American Airlines has separate rules for carry-on pets, restricted checked-pet travel and cargo services. Start by identifying which service you are booking. The following details were checked against American’s pet policy on November 9, 2026.
Carry-on travel
Your cat stays in its carrier under the seat during the flight. The recommended soft-sided maximum is 18 by 11 by 11 inches. Hard-sided limits are 19 by 13 by 9 inches on mainline flights and 16 by 12 by 8 inches on American Eagle.
The carry-on fee is $150 per kennel on eligible routes within and between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Carry-on pets are not accepted to or from Hawaii or on trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific trips.
Checked pets and cargo
Checked-pet service is restricted to eligible active-duty military and State Department travelers on official orders. Confirm its fee directly with American. Cargo has separate eligibility and quoted charges.
Ask about documents and fitness to travel
American says it does not accept sedated or tranquilized pets. Discuss the trip with your veterinarian and ask the airline which documents apply to your booking. Do not apply checked-pet paperwork or kennel instructions automatically to a cabin reservation.
Before you confirm the trip
- Check pet availability on every operating flight.
- Confirm that the selected cabin and seat allow the carrier.
- Ask about age, health and destination restrictions for your cat.
- Check which additional baggage you may bring with the pet carrier.
- Record the check-in process and what happens if the itinerary changes.
Keep the airline’s confirmation with your travel records. For the airport stages, use the accompanied-flight guide. To compare other operators, see the cat-friendly airline directory.
If you choose a ground journey, CitizenShipper connects owners with independent drivers offering cat transportation. Agree on the route, carrier and care arrangements with the driver.
Adaeze Nwakaeze is a content writer with a knack for delivering engaging, informative content. With a background in writing, she excels at creating compelling pieces that capture her readers’ attention.
