Pet Fees as Checked Baggage

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 28 views

Introduction

When traveling with your furry friends, it's essential to understand the pet fees and policies of your airline. American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, and it has specific rules and regulations regarding pets in the cabin and as checked baggage. In this article, we'll delve into the pet fees charged by American Airlines and provide you with valuable information to help you plan your next trip with your pet.

Pet Fees in the Cabin

American Airlines charges a $150 pet fee each way for small cats and dogs traveling in the cabin. This fee applies to pets that weigh 20 pounds or less and fit in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier must be soft-sided and meet the airline's size and weight requirements.

Pet Fees as Checked Baggage

If your pet is too large to fit in the cabin, you can check it as baggage. American Airlines charges a $200 pet fee each way for checked pets. This fee applies to pets that weigh more than 20 pounds or do not fit in an airline-approved carrier.

Pet Carrier Requirements

To ensure the safety and comfort of your pet, American Airlines has specific requirements for pet carriers. The carrier must be:

Soft-sided
Meet the airline's size and weight requirements
Fit under the seat in front of you (for pets traveling in the cabin)
Have a secure, escape-proof closure
Have adequate ventilation
Be made of durable, non-toxic materials

Pet Travel Documents

When traveling with your pet, you'll need to provide the following documents:

A health certificate for your pet, issued within 10 days of travel
A rabies vaccination certificate
A USDA-issued export permit (if traveling internationally)
A carrier that meets the airline's requirements

Pet Travel Restrictions

American Airlines has specific restrictions on pet travel, including:

Pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights to or from the UK, Ireland, or Australia
Pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights that operate as a codeshare with another airline
Pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights that have a layover of more than 4 hours

Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

To ensure a smooth and stress-free trip with your pet, follow these tips:

Book your pet's travel well in advance to ensure availability
Choose a flight with a shorter layover to minimize your pet's travel time
Pack your pet's favorite toys and treats to keep them calm and comfortable
Consider hiring a pet travel service to help with the logistics of traveling with your pet

Conclusion

Traveling with your pet can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. By understanding American Airlines' pet fees and policies, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free trip with your furry friend. Remember to book your pet's travel well in advance, choose a flight with a shorter layover, and pack your pet's favorite toys and treats to keep them calm and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum weight limit for pets traveling in the cabin? A: The maximum weight limit for pets traveling in the cabin is 20 pounds.
Q: What is the maximum size limit for pet carriers? A: The maximum size limit for pet carriers is 18.5 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches tall.
Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a layover of more than 4 hours? A: No, pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights that have a layover of more than 4 hours.

Additional Resources

Introduction

Traveling with your pet can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. American Airlines has specific rules and regulations regarding pets in the cabin and as checked baggage. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about American Airlines' pet travel policies and fees.

Q&A

Q: What is the pet fee for traveling in the cabin?

A: The pet fee for traveling in the cabin is $150 each way for small cats and dogs that weigh 20 pounds or less and fit in an airline-approved carrier.

Q: What is the pet fee for checked baggage?

A: The pet fee for checked baggage is $200 each way for pets that weigh more than 20 pounds or do not fit in an airline-approved carrier.

Q: What are the requirements for pet carriers?

A: Pet carriers must be soft-sided, meet the airline's size and weight requirements, fit under the seat in front of you (for pets traveling in the cabin), have a secure, escape-proof closure, have adequate ventilation, and be made of durable, non-toxic materials.

Q: What documents do I need to travel with my pet?

A: You'll need to provide a health certificate for your pet, issued within 10 days of travel, a rabies vaccination certificate, a USDA-issued export permit (if traveling internationally), and a carrier that meets the airline's requirements.

Q: Are there any restrictions on pet travel?

A: Yes, pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights to or from the UK, Ireland, or Australia, and pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights that operate as a codeshare with another airline.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a layover of more than 4 hours?

A: No, pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights that have a layover of more than 4 hours.

Q: How far in advance should I book my pet's travel?

A: It's recommended to book your pet's travel at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability.

Q: Can I hire a pet travel service to help with the logistics of traveling with my pet?

A: Yes, American Airlines offers a pet travel service that can help with the logistics of traveling with your pet.

Q: What if my pet gets sick or injured during travel?

A: American Airlines has a pet travel insurance program that can provide coverage for your pet in case of illness or injury during travel.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a pet-free section?

A: No, pets are not allowed in pet-free sections of the aircraft.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a pet-friendly section?

A: Yes, pets are allowed in pet-friendly sections of the aircraft, but you'll need to book a pet-friendly seat and follow the airline's pet travel policies.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a layover in a country that requires a health certificate?

A: Yes, but you'll need to obtain a health certificate for your pet from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a layover in a country that requires a USDA-issued export permit?

A: Yes, but you'll need to obtain a USDA-issued export permit for your pet before traveling.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a layover in a country that requires a rabies vaccination certificate?

A: Yes, but you'll need to obtain a rabies vaccination certificate for your pet before traveling.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a layover in a country that requires a health certificate and a USDA-issued export permit?

A: Yes, but you'll need to obtain both a health certificate and a USDA-issued export permit for your pet before traveling.

Q: Can I bring my pet on a flight that has a layover in a country that requires a health certificate, a USDA-issued export permit, and a rabies vaccination certificate?

A: Yes, but you'll need to obtain all three documents for your pet before traveling.

Conclusion

Traveling with your pet can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. By understanding American Airlines' pet travel policies and fees, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free trip with your furry friend. Remember to book your pet's travel well in advance, choose a flight with a shorter layover, and pack your pet's favorite toys and treats to keep them calm and comfortable.

Additional Resources

For more information on American Airlines' pet policies and fees, visit their website at www.aa.com. You can also contact their customer service department at 1-800-433-7300 for assistance with booking your pet's travel.