Airline pet policies / American Airlines
American Airlines pet policy: cabin, hold and fees
American Airlines accepts dogs and cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. Fees, carrier sizes, breed rules and how to book, checked against the official policy.
Checked against the official page · 15 Oct 2026| Pets in the cabin | Yes: Dog, Cat |
|---|---|
| Cabin weight limit | No fixed limit: the pet must fit in an under-seat carrier |
| Cabin carrier | soft 46 × 28 × 28 cm (18 × 11 × 11 in, fits all flights); hard 48 × 33 × 22 cm (19 × 13 × 9 in) on mainline, 40 × 30 × 20 cm (16 × 12 × 8 in) on American Eagle |
| Good to know | No general weight limit, except on the A321T: pet + carrier max 9 kg (20 lb), weighed at check-in. Some A321XLR, 777 and 787 cabins have no under-seat space: check your seat. Max 20 carriers per flight. |
| Pets in the hold | As cargo only |
| Fees | Cabin USD 150 per kennel each way (US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean) |
| How to book | Add with Reservations |
| Cargo and other animals | Larger pets: American Airlines Cargo. |
- No carry-on pets to Hawaii.
- Checked pets only for US military and State Department staff on orders.
Here is the American Airlines pet policy in plain English, checked against the official American Airlines page on 15 Oct 2026. American Airlines accepts dogs and cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. Below, you’ll find what it means for your trip, plus a short checklist before you book.
American Airlines pet policy for the cabin
On American Airlines, dogs and cats can travel with you in the cabin. There is no fixed weight limit, but your pet must fit comfortably in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Carrier rules: soft 46 × 28 × 28 cm (18 × 11 × 11 in, fits all flights); hard 48 × 33 × 22 cm (19 × 13 × 9 in) on mainline, 40 × 30 × 20 cm (16 × 12 × 8 in) on American Eagle. Also note: No general weight limit, except on the A321T: pet + carrier max 9 kg (20 lb), weighed at check-in. Some A321XLR, 777 and 787 cabins have no under-seat space: check your seat. Max 20 carriers per flight.
Pets in the hold and as cargo on American Airlines
American Airlines does not carry pets in the hold as checked baggage. Larger pets: American Airlines Cargo.
Fees and how to book a pet on American Airlines
Fee: Cabin USD 150 per kennel each way (US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean). How to book: Add with Reservations. Fees can change, so check the final amount when you book.
Before you book: American Airlines pet policy checklist
- First, weigh your pet together with its carrier or kennel, because airlines check the total weight at the airport.
- Next, check the entry rules of your destination, such as microchip, rabies vaccine and health papers. Our pet travel requirements page links to the official sources.
- Then, book your pet at the same time as your own seat, since pet places on each flight are limited.
- Finally, confirm the details on the official American Airlines pet policy page, because rules and fees can change.
Comparing airlines? See all 62 airline pet policies on one page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my pet in the cabin on American Airlines?
Yes. American Airlines accepts dog, cat in the cabin. There is no fixed weight limit, but the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Carrier: soft 46 × 28 × 28 cm (18 × 11 × 11 in, fits all flights); hard 48 × 33 × 22 cm (19 × 13 × 9 in) on mainline, 40 × 30 × 20 cm (16 × 12 × 8 in) on American Eagle.
How much does it cost to fly with a pet on American Airlines?
Cabin USD 150 per kennel each way (US, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean). Fees change often, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
This summary is a guide, not legal or veterinary advice. Airlines change their rules often: always confirm with American Airlines before you book. Your destination country may have extra entry rules.