TravelPirates
Profile
Impressions and Other Assets/psb_background_picture
Search & Book Your Dream VacationFind hotels, flights & more
Search & Book Your Dream Vacation
Origin
Destination
-

Hand-picked deals by our pirate team

Get inspired!

Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
TravelPirates
Profile
TravelPirates

Hand-picked deals by our pirate team

Get inspired!

Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
2 dogs

Your Guide to Flying with Pets on American Airlines in the USA

For pet parents, it can be heartbreaking to leave your furry friend at home while you travel or go on vacation. We've looked into the most animal-friendly airline policies, including weight limit, size of the carrier, and any additional charges.

Unlike some countries, in the USA, our options are a bit more limited when it comes to flying with dogs, as pets cannot always be in the cabin. They must go into the hold. Only a select few American airlines have such dog-friendly cargo holds, so we've rounded up those for you. We've also found some pet-friendly American airlines that allow for intercontinental travel with your furry friends.

One thing we have noticed is that the weight allowance on US flights can be quite low for all airlines, so if you're a big animal lover who has a chunky slab of a labrador for a dog, you might be a bit stuck. But if your pet is 20 pounds or less, you're good to go.

Published by
Sophie_Coderre·5/25/2023
Share

American airlines pet policy: Traveling with dogs

1. American Airlines:

  • How many: 2 pets per passenger

  • Pets allowed: dogs and cats

  • Maximum weight: 100lbs, including carrier

  • Additional fee: $150 for small dog or cat in the cabin

2. Delta Air Lines:

  • How many: 2 pets per passenger

  • Pets allowed: dogs and cats

  • Maximum weight: 20lbs, including carrier

  • Additional fee: $95 for small dog or cat in the cabin

3. Southwest Airlines:

  • How many: 2 pets per passenger

  • Pets allowed: dogs and cats

  • Maximum weight: 100lbs, including carrier

  • Additional fee: $125 for small dog or cat in the cabin

4. United Airlines:

  • How many: 2 pets per passenger

  • Pets allowed: dogs and cats

  • Maximum weight: 99.99lbs, including carrier

  • Additional fee: $125 for small dog or cat in the cabin

5. JetBlue Airways:

  • How many: 2 pets per passenger

  • Pets allowed: dogs and cats

  • Maximum weight: 100lbs, including carrier

  • Additional fee: $150 for small dog or cat in the cabin

6. Alaska Airlines:

  • How many: 2 pets per passenger

  • Pets allowed: dogs and cats

  • Maximum weight: 150lbs, including carrier

  • Additional fee: $100 for small dog or cat in the cabin

7. Spirit Airlines:

  • How many: 2 pets per passenger

  • Pets allowed: dogs and cats

  • Maximum weight: 40lbs, including carrier

  • Additional fee: $110 for small dog or cat in the cabin

Please note that American airline pet policies may change at any time. For more information, please visit the website of the American airline pet policy you are interested in.

Pet policy american airlines: Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel:

Before booking your flight, make sure your pet is ready for air travel. Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth journey:

  • Visit the vet: Make sure your pet is in good health for travel. Some airlines require a health certificate, and it’s always good to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations.

  • Get the right carrier: Ensure the carrier is comfortable and meets airline specifications. Your pet should have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down.

  • Training: If your pet isn’t used to traveling, try taking short trips before the big flight. This helps them adjust to the carrier and get used to being in new environments.

  • Packing essentials: Bring along any items your pet may need, such as food, water, and medications. Make sure they’re easily accessible during travel.

  • Timing: If possible, book a direct flight. Fewer layovers and transfers reduce the chances of stress and delay for your pet. Some flights with various American airlines may even attract additional fees with long layovers.

With the right preparation, both you and your pet can enjoy a safe and stress-free flight.

American airlines traveling with pets

When traveling with your furry companion, it’s important to choose an airline that suits both your pet’s needs and your own. While the options may be limited compared to other countries, there are still several American airlines that offer pet-friendly policies for in-cabin travel. Always remember to check the specific requirements for your pet’s size, weight, and carrier dimensions before booking your flight.

Additionally, consider the additional fees and ensure you’re aware of any regulations that may change from time to time. By planning ahead, you can make sure your pet has a comfortable journey, and you can enjoy your travels knowing your furry friend is close by.

Report a legal concern

We value your privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .

You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalized content. To deny, .