American Airlines ESA and Service Dog Policy

American Airlines - one of the largest airlines worldwide and the largest when we consider factors such as the scheduled passengers carried, daily flights, and revenue passenger mile.

It is understandable to be a bit stressed when preparing for a flight on a major airline, especially with your pet dog or service animal!

Today, we will give you insights into American Airlines’ policy regarding flying with pets and service animals so you can prepare properly and have a pleasant and stress-free flight with your paw friend!

Key Takeaways

• Does American Airlines Accept Emotional Support Animals (ESA)?

Similarly to most major airlines, that changed their service dog/ESA policy at the beginning of 2021, American Airlines also no longer recognizes ESAs as service animals. However, ESAs can still travel on American Airlines as pets which have to meet the airline’s requirements. Applicable fees will apply.    

• Does American Airlines Accept Psychiatric Service Dogs?

Yes, American Airlines accepts psychiatric service dogs as legitimate service animals along with other types of service animals who support qualified individuals with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.    

• Do Service Dogs Fly for Free?

All service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, that meet American Airlines’ requirements can fly free of charge.    

• How to Get a Service Dog, including a Psychiatric Service Dog:

To be considered a service dog, a dog must be individually trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a disability. If you already have a paw friend, you might consider enrolling in our training program, and training them to be your ideal service dog!    

• How to Qualify for a Service Dog: 

To qualify for a service dog, you must be diagnosed with a physical and/or mental disability, inclduing but not limited to mobility impairments, diabetes, seizures, hearing impairments, anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.    

• How to Get Started:

You can get started by taking the simple SDTSI onlineservice dog training assessment to see if you qualify and enroll in our Service Dog Training Course to train your own dog.

Does American Airlines Accept Emotional Support Animals?

The airline transports Emotional Support Animals as pets and its pet policy will apply, including any applicable fees based on the itinerary.

American Airlines’ Pet/ ESA Policy - General Guidelines

You can fly with your pet as a carry-on or through the airline’s cargo. This depends on the size and breed of the animal.

If you choose the first option, please keep in mind that only dogs and cats will be accepted, provided they meet the airline’s requirements in terms of age and size, as well as the requirements in the destination.

American Airlines accepts checked pets only at the ticket counter and this option is available for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel flying on official orders. Restrictions and fees will be applied.

Where Can You Travel With Your Pet?

According to the airline’s policy passengers are allowed to fly with their pets on most flights that are no longer than 12 hours and to/from the specific locations. These are:

-Within the 48 contiguous United States

-The U.S. and Canada (additional special restrictions may apply)

-Alaska

-Mexico (additional special restrictions may apply)

-Puerto Rico

-St. Croix

-St. Thomas

Traveling with Pets/ESAs to the US 

Please note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) administered new regulations for all dogs, both pets and service dogs traveling / returning to the US. The new rules came into effect on Aug 1^st, 2024, and we strongly advise you to familiarize yourself with them.

The new rules mainly apply to dogs who have been in high-risk countries in the last 6 months. They must fulfill additional requirements.

On the day of departure, you need to bring all the required documents and forms to the airport and show them to the airport agents at check-in.

Please note that you won’t be allowed to fly AA with your dog as a carry-on pet if they originate from or have visited a country considered a high-risk in the last six months.

Service dogs who fulfill the CDC requirements are not affected by this restriction.

You can review the high-risk countries listed on the CDC website.

The airline points out that dogs traveling from a country with screwworm must fulfill the requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Destination-based Restrictions for Flying with Dogs

We will list a portion of the information regarding destination restrictions when flying with dogs on American Airlines and strongly advise you to visit their website and review their full policy.

Canada

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), commercial dogs can not be imported in Canada from high-risk countries.

Caribbean

Carry-on pets are not allowed on flights to Jamaica.

“When traveling with a pet to Trinidad and Tobago (POS), you cannot arrive on a flight before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m.”

Within the US

Pets traveling within the US and Puerto Rico are required to be at least 8 weeks old.

To the US

All dogs both carry-on and checked traveling to the US are required to fulfill government regulations on vaccinations.

Hawaii

Carry-on pets are not allowed on flights to / from Hawaii.

Passengers can travel with their pets to Hawaii as checked pets if they meet the following requirements:

- Only connect via Honolulu (HNL) (the airline does not accept pets on departures out of Honolulu before 8 a.m. HT between March 5 and November 1.)

- Follow Hawaii’s quarantine rules

We advise you to review the additional restrictions on the airline’s website.

Mexico

All pets flying to Mexico must fulfill government regulations on vaccinations.

