. 1A / 1F), claiming bulkhead seats aren't allowed with pet reservations. Given the special setup of this plane, I'd rather be closer to the pet storage area. Any way around this policy?
Barring that, you canalways ask fellow passengers to switch seats - no disadvantaged seat in the F cabin I can think of other than if someone wished to not sit in the last row of F.
Aug 8, 2016, 1:03 pm
#21
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: san clemente ca
Programs: AA,DL
Posts: 374
update:
no, that was not a new low.
This is the new low: AA emailed back and stated that even if she pays for
an extras seat(with real money, not miles) for the cat in a small cat carrier
under the seat in front of the purchased empty seat, she will still have to
pay the pet fee of $250.
Am I the only one who thinks that's wrong? Where is AA's common sense?
no, that was not a new low.
This is the new low: AA emailed back and stated that even if she pays for
an extras seat(with real money, not miles) for the cat in a small cat carrier
under the seat in front of the purchased empty seat, she will still have to
pay the pet fee of $250.
Am I the only one who thinks that's wrong? Where is AA's common sense?
I agree the fee's they charge are ridiculous. ($250 really?) Especially since I'm already allotted the space in front of me for my feet or small bag.
I'd Just buy her the extra seat and put it in her name and she can do what she wills with her two seats when she on board. Keep it low key and she since is abiding by rules, by having her pet in a carrier under the seat in her immediate control she should be fine.
Sep 15, 2016, 12:46 pm
#22
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: LAX, ORD, DFW, SNA
Programs: AAdvantage, Emerald Club
Posts: 67
Traveling with a Carry On Pet
Can someone walk me through the screening for having a dog in cabin with me? What should I expect? Can I be rejected?
I've gone over the basics and looks like my dog is just big enough to fit in a carrier, but cannot turnaround or stand fully in it. I've done some trial runs at home and he is fine for a couple of hours.
This is a 3hr FC segment that has few PAX due to departure time and location.
My dog is well trained enough to pull the service dog routine, but I don't want to be "that guy" if I don't have to. I will never entertain the thought of cargo for an animal either.
I've gone over the basics and looks like my dog is just big enough to fit in a carrier, but cannot turnaround or stand fully in it. I've done some trial runs at home and he is fine for a couple of hours.
This is a 3hr FC segment that has few PAX due to departure time and location.
My dog is well trained enough to pull the service dog routine, but I don't want to be "that guy" if I don't have to. I will never entertain the thought of cargo for an animal either.
Sep 15, 2016, 1:07 pm
#23
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: stl
Programs: aa plat
Posts: 27
i have travelled with my dog who is a 9# cairn terrier mix and fits in one of those airline approved carriers. he can turn around.
a couple of thoughts:
1. when checking in, they look at your animal through the mesh in the kennel and ask you how much they weigh. i'm not sure if they are visually assessing if the pet can turn around. they have never asked me to take him out. you have to sign a form but don't need a vet's note anymore.
2. the kennel counts as one of your carryons.
3. the tsa process for me (i have precheck) is to take the pet out of the kennel, send the kennel thru the scanner, and you walk with your pet in hand thru the magnetometer. i can't comment on what happens with non precheck.
4. my guess is that if your pet is 15# or under all should go well.
5. i have never sedated my dog although our flying times are usually less than 2 hours. my dog is very chill, with the exception the postman and other deliverymen.
happy traveling
a couple of thoughts:
1. when checking in, they look at your animal through the mesh in the kennel and ask you how much they weigh. i'm not sure if they are visually assessing if the pet can turn around. they have never asked me to take him out. you have to sign a form but don't need a vet's note anymore.
2. the kennel counts as one of your carryons.
3. the tsa process for me (i have precheck) is to take the pet out of the kennel, send the kennel thru the scanner, and you walk with your pet in hand thru the magnetometer. i can't comment on what happens with non precheck.
4. my guess is that if your pet is 15# or under all should go well.
5. i have never sedated my dog although our flying times are usually less than 2 hours. my dog is very chill, with the exception the postman and other deliverymen.
happy traveling
Sep 15, 2016, 1:16 pm
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,517
It's been several years since my 16 pound terrier passed away, but I did fly with her a few times on AA. She could turn around but not stand up. Once or twice the ticket counter agent hemmed and hawed, but in the end relented and let her fly. But just in case you get an agent who is a stickler for the letter of the law, have a backup plan in mind.
Make sure you're not in the bulkhead.
Make sure you're not in the bulkhead.
Sep 15, 2016, 1:25 pm
#28
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Can someone walk me through the screening for having a dog in cabin with me? What should I expect? Can I be rejected?
I've gone over the basics and looks like my dog is just big enough to fit in a carrier, but cannot turnaround or stand fully in it. I've done some trial runs at home and he is fine for a couple of hours.
This is a 3hr FC segment that has few PAX due to departure time and location.
My dog is well trained enough to pull the service dog routine, but I don't want to be "that guy" if I don't have to. I will never entertain the thought of cargo for an animal either.
I've gone over the basics and looks like my dog is just big enough to fit in a carrier, but cannot turnaround or stand fully in it. I've done some trial runs at home and he is fine for a couple of hours.
This is a 3hr FC segment that has few PAX due to departure time and location.
My dog is well trained enough to pull the service dog routine, but I don't want to be "that guy" if I don't have to. I will never entertain the thought of cargo for an animal either.
Sep 15, 2016, 2:05 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: Double OWE (AA EXP, QF Plat), FI Gold
Posts: 1,887
I think I read that the carrier has to fit under the seat in front of you? So except for A321Ts which have a special space for pets in the first row of F, bulkheads wouldn't allow for that.
Oct 30, 2016, 11:03 am
#30
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Please see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...t-animals.html for discussion regarding service, psychiatric and emotional support animals.
Thank you,
Moderator
Thank you,
Moderator