How Do I Make Pet Reservations With American Airline : A Complete 2026 Guide

#1

Flying with your pet does not need to be stressful +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}. If you intend to travel with your dog or cat, learning how American Airlines handles pet reservations +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} can save you time, money, and last-minute panic at the airport.

American Airlines is known for its friendly policies and simple pricing +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, but pet travel comes with specific rules that every pet parent must follow. From booking your pet’s spot to choosing the right carrier and avoiding common mistakes +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, this guide covers everything you need to know—step by step.

Call American Airlines at +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} to make reservations for your pet. Pets must be at least eight weeks old to fly in the cabin, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} and they must be kept in an approved pet carrier that fits securely under the seat in front of you throughout the flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.

What Is Pet Reservation American Airlines?
Yes, American Airlines pet reservations can be made by phone +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, and many pet owners prefer this method. Booking by phone is perfect +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} if you’re going with a dog or cat and want to know about pet fees, carrier requirements, and availability constraints. A live American Airlines agent can confirm pet space on your flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}t, clarify in-cabin pet policies, and ensure your reservation is properly set up. This strategy is especially beneficial for first-time pet travelers or those who require comfort +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, as it makes the entire pet booking procedure straightforward +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, accurate, and stress-free.

A pet reservation American Airlines +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} is the process of adding your small dog or cat to your American Airlines flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} so they can travel with you in the cabin.

Unlike human tickets, pet reservations:

Are limited per flight

Must be requested in advance

Are not guaranteed until confirmed

American Airlines only allows pets to fly in the cabin, not in cargo +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}. This makes the airline a popular choice for pet owners who want to keep their furry companions close.

American Airlines allows a maximum of six pets per flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, so early booking is critical.

Overview of American Airlines Pet Policy
Before making a pet reservation +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, it’s important to understand the basic rules set by American Airlines.

Pets Allowed on American Airlines Flights
American Airlines only accepts:

Small cats

Small dogs

The pet must fit comfortably in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you.

Pets Not Allowed
American Airlines does not allow:

Large dogs

Exotic animals

Birds, reptiles, or rodents

Pets in cargo or checked baggage

How to Make a Pet Reservation on American Airlines (Step-by-Step)
Reservations. Call American Airlines at +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} to make reservations for your pet.

Booking your pet correctly +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} is one of the most important parts of the process.

Step 1 – Book Your Flight First
You must have a confirmed passenger ticket before adding a pet reservation +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.

Step 2 – Contact American Airlines to Add Your Pet
Pet reservations cannot be made online. You must:

Call American Airlines Customer Service +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}

Or add the pet at the airport ticket counter (not recommended)

Step 3 – Pay the Pet Fee
You’ll pay the pet fee:

Over the phone +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, or

At the airport check-in counter

Step 4 – Check In at the Airport
On travel day:

Check in at the counter (online check-in doesn’t complete pet check-in)

Present your pet in its carrier

Pay the fee if not already paid

American Airlines Pet Fee Explained
Understanding the cost helps you plan better.

How Much Is a Pet Reservation in the American Airlines?
$125 each way +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}

Applies per pet carrier

Non-refundable

This fee covers your pet’s in-cabin travel and counts as either:

A carry-on, or

A personal item

American Airlines Approved Pet Carrier Requirements
Choosing the right carrier is essential +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}. If your carrier doesn’t meet the rules, your pet may not be allowed to fly.

Carrier Size Requirements
The carrier must fit under the seat:

Maximum size: 18.5” x 8.5” x 13.5”

Soft-sided carriers are recommended

Carrier Rules
Your carrier must:

Be leak-proof

Be well-ventilated

Fully enclose the pet

Allow the pet to stand and turn around

Seating Rules for Pet Travelers on American Airlines
Not all seats are pet-friendly +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.

Where You Can Sit
Allowed seating includes:

Standard economy seats

Window or middle seats

Where You Cannot Sit
Pets are not allowed in:

Exit rows

Bulkhead seats

Seats without under-seat storage

International and Hawaii Travel With Pets
Does American Airlines Allow Pets on International Flights?
No. American Airlines only allows pets on: +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}

Domestic U.S. flights
Can Pets Fly to Hawaii on American Airlines?
No. Pets are not permitted on flights +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} to or from Hawaii due to state regulations.

