American Airlines is the world’s largest airline by fleet size, and they offer pet travel options for both cabin and cargo. Here’s everything you need to know about flying with your dog on American.

The Quick Answer

In-Cabin

Cargo (American Airlines Cargo PetEmbark)

In-Cabin Pet Policy

What’s Allowed

American allows cats and dogs in the cabin on most domestic flights and select international routes.

• One carrier per passenger
• Pet must stay in carrier under the seat for the entire flight
• Carrier counts as carry-on — You still get one personal item
• Small dogs only — Must fit completely in carrier under the seat

Weight Limits

American doesn’t have a strict weight limit but does have carrier size limits:

• Max carrier size: 19" L x 13" W x 9" H

Your pet must fit comfortably in a carrier that fits under the seat. Realistically, this means dogs under ~20 lbs, though 15-18 lbs is more comfortable.

Carrier Requirements

• Soft-sided or hard-sided (soft-sided recommended for flexibility)
• Leak-proof
• Well-ventilated
• Pet must be able to stand and turn around
• Must stay closed during the entire flight

In-Cabin Fees

Round-trip domestic = $300 total.

How to Book (In-Cabin)

1. Book your flight first on aa.com or by phone
2. Call American to add your pet — 1-800-433-7300
3. Or add at check-in — Arrive early and inform the agent

You cannot add a pet online during booking. You must call or do it at the airport.

Limit: American restricts pets per flight. Call early to confirm space.

Cargo: American Airlines PetEmbark

American’s cargo pet program is called PetEmbark. It’s for pets too large to fly in the cabin.

How PetEmbark Works

• Book through American Airlines Cargo
• Your pet travels in a pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold
• You drop off at the American Cargo facility (separate from passenger terminal)
• Pick up at the destination cargo facility

PetEmbark Requirements

PetEmbark Restrictions

Breed Restrictions (Cargo)

American has extensive breed restrictions for cargo — more than most airlines.

Snub-nosed breeds banned from cargo:

• Affenpinscher
• American Bully
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldog (all types)
• Cane Corso
• Chow Chow
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Chin
• Lhasa Apso
• Mastiff (all types)
• Pekingese
• Pit Bull
• Presa Canario
• Pug
• Shar-Pei
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Spaniel
• And mixed breeds of the above

Note: American also restricts some “strong dog” breeds from cargo due to crate escape concerns. Check with American Cargo for the current list.

PetEmbark Fees

Fees vary by:

• Route
• Crate size
• Pet weight

Expect $200-$500 for domestic routes. International can be significantly more. Contact American Airlines Cargo for a quote.

Tips for Flying American with Your Dog

For In-Cabin

1. Call early — Pet spots fill up quickly
2. Measure your carrier — 19" x 13" x 9" max
3. Choose window seats — More under-seat space
4. Avoid bulkhead and exit rows — No under-seat storage
5. Book direct flights — Connections add stress
6. Tire out your dog — Exercise before the airport

For PetEmbark Cargo

1. Check breed restrictions first — American’s list is extensive
2. Book direct flights only — Minimize risk
3. Avoid extreme weather seasons — Embargoes are common summer and winter
4. Use an IATA-compliant crate — Properly sized with ventilation on all sides
5. Don’t sedate your dog — Increases health risks at altitude
6. Confirm multiple times — Call American Cargo to verify everything

TSA Process

Same as all airlines:

1. Remove your dog from the carrier
2. Carrier goes through the X-ray machine
3. Carry your dog through the metal detector
4. Put your dog back in the carrier on the other side

Keep your dog on a leash during this process in case they try to bolt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy my dog a seat?

No. Pets cannot occupy seats on American Airlines. Small pets must be in a carrier under the seat. Large pets must use PetEmbark cargo.

Can I bring two dogs?

Only if traveling with another ticketed passenger. Each passenger can bring one pet in one carrier.

What if my dog is a snub-nosed breed but fits in a cabin carrier?

Snub-nosed breeds ARE allowed in the cabin — the restrictions only apply to cargo. If your French Bulldog fits under the seat, you can fly in-cabin.

Are emotional support animals free?

No. American only provides accommodations for trained service dogs. Emotional support animals are treated as pets and subject to fees.

Can I fly internationally with my dog?

In-cabin is available on some international routes. Cargo is more widely available but complex. You’ll need to meet the destination country’s import requirements (health certificate, microchip, vaccines, and possibly quarantine).

What’s the youngest a puppy can fly?

8 weeks old minimum, and must be weaned.

The Bottom Line

American Airlines works well for small dogs flying in cabin. The $150 fee is standard, and the 19" x 13" x 9" carrier limit is slightly more generous than some competitors.

For larger dogs, PetEmbark cargo is available but has extensive breed restrictions — more than Delta or United. If you have a bully breed, mastiff, or other restricted type, American cargo is not an option.

For most medium and large dog owners, driving remains the practical choice.

Read next: Southwest Pet Policy | Delta Pet Policy | United Pet Policy