American Airlines Dog Travel Policy for 2022
If you’re planning to fly American Airlines with your furry friend in 2022, here’s everything you need to know about their current dog travel policies. In this detailed guide, I’ll cover the types of dogs allowed, size and weight limits, crate requirements, fees, and important travel tips. By the end, you’ll have all the information to ensure a smooth flying experience with your canine companion.
What Types of Dogs Are Allowed?
American Airlines will accept both cats and dogs traveling in the aircraft cabin. However, there are some stipulations on the type of dog:
- Only domesticated dogs (no exotic or wild animals) are permitted in the cabin
- Emotional support animals or psychiatric service animals are allowed if specific documentation requirements are met
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel
So in summary – your average domesticated dog breeds like Labs, Poodles, Huskies etc. are all fine to bring onboard as long as they meet size and documentation standards. Always check with American ahead of your flight to avoid any surprises.
Size & Weight Limitations
American has strict size limits on dogs traveling in cabin – they must be able to sit comfortably in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you without overflowing. The maximum allowable dimensions are:
- Length + width + height = 18 inches or less when adding all three sides together
- Or the carrier can be a soft-sided bag that fits completely under the seat
As for weight, dogs must not exceed 20 pounds total. This includes the weight of the carrier. So keep your furry friend’s diet in check if they’re borderline! Puppies under 6 months can weigh up to 6 pounds extra at a maximum of 26 pounds total.
Crate Requirements
To ensure safety during the flight, all dogs must be properly secured in an FAA-approved hard-sided or soft-sided kennel. The kennel needs to be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
It’s a good idea to take your dog in their kennel on a test flight to get them accustomed to it before the big trip. Look for crates labeled ” airflow” or “ventilation” to avoid overheating. I’d also avoid mesh-sided kennels that could allow paws to stick out.
Fees and Reservations
American charges a non-refundable fee PER DIRECTION for transporting animals in the cabin. The 2022 fees are:
- $125 each way for flights within the U.S. and Latin America
- $150 each way for flights to/from Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico
- $200 each way for international flights
You must reserve an animal ticket at least 48 hours before departure. At check-in, you’ll provide vet health papers and vaccination records. Consider booking early as there is a limit of up to 3 pets per flight.
Tips for a Stress-Free Pet Flying Experience
Follow these tips to help keep your pet calm and comfortable during the trip:
- Get your dog used to their crate before flying with positive reinforcement and treats
- Bring food, water, toys and absorbent training pads in your carry-on
- Sedate anxious pets only under veterinary advice
- Avoid giving food the day of travel; bring bland snacks like crackers instead
- Dress casually without luggage to reduce checkpoint stress
Remember that emotional support animals have extra rights like flying fee-free, but still need valid health records and training. Always reach out to American ahead of time with any other questions!
My Experience Flying with a Dog
As someone who has flown cross-country with dogs multiple times, I can say it’s best to be over-prepared. From my experience, dogs tend to get anxious more easily in unfamiliar airport environments compared to cars.
One time, my frenchie pup Charlie absolutely refused to go in his crate at checkout – he was clearly intimidated by the airport commotion. It took some coaxing with treats before he finally went in. I ended up missing my original flight! Now I always allow a buffer of an extra hour just in case of stubborn pups.
I also once had a problem where Charlie’s papers showed he was half a pound over the weight limit. Thankfully, with some gentle persuasion from treats, he was able to poop right then and there to get under! The airline staff fortunately took pity on us. Moral of the story – always double check documents and weights ahead of time.
Overall though, with thorough preparation and by following the major carriers’ rules to a T, flying with pets is perfectly doable. Just go in with patience for potential unexpected situations beyond your control when animals are involved. Safe travels to all furry flyers out there!
Additional FAQs
Here are the answers to some other common questions passengers have:
Can I sit with my pet in the cabin?
No, for safety reasons pets must travel in their carrier under the seat or in the cargo hold. You can’t have them on your lap or outside the carrier during flight.
What countries allow pets as carry-on?
Many countries allow pets, but some like Australia have strict quarantine laws. Always check entry requirements for your destination to avoid trouble at customs.
Are there any restrictions on service or support animals?
Yes, they may need extra training documentation depending on the destination country. Make sure to research any access requirements very carefully to avoid denied boarding.
What if my pet suddenly seems sick before the return flight?
Contact your vet right away to assess if flying is safe. With a medical note, most airlines can rebook the animal for a later flight once recovered. But don’t risk their health unnecessarily.
In closing, with diligent planning and by strictly adhering to all American Airlines animal transport guidelines, flying with dogs is totally doable for responsible pet owners. Let me know if any other pet travel issues come up!
“American Airlines’ Dog Policy as of 2022”
| Dog Breed | Carrier Size | Number Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs under 20 lbs | Hard-sided carrier that fits under seat | Maximum 2 dogs per passenger |
| Dogs over 20 lbs | Soft-sided carrier that fits in cargo | Maximum 2 dogs per passenger |
| Emotional Support/Service Animals | No carrier required | Maximum 1 animal per passenger |
| Puppies under 6 months | Hard-sided carrier | Maximum 2 puppies per passenger |
FAQ
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What animals is American allowed on flights?
American Airlines basically allows dogs and cats on domestic flights as long as they meet certain carrier size and health requirements. Larger pets like snakes or squirrels are typically banned from the cabin and must be checked as cargo.
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Do I need to buy a ticket for my pet?
Yes, pets traveling in the cabin with their owners need their own ticket. Pets are treated like extra “passengers” by the airline. At the same time, check your dates carefully – blackout dates exist when no pets are allowed in the cabin.
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What size carrier is required?
For safety reasons, American requires pets to be kept in an FAA-approved hard-sided carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you. Carriers cannot exceed 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Make sure to check your particular animal fits, or it will not be permitted in the cabin regardless of size.
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Are there any health documents needed?
Yup, to fly in the cabin your pet will need current vaccination records and a health certificate from your vet. The paperwork must be signed and dated within 1 year of your travel dates. Without the proper evidence of shots, your furry friend may not be cleared to board the plane with you.
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What if my pet is too big for the cabin?
If Rover is too huge and doesn’t squish into an approved carrier, he’ll have to be checked as cargo instead of joining you in the main cabin. Nevertheless, there are size and temperament tests he must first pass. You also need to allow more lead time to coordinate his trip. In addition, fees are higher and stress likely greater for the big guy.
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How do blackout dates work?
During certain very busy times of the year, American implements blackout dates when no pets are allowed in the main cabin at all. Usually this involves major holidays. You must check cargo instead, which can be an awful lot more expensive. Therefore, if traveling with pets, thoroughly check the calendar of blocked travel days before booking flights.
On the other hand, small dogs and cats under 20 pounds are sort of treated like infants – they can travel free of charge in your lap throughout the whole plane. Kinda neat if you’ve got an itty-bitty pooch or feline. Of course, like human babies they’ll need to behave for the whole flight. Yikes, can you imagine if someone’s pet started barking uncontrollably at 35,000 feet? That might freak some people out big time!
To summarize, as long as you and your pet basically follow the guidelines for carrier size, health docs, blackout dates, and any other specifics – American Airlines will let most dogs and cats fly in the cabin. Just be sure to check everything carefully first before heading to the airport. Nobody wants any nasty surprises or extra costs once you’re all checked in and at the gate. I hope this overview of their policies helps you and Fido have a good trip! Let me know if any other questions come up.