How to Add Pet to American Airlines Flight?

Pet travel is part of special services of any airline. On American Airlines, the facility may not be available flights where the aircraft is A319 or A320. These aircraft are not suitably equipped. The airline will accept pets on B737-800, B777-200/300 and B787-800/900. Kennel size specifications on each aircraft will differ. You can reach out to Air1Network on +1-844-414-9223 for details or assistance. Online addition of pet is allowed. You may pay the applicable charges at airport. In this blog we’ll offer insight into the below aspects of how American Airlines pet cargo can be booked.

Restrictions on the pet you can book.
Documents needed for pet travel on American Airlines.
Charges to be paid and whether you can avoid them.
Things that can possibly go wrong when your pet travels along with you.

Can I Book Any Pet on American Airlines?

There are restrictions on the breeds which may be allowed. Breeds which are brachycephalic or snub-nosed may not be allowed. Only cats and dogs of eligible breeds are permitted under American Airlines pet cargo policy. Even crosses of brachycephalic breeds may not be accepted. Here are a few tips you will find handy in deciding whether your pet will qualify.

Up to 2 pets are permitted in the same pet carrier - These 2 pets must be below 20 pounds each.
Pet exceeding 100 pounds - These pets will have to be booked through freight.
Time restrictions on pet travel - On routes to Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas or Palm Springs pet travel is not allowed between 1 May - 30 September.
Exotic pets are not permitted - On American Airlines exotic pets like reptiles & birds are prohibited.

Are you traveling with your pet regularly on a route? If the frequency of travel is every month, you may set up a credit account to pay AA pet cargo cost. For details or assistance you may contact Air1Network or American Airlines on +1-844-414-9223 or +1-800-433-7300.

What documents are required for pet travel on American Airlines?

You will have to present all valid documents on the day of travel. Otherwise, the pet may be rejected. The documents needed may vary depending on the destination. Take a glance at the typical documents you need to prepare for American pet cargo international.

Breed certification - A certificate stating the breed of the pet.
Health certificate - The certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. If its a round-trip you will have to arrange it within 60 days of travel.
CDC approval - Starting 1 August, 2024 pet dogs from high-risk countries may require CDC approval.
Acclimation certificate - If the temperature at the destination you’re about to travel is between 20F & 44F.

Can I avoid paying charges to American Airlines for pet travel?

American Airlines charges you $150 per kennel if you carry it on-board. Charges for putting the pet in hold are typically higher. You will pay American Airlines pet cargo cost of $200 for booking the pet carrier in hold. Charges will have to be paid by credit card at airport or cargo terminal. No discounts are given on the pet charges. Here are a few things you must remember about charges.

Freight or cargo charges for pets - This will vary depending on the route and date. The airline will confirm the charges when you book.
Checked pet charges for active-duty military personnel - The charge is $150 on flights to and from Brazil and $200 on other routes.
Charges for each segment will be added separately - If there is voluntary stop-over or a voluntary connection of at least 4 hours.
Active-duty military personnel with travel orders - You will have to pay 50% of the applicable charges.
Service animals - No charges will apply for service animals.

What can go wrong if I book a pet with American Airlines?

Even if you devoted a lot of time to prep for pet travel things may go wrong. Don’t worry American Airlines has an animal desk to assist you. You may call the animal desk in case of any query. Take a look at what may cause last-minute hassles with American international pet cargo.

Missing documents - Health certificate must be valid for both the onward and return journey. If the tickets are separate, you will have to prepare another health certificate for return journey issued within 10 days of travel.
Travel is allowed within 48 contiguous states of US - You may not be able to book AA pet cargo to Hawaii and Alaska.
Get the appropriate kennel for the pet - Height of kennel on a few aircraft types should be 40cm.
Your pet is too young to travel - Pets younger than 8 weeks may not be accepted.
Weather conditions in the destination - American Airlines may not accept the pet if the weather conditions in destination are not suitable for the pet. If the temperature is between 20F and 44F you will have to get an acclimation certificate.

Pets can be booked on most flights which are up to 12 hours. But, spots for pets may be limited. You may contact the airline or Air1Network on +1-844-414-9223 or +1-800-433-7300 for assistance or details on whether you can book your pet.