Pet Policy of American Airlines: Myths Debunked

Most of us share an exceptional bond with our furry friends and obviously would love to travel with them. We take them to our friend’s house, grocery store, or nearby malls.

Statistics have proven that not many of us would be willing to stay away from our pets.

Around three thousand pet dogs and a thousand cats boarded international flights during 2018-19 alone. The numbers declined with the onset of the pandemic. However, with a massive lift of lockdown restrictions, the revenge travel culture is slowly creeping in, opening up more avenues for the air travel of pets.

Unfortunately, traveling with your pets is not as easy as taking them to the mall. It has its fair share of downsides and complications.

The guidelines and regulations for pet travel vary from country to country and even differ among airline service providers.

Let us have a detailed look at the pet policy of American Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the world.

More About the Pet Policy of American Airlines

The US-based airline giant normally permits small pets like dogs and cats to fly to their desired other international destinations. According to the guidelines, the pets must fit in a carrier that can be stowed under the passenger’s seat.

The airline considers your pet carrier as one of your personal items. It also charges a separate fee for traveling with a pet, which varies depending on the route.

The pet policy of American Airlines also specifies that you cannot carry more than a single pet.

Making prior arrangements for your pet’s transport is highly recommended, as there is a high chance of space constraints due to rising demands.  

It is also crucial to constantly check the official website of American Airlines to get regular updates about any possible policy changes. According to the latest updates on the pet policy of American Airlines, passengers from countries with a high risk of rabies were temporarily denied to carry their dogs. Also, stringent norms like CDC Dog import permit, CDC U.S. vaccination, and microchip requirements were made mandatory. 

How to Transport Larger Pets?

When smaller pets fit into carriers, the onus shifts to transporting larger pets; large pets generally don’t fit into your personal carrier. It would be best to transport them through American Airlines cargo.

However, there are well-laid-out size and weight restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold. Also, the pet policy of American Airlines does not accept pets as cargo on all their flights. You’ll have to check in advance to see if it’s possible to transport your pet on specific flights.  

American PetEmbark offers top-class facilities to ensure smooth travel for your pets. Make sure to understand their in-depth guidelines, policies, and documents before taking your pets on air travel. They have a specific set of regulations for each step of your pet’s journey ranging from your pet’s eligibility to travel to the kennels, pick up, and everything in between.

Destinations Allowing Travel With Pets

You must bear in mind that not all travel destinations permit the air travel of pets. If you wish to board American Airlines, a specific number of destinations might restrict your pet’s travel.

Some popular regions permitting pet travel include:

• Alaska
• Mexico
• Puerto Rico
• St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
• St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
• The 48 contiguous United States
• The United States and Canada.

However, some of these destinations have independent restrictions and guidelines that you should abide by.

How Much Does it Cost to Fly your Pet?

The fares to carry your pet on American Airlines might differ. These rates vary depending on the animal type, carrier’s size, and destination.

For pets transferred as cargo, the fare varies depending on the region. You can only confirm the fee at the time of booking. However, the normal rate for carry-on pets is about $125 per kennel. Also, service dogs who are trained to aid people with disabilities can fly for free as per the pet policy of American Airlines. You can recover some of the cost using a credit card that offers free credits. 

Some Other Restrictions

The ability to carry your pet on American Airlines is fraught with several additional restrictions. Ensuring their temperature is conducive during air travel stands at the top of the list.

American Airlines imposes stringent measures to ensure that your pets aren’t exposed to unfavorable temperatures or infections.

It checks their temperature at different stages of the journey, including in the holding areas, terminal facilities, during transit, and on the plane awaiting departure.

Certain temperature restrictions ensure the good health and security of your pets. According to the norms, you cannot travel with a pet if the current or forecasted temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C). As a rule, check the temperature limit of any location on the itinerary to eliminate loose ends. 

On the other side, there are also a set of cold restrictions in place. The lower temperature limit, which restricts your pet’s air travel, is 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location of the itinerary.

However, the pet policy of American Airlines is flexible with low-temperature restrictions. A valid certificate from your vet clarifying the same may work. However, if the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.6 degrees C), even a letter from the vet goes in vain.

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The Final Word

The love for your pets may coerce you to take them with you while embarking on air travel. But ensure that your pet is in its best health to endure the risks and challenges that come with air travel.

Also, many modern airlines endorsing pet travel have a comprehensive set of guidelines to assist you, like the pet policy of American Airlines. Align your plans with the airline’s policy and goals to avoid any confusion.

Above all, take all the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and smooth time in the air for your furry friends.  

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