South America

Carry-on pets are prohibited from traveling to / from:

-Argentina

-Brazil

-Chile

-Colombia

-Uruguay

Transatlantic

Carry-on pets are not allowed on transatlantic trips.

When you fly to the EU with a checked pet, you must complete all entry requirements. A microchip / tattoo must be present on the pet’s vaccination card and it has to match the ID number on it.

We recommend reviewing the additional requirements on the airline’s website.

Transpacific

Carry-on pets are prohibited on transpacific trips.

Japan exceptions

Checked pets

“Although you can travel with a checked pet from Japan to Los Angeles (LAX) or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), pets are not allowed as checked bags to Japan. According to USDA restrictions, animals should be offered water every 12 hours, so for travel with a checked pet to LAX or DFW, you must book a flight 12 hours or less.”

Please review the specific regulations for traveling with checked pets from Japan.

Flying with Pets/ESAs as Carry-on

When flying with American Airlines, you are allowed to bring one pet carrier as a carry-on if you meet certain conditions, which are:    

• Pay a fee for carry-on pet;
• Ensure your pet/ESA remains in the carrier and under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight.

Extra Items When Traveling with Pets as Carry-on

The airline permits bringing only one additional item along with your pet. This can be either a personal item such as a small handbag /purse or a carry-on bag if it fulfills the airline’s requirements and can be fitted in the overhead department.

Passengers are allowed to bring only one carry-on bag with their pet carrier, not both.

Keep in mind that if you have a pet stroller, it has to be checked at the ticket counter. Any applicable checked-bag fees will apply.

Pet/ESA Carriers- General Requirements

When bringing a pet carrier onboard, you need to ensure that it meets the airline’s requirements as follows:    

• Your pet must be comfortable inside the carrier when it is closed or zipped;
• If the carrier is with hard sides (non-collapsable), it must fit the space under the seat of any aircraft included in the trip.
• If the kennel is foldable (with soft sides), it can be a bit larger but it still must fit the under-seat dimensions. It must not be excessively folded during the trip.    
• Soft-sided carriers must be secure, cushioned, made from water-resistant material, and include nylon mesh ventilation on three or more sides.

Allowed Dimensions for Carry-on Carriers 

When you carefully review the information on the American Airlines’ website, you will notice that there specific dimensions listed for the hard-sided carriers and recommended ones for the soft-sided kennels.

These are as follows:

Non-collapsible/hard carriers    

• For mainline flights on American Airlines:    
• Length: 19 inches / 48 cm;
• Width: 13 inches / 33 cm;
• Height 9 inches / 22 cm.
• Regional flights on American Eagle:    
• Length: 16 inches / 40 cm;
• Width: 12 inches / 30 cm;
• Height: 8 inches / 20 cm.

Collapsible/Soft-sided carriers (recommended)

• Length: 18 inches / 46 cm;
• Width: 11 inches / 28 cm;
• Height: 11 inches / 28 cm.

American Airlines advises its passengers to contact Reservations to verify maximum dimensions.

Pet Carrier Limitations for Carry-on Pets

Please note that a maximum of 7 kennels are accepted on American flights, excluding service animals, and 5 kennels are accepted on American Eagle flights; 1 in First.

Restrictions on Carry-on Pets

Pets/ESAs who are too large to be accommodated in the cabin will fly with American Airlines Cargo.

The airline only accepts checked pets in the following situations:

-For active-duty U.S. Military;

-U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders.

The pet carrier must fulfill the airline’s kennel requirements for checked pets.

Pets, whose owners do not comply with these regulations, may not travel. Fees and restrictions will apply.

Checked Pets- General Guidelines

We will note again that American Airlines accepts checked pets only in two cases:

1. If they travel with active-duty U.S military;

2. If they travel with U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel on official order

No more than 2 pets may be checked. Furthermore, they have to meet the requirements regarding a minimum age and health at your destination.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Pets    

• Please keep in mind that the carrier must be large enough for the pet to feel comfortable in it: standing, sitting, and lying down without touching the top or any of the carrier’s sides.

• The carrier must comply with the size requirements of the specific aircraft you're flying on.

• The carrier must also meet the weight requirements and not exceed 100 lbs/ 45 kg combined with the pet’s weight (pet + carrier).    

• The carrier must be made of metal, wood, plastic, or similar materials.

• The carrier must have a door made of metal (cast or welded).

• The carrier must be secured at both the top and bottom with screws and bolts.

• The carrier must be secured by the pet owner with release cable ties on all corners (the airline agents can provide complimentary ties).

