How Much is a Pet Fee for Flying? – American Airlines Pet Travel Guide

Flying with a pet on American Airlines comes with a clear but strictly enforced fee structure. While the airline allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin, the pet fee is charged per carrier, per direction, and approval depends on meeting all size, carrier, and route rules at airport check-in. Many travelers assume paying the fee guarantees acceptance, but American Airlines verifies eligibility in person before boarding.

American Airlines treats pet travel as a special service, not standard baggage. This means the cost is predictable, but flexibility is limited. Understanding how much the pet fee is, how it applies to domestic and international flights, and when different pricing rules apply can help travelers avoid last-minute denial or unexpected costs.

This guide explains exactly how much American Airlines charges for pets, how the fees work for in-cabin, checked, and cargo travel, and why the policy feels strict compared to other airlines.

Understanding How much is American Airlines Pet Fees for Flying in Details

American Airlines charges a $150 pet fee each way for small cats and dogs traveling in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat, with strict size, weight, and route restrictions enforced at check-in. Checked pet travel is limited to active-duty U.S. military and State Department personnel at $200 per kennel, while larger pets must travel via American Airlines Cargo, where fees vary by destination and pet size. Trained service animals fly free of charge, and pet space is limited per flight, so travelers are advised to confirm availability and requirements in advance at +1 (866) 558-3017.

Key points at a glance:

• In-cabin pets: $150 per carrier, per direction
• Allowed animals: Cats and small dogs only
• Carrier requirement: Must fit under the seat and stay closed at all times
• Checked pets: $200 per kennel (limited to military/State Dept. travelers)
• Cargo pets: Fees vary by destination and pet size
• Service animals: Travel free under separate DOT rules
• Availability: Limited number of pets per flight.

How Much Is the American Airlines Pet Fee for In-Cabin Travel?

For most passengers, in-cabin travel is the only available option for flying with a pet on American Airlines. The airline charges a flat pet fee that applies regardless of ticket price, fare type, or cabin class. There are no discounted pet fees for round-trip bookings, first class, or elite status.

Importantly, paying the fee does not automatically secure approval. Final acceptance depends on carrier fit, pet size, and route eligibility, all of which are verified at airport check-in.

In-Cabin Pet Fee (Most Passengers)

• Fee: $150 per carrier, each way
• Applies to: Small cats and dogs only
• Charged: Per direction (round-trip = $300 total)
• Carrier rule: Must fit completely under the seat

The pet carrier replaces a standard carry-on bag. Depending on your fare, you may still be allowed one personal item, but oversized carriers or extra carry-ons can result in denial.

American Airlines Carry-On Pet Fee Explained

The in-cabin pet fee is often referred to as a carry-on pet fee because the carrier takes the place of a standard carry-on bag. American Airlines focuses less on published dimensions and more on actual under-seat fit.

Gate agents commonly check:

• Whether the carrier slides fully under the seat
• Ventilation and structure
• Pet comfort and containment

If the carrier does not fit properly, boarding may be denied even if the pet fee has already been paid.

American Airlines Pet Cargo Fees (PetEmbark Program)

American Airlines transports pets that cannot travel in the cabin through its PetEmbark cargo program, and cargo fees vary based on distance, destination, and pet size.

Cargo travel involves:

• Separate booking through American Airlines Cargo
• IATA-approved rigid kennels
• Climate-controlled transport
• Significantly higher costs than in-cabin travel

American Airlines generally does not accept snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds in cargo due to breathing and heat risks.

Checked Pet Fee ($200) – Military & State Department Only

American Airlines allows checked pet travel only for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department personnel traveling on official orders.

For eligible travelers:

• Fee: $200 per kennel, each way
• Up to two compatible pets may share one kennel

This option is not available to civilian passengers.

American Airlines Pet Fee for Domestic Flights

On domestic U.S. flights, American Airlines applies the same in-cabin pet fee structure across most routes. Domestic travel offers the highest availability for pets, but each aircraft allows only a limited number of animals in the cabin.

American Airlines charges:

• $150 each way for in-cabin pets on domestic routes

Even on domestic flights, the airline strictly enforces carrier size and under-seat fit. Booking early improves your chances of securing a pet slot, especially on busy travel dates.

American Airlines Pet Fee for International Flights

International pet travel on American Airlines is more restrictive than domestic travel. While the in-cabin pet fee remains $150 each way on eligible routes, pets are not allowed in the cabin on all international flights.

Where In-Cabin Pets Are Allowed

American Airlines permits in-cabin pets on select short-haul international routes, including:

• Canada
• Mexico
• Central America
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands

Pets are not permitted in the cabin on transatlantic or transpacific flights, regardless of fee payment.

In addition to airline rules, international travel requires country-specific health certificates, rabies vaccination records, and import permits. The traveler—not the airline—is responsible if a pet is denied entry upon arrival.

Is the American Airlines Pet Fee Ever Waived?

Yes, but only in limited cases. Trained service animals fly free of charge under a separate DOT-regulated policy. Emotional support animals no longer qualify for fee waivers and are treated as standard pets.

American Airlines Pet Fee for Round-Trip Flights

American Airlines charges the pet fee per direction, not per itinerary.

• One-way flight: $150+ (additional chargers)
• Round-trip flight: $300 + (additional chargers)

The airline charges the fee separately for outbound and return segments, even when travelers use the same aircraft both ways.

Why Do American Airlines Pet Fees Feel Strict?

American Airlines’ pet fee policy is often described as strict because the airline enforces eligibility, carrier rules, and route restrictions just as carefully as the fee itself. Unlike airlines that offer flexibility once payment is made, American Airlines treats the pet fee as conditional—meaning final approval depends on meeting every requirement at airport check-in, not simply paying the charge in advance.

Travelers commonly feel the policy is strict for the following reasons:

• The airline charges fees per direction, increasing the total cost for round-trip travel
• Airport staff physically check the carrier fit at the airport instead of relying on online review
• The airline limits international route options, especially for long-haul flights
• Cargo travel includes absolute breed bans, particularly for snub-nosed pets
• Paying the pet fee does not guarantee acceptance, as eligibility is verified in person

This approach gives travelers clear and consistent guidance, but limited flexibility forces them to prepare carefully to avoid denial.

Final Verdict: How Much Is the American Airlines Pet Fee?

American Airlines charges a $150 in-cabin pet fee each way for small cats and dogs on eligible routes, with higher and variable costs for checked and cargo travel. While the pricing itself is straightforward, strict enforcement of carrier size, route eligibility, and limited pet slots means travelers must plan carefully. Booking early and confirming requirements in advance is essential for a smooth experience.

Related Posts

• Delta Pet Fee
• JetBlue Pet Fee
• Flights Help Center