How strict is American Airlines Pet Policy?

American Airlines is considered moderately to highly strict when it comes to flying with pets. While the airline does allow small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on many domestic and short international routes, it enforces clear limits on size, weight, carrier fit, routes, and availability. Larger pets face even stricter rules under American Airlines pet policy, as they must travel through American’s cargo program (PetEmbark) with breed restrictions and higher costs.

Many travelers run into issues not because pets are banned outright, but because American Airlines enforces its rules consistently at check-in and boarding. Simply paying the pet fee does not guarantee acceptance unless every requirement is met. Understanding how strict the policy is—and where flexibility ends—is essential before booking.

This guide explains how American Airlines’ pet policy works, why it is considered strict, and what travelers must do to avoid last-minute denial.

Quick Overview: How Strict Is American Airlines’ Pet Policy?

American Airlines allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on most domestic flights and select international routes for a $150 pet fee each way, provided the pet fits in an approved carrier under the seat. The airline strictly enforces weight limits (pet + carrier under 20 lbs), carrier size, route eligibility, and limited pet slots per flight. Larger pets must travel through American PetEmbark (cargo), where additional documentation, crate standards, and breed restrictions—especially for snub-nosed breeds—apply. Advance booking and careful compliance are required, as American Airlines verifies all pet requirements at airport check-in.

Why American Airlines Is Considered Strict With Pets

American Airlines’ pet policy feels strict because it combines multiple layers of control, rather than offering flexibility at the airport.

The airline is considered strict because:

• Pets must meet exact size and weight limits
• Carrier fit is checked physically at the airport
• Only a limited number of pets are allowed per flight
• Many routes do not allow in-cabin pets
• Cargo travel has absolute breed restrictions

Exceptions are rare under American Airlines, as these rules are applied consistently across all airports.

American Airlines In-Cabin Pet Policy (Dogs & Cats)

American Airlines allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, but only if they meet strict eligibility criteria.

In-Cabin Requirements:

• Accepted pets: Cats and small dogs only
• Minimum age: 8 weeks old
• Weight limit: Pet + carrier must be under 20 lbs (9 kg)
• Carrier: Must fit completely under the seat and remain closed
• Carrier type: Soft-sided carriers are recommended
• Fee: $150 each way

The pet carrier counts as your carry-on item, though American Airlines allows either a carry-on bag or a personal item in addition to the pet carrier, depending on fare type.

How Strict is American Airlines With Carry-On Pet Carriers?

American Airlines is very strict about carrier fit. While the airline publishes general size guidelines, what matters most is whether the carrier fully fits under the seat in front of you.

Agents will check:

• Under-seat fit (not just dimensions)
• Ventilation and structure
• Whether the pet can stand and turn comfortably

If your carrier does not fit under the seat, the airline may deny boarding even if you have already paid the pet fee.

Routes Where In-Cabin Pets Are Allowed

American Airlines allows in-cabin pets on:

• Most domestic U.S. flights
• Flights to Canada, Mexico, Central America
• Some Caribbean routes

In-cabin pets are not allowed on:

• Transatlantic flights
• Transpacific flights
• Certain long-haul international routes

Route restrictions are one of the main reasons travelers are surprised at check-in.

Does American Airlines allow pets internationally?

American Airlines allows pets to fly internationally only on select short-haul routes such as Canada, Mexico, Central America, and Puerto Rico, but does not permit in-cabin pets on transatlantic or transpacific flights, with all international travel requiring country-specific health and import documentation.

Where In-Cabin Pets Are Allowed Internationally

American Airlines generally allows in-cabin pets on flights to:

• Canada
• Mexico
• Central America
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Alaska
• Most destinations within the continental United States (excluding Hawaii)

Pets are not allowed in the cabin on long-haul international routes, including flights to Europe, Asia, South America, or across the Pacific or Atlantic.

Additional International Requirements

Even on eligible routes, international pet travel may require:

• Valid health certificates
• Proof of rabies vaccination
• Import permits or advance approvals
• Compliance with country-specific entry rules

American Airlines verifies your pet’s eligibility for the flight, but you are responsible for meeting destination country requirements. If you present a pet with missing or incorrect documentation, the airline will not accept the pet and is not liable.

What is the American Airlines Pet Cargo Policy (PetEmbark)?

Larger pets that cannot travel in the cabin must fly through American PetEmbark, the airline’s cargo program.

Key Cargo Rules:

• Dogs and cats only
• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old
• Combined pet + crate weight can be up to 100 lbs
• Travel is in a climate-controlled cargo hold
• Crates must meet IATA standards

Breed Restrictions:

American Airlines generally does not accept brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in cargo due to breathing risks. This includes breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats.

Special Rules for Military & State Department Travelers

Active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department personnel traveling on official orders may:

• Transport up to two pets as checked baggage
• Follow a separate set of rules from standard passengers

This exception does not apply to civilian travelers.

How Strict Are American Airlines Compared to Other Airlines?

American Airlines is stricter than airlines that allow:

• More flexible carrier sizing
• In-cabin pets on long-haul flights
• Easier cargo access for the general public

However, it is more flexible than airlines that ban pets entirely from the cabin.

Read Also → How Strict is Delta Pet Travel Policy?

Why Pets Get Denied on American Airlines Flights

The most common reasons pets are denied include:

• Carrier does not fit under the seat
• Pet exceeds weight limit
• Route does not allow in-cabin pets
• Cargo breed restrictions
• Limited pet slots already filled

Most denials happen at the airport, not during booking.

Final Verdict: How Strict Is American Airlines Pet Policy?

American Airlines is strict and consistently enforced when it comes to pet travel. The airline allows small cats and dogs to fly in the cabin for a $150 fee each way, but strictly applies a 20-lb combined pet-and-carrier limit, requires the carrier to fit fully under the seat, and limits the number of pets per flight. American Airlines does not allow in-cabin pets on transatlantic or transpacific routes, and the cargo program enforces strict breed restrictions, especially for snub-nosed pets. Travelers who plan ahead and meet every requirement usually fly without issues, but last-minute changes or oversized carriers often result in denial.

Related Posts

• United Pet Policy
• Delta Pet Policy
• Flights Help Center