• The carrier must be robust and safe enough so that the pet cannot escape or poke any parts of their body.    

• The carrier must be leak-resistant and escape-proof, with a firmly secured door.

• Carriers must be aerated on at least 3 sides (for domestic flights) and 4 sides (for international flights).

• The carrier must have separate water and food bowls/dishes attached on the inner side.

• The carrier must have a small bag of food sufficient for a 24-hour period secured to the top.

• The carrier must be clean and lined with absorbent material, avoiding straw, hay, or wood shavings.

Pet Fees

Pet fees may be paid at the airport or a travel center. Only credit cards or paper vouchers (where accepted) are allowed. Payments made in cash or by check will not be accepted by the airline.

American Airlines specifies that passengers need to check with each airline serving their route and pay their fees at check-in.

The applicable pet fees are as follows:                                                                                                                                                                                    

Please note that if your ticket was issued on or before February 19, 2024, the carry-on pet fee per kennel is $125. If your ticket was issued on or after February 20, 2024, the fee is $150.

Dog Breed Restrictions (Checked Pets)

American Airlines does not accept brachycephalic dog breeds or short-muzzled dogs of any mixed breeds as checked pets, including:

-Affenpinscher;

-American Staffordshire Terrier;

-Boston Terrier;

-Boxer (all breeds);

-Brussels Griffon;

-Bulldog (all breeds);

-Cane Corso;

-Chow Chow;

-Dogue De Bordeaux;

-English Toy Spaniel;

-Japanese Chin;

-Lhasa Apso;

-Mastiff (all breeds);

-Pekingese;

-Pit Bull;

-Presa Canario;

-Pug (all breeds);

-Shar Pei;

-Shih Tzu;

-Staffordshire Bull Terrier;

-Tibetan Spaniel.

Age Restrictions (Checked Pets)

The airline accepts dogs that are at least 8 weeks old when flying within the US and Puerto Rico. Dogs flying to the US must meet the age and vaccine requirements based on the rabies risk at the country of departure (where your trip starts).

If your dog is arriving from a high-risk country, they must be at least 16 weeks old and have received their rabies shots before entering the US.

Does American Airlines Accept Service Animals?

Yes, American Airlines accepts service dogs at no cost if they meet certain criteria. 

How Are Service Dogs Defined?

Service animals are dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, which can be physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Examples of health conditions that qualify an individual for a service dog include:

-Visual impairments;

-Mobility impairments;

-Seizures;

-Deafness;

-Post-traumatic stress disorder.

May Employees Ask Questions About Service Dogs?

Yes, airline agents may ask certain questions to determine whether an animal is a trained service animal or not. 

You may want to review the following information on the website of the U.S. Department of Transportation on how airlines determine whether a dog is a service dog or not.

An excerpt of the information is below:

“Asking an individual with a disability if the animal is required to accompany the passenger because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform”.

Does American Airlines Accept Service Dogs In Training?

No, service dogs in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are not recognized as service animals. However, they are allowed to fly as pets. This means that all pet requirements and applicable fees will apply.

Documentation Required for Flying with Service Animals

American Airlines advises all service dog handlers whose flights are operated by the airline to submit a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form electronically, no later than 48 hours before departure. 

The completed form can also be presented at the airport on the date of departure. Early arrival at the airport is highly recommended.

Please make sure to contact any partner airlines that may also operate flights from your trip and complete all the necessary documentation.

Flying with a Service Dog to the U.S.

As mentioned in the beginning of the article, there are new regulations on flying with dogs to the US, and these regulations apply to service animals as well. 

It is essential to note that the new regulations for bringing dogs to the US that came into effect on Aug 1^st, apply to all passengers regardless of their citizenship.

Your service dog must:

-Have an approved CDC Dog Import Permit or;

-Meet the CDC U.S. vaccination and microchip requirements to be allowed to fly on American Airlines.

You can find detailed information on how to apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit and how to submit an approved CDC Import Permit.

Flying with a Service Dog on a Flight Over 8 Hours

If your flight is longer than 8 hours, you need to fill out and submit a Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Sanitation Form.

It serves as proof of the animal’s skills to not relieve themselves or do it in a sanitary manner while onboard.

Flying with Service Dogs - Documentation Guidelines/Instructions

You need to complete the following steps:    

• Read and complete the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form.

• Complete the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form if your flight will be longer than 8 hours.

• Submit the form no later than 48 hours prior to departure, or present the completed form at the airport on the day of travel.

• Carry the form with you on the day of the trip.

What Is a Service Animal ID?

