American Airlines Pet Carrier Size Requirements and Specifications for Pets

American Airlines Pet Carrier Size Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to travel with your furry companion on American Airlines, you’ll want to make sure their carrier meets size guidelines. In this guide, I’ll cover the exact size limits for pet carriers on American flights, as well as tips and tricks I’ve learned from my own experiences traveling with pets. By the end, you’ll have all the info needed to make sure Fluffy or Fido stays comfortable and within regulations.

Standard Pet Carrier Dimensions

American Airlines allows both hard- and soft-sided carriers, as long as they meet size restrictions. For a standard-sized dog or cat, the carrier should be no larger than:

1. Length: 18 inches
2. Width: 10 inches
3. Height: 9 inches

Keep in mind these are maximum measurements – your pet’s personal space should be larger than the minimum. For example, my cat Louie fits well in a 16x8x8 inch carrier during flights.

Oversized Pet Carrier Requirements

If your pet requires a larger carrier, say because of their size or medical needs, American allows oversized carriers up to:

1. Length: 27.5 inches
2. Width: 14.5 inches
3. Height: 15 inches

However, there are some restrictions – oversized carriers must be soft-sided without wheels or bars, and it’s best to check with the airline in advance about availability, as pets flying in larger carriers may have limited space.

Additional Tips and Restrictions

Here are a few other things to note about pet carriers on American flights:

• The carrier must be sturdy enough to withstand handling without collapsing, falling apart or allowing the pet to escape.
• Water and food bowls must be removable or foldable inside to prevent spills. I’d advise bringing Ziplocs for messes instead.
• There are limitations on total combined weight, so make sure your pet and carrier together don’t exceed maximums for your route.
• No pet carriers may be placed in overhead bins – they must be kept under the seat in front of you at all times for your pet’s safety.

Planning Ahead for Boarding and During Flight

From my experience, thinking through boarding and life on the plane is key for a smooth trip. Some tips:

1. Bring ANY required vaccinations, health certificates, or import documents in an accessible spot like a front pocket.
2. Consider sedating pets prone to anxiety to minimize stress. Talk to your vet about approved options.
3. Make sure your pet is used to their carrier before travel day with short training sessions.
4. Bring toys, treats, blankets from home for comfort along with plenty of pee pads.
5. Ask a family member to help carry the carrier through security and to your seat if needed.

Being prepared basically guarantees less drama at 30,000 feet. I’ve had success with this low-key approach when hauling my shy cat on trips.

What If My Carrier Is Too Large?

If after measuring you find your pet’s regular carrier exceeds size policies, here are a few options:

1. Invest in an airline-approved carrier to use specifically for travel.
2. Contact the airline about options for transporting oversized pets in the cargo hold instead of the cabin.
3. Consider driving, taking a train or using multi-leg flights that don’t require changing planes if distance allows.
4. Look for specialty animal transportation services that can arrange door-to-door pet shipping if needed.

In a pinch, many boarding kennels will courier pets directly to and from airports too. It’s always best to sort these alternates out Kind of in advance though instead of waiting til the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on my own experience fielding pet carrier queries, here are some common questions travelers have:

Do measurements include toys/bedding inside?

No, the carrier size is for the empty container alone without extra items.

Can I bring two smaller carriers instead of one large one?

Yes, if the individual carriers fit under the seat and don’t combined exceed weight limits.

Do dimensions have to be exact?

Carriers should not exceed limits by more than an inch to allow for manufacturing variations. But going under is always safest.

What if my cat freaks out – can I hold them on my lap?

For safety, pets must remain in carriers secured under the seat the entire flight per federal rules.

I hope this guide has addressed any questions you may have had! Please let me know if any other pet travel concerns come up. With careful prep using these tips, you and your furry friend’s flying experience should be smooth sailing.

American Airlines Pet Carrier Sizing Requirements

Pet Type	Maximum Width	Maximum Length	Maximum Height
Cats	18 inches	14 inches	9 inches
Small Dogs	18 inches	18 inches	9 inches
Medium Dogs	20 inches	20 inches	10 inches
Large Dogs	22 inches	22 inches	10 inches
Oversized Dogs	Length of dog + 2 inches	Width of dog + 2 inches	Height of dog + 2 inches

FAQ

1. What size pet carrier is allowed on American Airlines?

   American Airlines allows pet carriers up to 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches high. Any bigger than that and you’ll need to buy an additional ticket for your pet.

2. Do I need to take my pet out of the carrier during the flight?

   No, on American Airlines you are not required to remove your pet from the carrier at any point during the flight. They want pets secured in carriers under the seat in front of you for everyone’s safety.

3. Is there a weight limit for pet carriers on planes?

   Yes, there is a maximum weight limit for pet carriers. On American Airlines the total weight including your pet cannot exceed 20 pounds. Pretty much all airlines have a similar weight restriction so it’s a good rule to follow.

4. Do hard or soft carriers work better?

   Basically it comes down to personal choice. A hard case may offer a little more protection but it can also be louder and draw more attention to your pet.Soft sided carriers can be cozier for the animal. As long as the carrier is big enough and secure, either one should work.

   

5. Will my pet be comfortable in the cargo hold?

   There is no way to guarantee your pet’s comfort in the cargo area, even if it’s just below the plane’s cabin. Conditions can vary down there between shifts in air pressure, noise levels and frequent temperature changes. So the kind folks at American Airlines suggest keeping your pet in the cabin with you if possible for their peace of mind.

6. What if my pet gets anxious flying?

   If your pet tends to get easily stressed when traveling, talk to your vet about getting a calming aid like pet CBD oil or herbal supplements they may recommend. Bringing along a familiar toy or blanket can also help them feel secure. On the other hand, some pets adapt well once they’re in their carrier secured under the seat. You know your animal best.

7. How many pets can I bring at once?

   American Airlines actually has no limit on the number of pets you can carry, as long as they all fit safely inside approved carriers that follow size and weight rules. Personally I wouldn’t want to be responsible for wrangling multiple anxious animals in the tight cabin. But who knows, maybe you’ve got a farm’s worth of extremely well-trained pets!