🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

American Airlines (United States) carries dogs in the cabin only as accompanied pets: convenient for small dogs, but not an option if yours is too heavy. Here are the exact conditions, the fees and how to book.

In the cabin

American Airlines accepts a dog in the cabin if its weight, carrier included, does not exceed 9 kg (20 lb). The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Expect around $150.

Airline conditions: Dog + carrier max 9 kg (20 lb); ~$150 each way.

In the hold: cargo service only

American Airlines does not carry dogs as checked baggage: hold transport goes through the cargo/freight service, priced by quote with dedicated logistics. Hold transport is handled via the PetEmbark cargo program; note the seasonal embargo at PHX/TUS/LAS/PSP from May 1 to September 30.

Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds

Like most airlines, American Airlines restricts flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, etc.), which are generally banned from the hold because of the respiratory risk. If your dog is brachycephalic, opt for the cabin whenever their weight allows it, and confirm the rule before booking.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check the dates of your trip. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact American Airlines to add your dog to the reservation.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip ID, rabies vaccination, health certificate or pet passport, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft-sided carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA dog crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Compare with other airlines

Pet rules vary widely from one airline to the next. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our Can My Dog Fly? tool and browse our comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our tips on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare all 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with American Airlines? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: United States, Germany, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom.

Frequently asked questions

Does American Airlines accept dogs in the cabin?
Yes, up to 9 kg (20 lb) including the carrier.
How does a large dog travel on American Airlines?
Only through the airline’s cargo/freight service, priced by quote.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on American Airlines?
As a guideline: about $150 each way in the cabin; hold transport goes through cargo and is quoted per shipment (roughly $150–200 and up depending on the route). The final fee is confirmed at booking.

Sources

American Airlines — traveling with pets, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly — double-check with American Airlines before booking.