Travelling with Pets

Whether you choose to travel with your pet as checked baggage, carry-on or transport them via cargo, your trip is our priority, that’s why we’re giving you all the answers to many common questions on traveling with pets. Please note that as US Airways doesn’t currently accept checked pets, we're not able to connect your pets on flights operated by US Airways.

What type of pet can you travel with?

With the exception of a few breed restrictions, you can only travel with cats and dogs. Please note that we have the right to refuse any animal that is behaving aggressively.

Which destinations allow travel with pets?

Traveling with a pet is allowed*:

You cannot travel with a pet on flights longer than 12 hours* or flights to or from:

Destination restrictions

Depending on your travel destination, there are special restrictions which may apply to you when traveling with a pet.

What you need to do / requirements

Whether you’re traveling with your pet as carry-on or they’re being checked, it helps us coordinate their travel accommodation if you contact Reservations in advance. This lets us notify you of any requirements or travel changes that may affect you and your pet.

Checked pets

You can travel with up to 2 checked pets that are at least 8 weeks old. Please note that as capacity is limited, we accept checked pets on a first-come basis. When checking a pet, you’ll need to:

To ensure the health and safety of your pet, the health certificate you provide must be issued by a vet either:

On a connecting flight?

If you’re traveling on a connecting flight, your checked pets will only be able to connect through one of our hub cities:

If you’re connecting between American and another airline, please note that you’ll need to claim and recheck your pet to each airplane and pay applicable charges to each carrier.

Kennel guidelines

When checking in your pet, there are specific requirements for the kennel they’re transported in.

Food and water

Due to Federal Regulations, you’ll need to provide written certification that:

You’ll also need to provide feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period. Unless specified by a vet, you cannot leave instructions saying “no food or water”

Sedation

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, due to respiratory and cardiovascular problems cause by altitude pressures, in most cases, you shouldn’t give your pet any sedatives or tranquilizers before flying.

If your pet is sedated, at check-in, you’ll need to give one of our agents:

Carry-on pets*

When traveling on an American Airlines flight, you can bring one pet kennel as your carry-on bag if:

When traveling on an American Eagle flight, you can take up to 2 kennels depending on the airplane. Please note that we can only accept up to 7 kennels per flight**, you’ll need to contact Reservations to make arrangements in advance.