North America
Flying with a dog on American Airlines AA
North America
Flying with a dog on American Airlines
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Here is the American Airlines pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.
American Airlines dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
No weight limit
In the hold
Up to 45 kg
American Airlines pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit
We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of American Airlines, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, American Airlines decides.
In the cabin
10 carriers fit by their dimensions
Illustration Sherpa Original Deluxe Fits Small, Medium 
Illustration Sherpa Delta Deluxe Fits 
Illustration Sleepypod Air Fits In the hold
American Airlines states no fixed size for this, so we can't check carriers against it.
Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Cabin with you | Hold on your flight | Cargo booked separately |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Allowed | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Strong breeds | Allowed | Not allowed | Allowed |
Snub-nosed
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Not allowed
- Cargo, booked separately
- Allowed
Strong breeds
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Not allowed
- Cargo, booked separately
- Allowed
Brachycephalic/snub-nosed dogs and cats not accepted as checked pets, including all bulldog, boxer, pug, mastiff breeds, Pit Bull, Chow Chow, Shih Tzu, etc.; brachycephalic cats like Persian, Himalayan, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair also excluded.
Assistance dogs
AllowedFully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet requirements.
Summary
Dogs travel in the cabin in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you; American sets no general weight limit, only 9.07 kg (20 lb) including carrier in the premium cabins of the A321T. Cabin pets are accepted within the U.S. and to Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, but not on trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights or to and from Hawaii. Larger dogs must travel with American Airlines Cargo (American PetEmbark), because checked pets are only accepted for active-duty U.S. military and State Department personnel on official orders. The cabin fee is $150 per kennel each way.
Hard-sided limit of 48 x 33 x 22 cm applies on American mainline flights; on American Eagle flights hard-sided carriers may not exceed 40 x 30 x 20 cm. Non-collapsible kennels must fit under the seat of every aircraft on the journey. Two pets may share one checked kennel if they are the same species, of similar size, weigh less than 20 lbs / 9.07 kg each, and are between 8 weeks and 6 months old.
Maximum kennel height depends on aircraft (e.g. A321T 117 cm, B737-800 71.12 cm, B777-200/300 and B787-800/900 101.6 cm); checked pets are not accepted on A319, A320 or A321 aircraft. Checked pets are only accepted for active-duty U.S. military and State Department Foreign Service personnel; other pets that do not qualify must ship via American PetEmbark cargo.
Before you fly
- Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
- Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country.
- Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
- Larger dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold, so book that early too.
Always double-check
Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with American Airlines before booking.
Similar airlines in North America
Flying with a dog on American Airlines: FAQ
What is the American Airlines pet policy for dogs? ▾
American Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin, and larger dogs travel in the hold. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 87/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on American Airlines? ▾
Yes. American Airlines allows small dogs in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
Can my dog travel in cargo on American Airlines? ▾
Yes. American Airlines transports dogs in the temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking and an IATA-compliant travel crate are usually required.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on American Airlines? ▾
On American Airlines, the in-cabin fee is $150 (each way); the airline states: $150 each way. Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
Are there breed restrictions on American Airlines? ▾
Yes. American Airlines restricts certain breeds: Brachycephalic/snub-nosed dogs and cats not accepted as checked pets, including all bulldog, boxer, pug, mastiff breeds, Pit Bull, Chow Chow, Shih Tzu, etc.; brachycephalic cats like Persian, Himalayan, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair also excluded. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does American Airlines accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact American Airlines in advance.