Service Animals vs Pet Reservation American Airlines
The pet-in-cabin price is $150 per trip for small cats +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} and dogs flying in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.

This is a common point of confusion.

Key Differences
Feature Pet Reservation Service Animal
Fee $125 Free
Carrier required Yes No
Size limits Yes No
Cabin location Under seat At handler’s feet
Service animals must meet U.S. DOT requirements and documentation rules.

Tips for Flying Smoothly With Your Pet on American Airlines
Flying with a pet is easier when you prepare.

Helpful Tips:
Book early to secure one of the six pet slots

Choose soft-sided carriers for flexibility

Avoid feeding your pet 4–6 hours before flying

Arrive early to allow extra check-in time

Exercise your pet before the flight

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Pet Reservation
Many travelers run into trouble due to simple errors.

Avoid These Mistakes:
Assuming pets can be added online

Waiting until airport check-in to request a spot

Using oversized carriers

Booking exit row seats

Forgetting the pet fee

People Also Ask (PAA) Optimization
How do I make a pet reservation on American Airlines?
To make a pet reservation on American Airlines +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, first book your flight, then call American Airlines to add your pet. Pet reservations can’t be made online and are limited per flight. You’ll pay a $125 one-way fee and must check in at the airport counter +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.

How much does American Airlines charge for pet reservations?
The pet-in-cabin price is $150 per trip for small cats and dogs flying in an approved +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.

Can I add my pet to my American Airlines flight online?
No, American Airlines does not allow pet reservations to be made online. You must contact customer service +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} or request a reservation at the airport, though calling in advance is strongly recommended +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.

What size pet carrier does American Airlines allow?
American Airlines allows pet carriers up to 18.5” x 8.5” x 13.5”. +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you and allow your pet to stand and turn comfortably.

How many pets are allowed per American Airlines flight?
American Airlines allows a maximum of six pets per flight +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, regardless of aircraft size. Once those spots are filled, no additional pets are accepted.

Does American Airlines allow pets in cargo?
No, American Airlines does not transport pets in cargo or as checked baggage +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}. All approved pets must travel in the cabin under the seat in front of the owner.

Can two pets share one carrier on American Airlines?
Yes, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} American Airlines allows two pets of the same species to share one carrier, as long as both pets fit comfortably and meet carrier size requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bring a puppy on American Airlines?
Yes, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to fly.

Is the American Airlines pet fee refundable?
No, the pet fee is non-refundable +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.

Do pets earn Rapid Rewards points?
No, pet reservations do not earn points +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.

Can my pet sit on my lap?
No, pets must remain in the carrier at all times +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}.

Can I change my flight after adding a pet?
Yes, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} but the pet reservation must be reconfirmed.

Are emotional support animals treated as pets?
Yes, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} they require a pet reservation and fee.

Can I bring more than one carrier?
No, each passenger may bring only one pet carrier.

Do I need health documents for domestic flights?
Generally no, but it’s wise to carry vaccination records.

Final Thoughts on Pet Reservation American Airlines
Booking a pet reservation at American Airlines is simple +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} once you know the rules. The key is planning ahead, choosing the right carrier, and calling +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} early to secure one of the limited pet spots.

American Airlines’s cabin-only pet policy offers peace of mind +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, making it a solid choice for pet parents who want their furry companions close during travel.

Ready to Fly With Your Pet?
Book your flight early, +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}} call to reserve your pet’s spot, and prepare your carrier ahead of time. With the right planning, your next trip with American Airlines can be smooth, safe +𝟭 (𝟴𝟱𝟱)-𝟱𝟱𝟬-𝟬𝟲𝟴𝟳 [U.S] or || +𝟷-𝟾𝟻𝟻-𝟻𝟻𝟶-𝟶𝟼𝟾𝟽 || (OTA) ➔{{U.S/CANADA}}, and stress-free—for both you and your pet.