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Traveling with your pet on the world's largest airline
American Airlines has long been the largest airline not only in the United States, but in the world. This held true even more after mergers with TWA and US Airways.
American Airlines has always been one of the best airlines when traveling with your animal, especially when it comes to an emotional support animal.
Unfortunately though, on January 11th, 2022, American Airlines has since restricted travel with emotional support animals. You are still allowed to travel with your service animals, as long as they fit the definition of what a service animal is.
Let’s take a look at the different ways you can travel with your pet and some of the general rules and restrictions on American Airlines.
Carry-On Pets
- You pay the required fee for carry-on pets
- The animal remains in the kennel, under the front passenger seat for the duration of the flight
PetEmbark (Cargo)
Checked Pets
American Airlines does not allow the checking of pets for any regular passenger. You must be either an active-duty U.S. military person or someone from the U.S. State Department Foreign Service traveling on official orders.
- Contact American Airlines Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel
- Check in at the ticket counter with official orders
- Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours)
- Complete a checklist with an American Airlines ticket agent
- Provide the animal’s health certificate
- 10 days of your travel
- 60 days of your return (travel on the same ticket)
- 10 days of your return (travel on a separate ticket)
Service Animals
- Visual impairments
- Deafness
- Seizures
- Mobility impairments
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Emotional Support Animals
Temperature Restrictions
Aircraft Restrictions
Breed Restrictions