Once a service dog handler has their submitted form approved, they will receive an email featuring a Service Animal ID (SVAN ID). This number can be added to future flights with the same animal and be approved. Resubmitting forms won’t be required.

An SVAN ID is valid for 1 year from the date of signature or when the animal’s vaccination expires, depending on which is first.

What Is a Service Dog Pass?

A Service Dog Pass ID (SDP ID) is an alternative to an SVAN ID. Service dog handlers can add this number when booking their flight and be approved without submitting forms.

Requirements for Flying with Service Animals

It is essential to note that your service dog must fulfill specific requirements to be accepted onboard. These are: 

• The dog must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.

• If the dog is less than 4 months old, they may not travel as a service animal.

• The dog must be clean and well-mannered.

• Since service dogs are allowed to fly without carriers, they must fit at their handlers’ feet; under the seat; or in their handlers’ lap (if you intend to travel with your service dog in your lap, please note that they must be smaller than a 2-year old child).

• You will be finally approved for travel once you have arrived at the airport where staff can determine that the dog will safely fit at your feet.  

• If you transport your service dog in a carrier, please note it must fit under the seat in front of you with the dog inside.

What Is the Maximum Number of Service Animals Per Person?

American Airlines allows up to 2 service animals per person.

Service Animals - Restrictions

Service dogs are not allowed to:

-To remain in an exit row;

-Extend into or obstruct the aisles;

-Occupy a seat;

-Eat from tray tables.

Flying with Large Service Dogs on American Airlines

If your service dog is too heavy or large to be accepted in the passenger cabin, the airline offers several options:    

• You can rebook on a flight with more open seats.

• You can buy a ticket for your dog.

• You can transport the dog as a checked pet.

Service Dogs - Behavior Onboard

Service dogs undergo extensive training to behave appropriately in public. If your dog exhibits disruptive behavior that cannot be effectively managed or corrected, such as:    

• Growling;

• Biting or attempting to bite;

• Jumping  on or lunging at people,

they will not be allowed in the cabin.

Should such behavior occur during your journey and is not addressed, your dog will be classified as a pet, and all associated requirements and fees will apply.

Destination-based Restrictions when Flying with Service Dogs

Below, you will find a list of the destinations where certain restrictions may apply. 

Hawaii

London, England (LHR)

Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI) (email Scotland’s Animal Travel Agency at arc@extrordinair.co.uk

All other destinations within the UK

Ireland

India

Japan

Auckland, New Zealand (AKL)

Hong Kong (HKG)

Georgetown, Guyana (GEO)

St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVD)

Train Your Dog as a (Psychiatric) Service Dog with Service Dog Training School International

Our team at Service Dog Training School will help you train your paw friend as your service dog in a way that offers flexibility, comprehensive information, and tutor support. With our help, you can ensure your dog not only reliably performs specific tasks for you but also is well-mannered and can ignore distractions in various surroundings, including at airports.

Evaluate Your Needs

To start the process, complete a quick online quiz designed to assess your specific needs and determine if you might benefit from a service dog, including a Psychiatric Service Dog. The quiz evaluates your responses to gauge your eligibility for a PSD. 

Once you have completed the quiz, you will be prompted to select the type of training that best suits your requirements, which may include tasks related to managing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression.

Train Your Service Dog

Before your dog can accompany you as a service animal, they need to be trained to perform specific tasks that directly assist with your disability. These tasks can include:

Bringing Medication: You can teach your dog to retrieve necessary medications, ensuring they are easily accessible when needed.

Providing Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT): Training your dog to apply pressure to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks.

Identifying and alerting to medical episodes: Recognizing and alerting you to ongoing medical episodes by exhibiting specific behaviors, such as pawing, nudging, or giving a kiss, can greatly assist you in managing your condition and taking precautions. 

ServiceDogTrainingSchool’s online training programs offer a convenient way to help you teach your dog to do essential tasks. The programs are designed to be flexible, allowing you to train your paw friend from the comfort of your own home at your own pace.

Obtain Your Service Dog Certification

Once your dog has successfully completed a training program, you will receive a certificate verifying that your dog has undergone proper training and is a legitimate service dog. Documentation as proof of training can be of great help when in public or traveling with a service dog. It confirms that your dog meets the necessary requirements to assist you in managing your disability, regardless of the situation or environment, including when traveling by air. 

By following these steps, you can effectively prepare your dog for service dog work to support you in your daily life and facilitate a smooth travel experience.

Get Your PSD Training Now

FAQ

• My pet will travel with American Airlines Cargo. Can the airline ensure they will be safe?

The airline has temperature restrictions to make sure checked pets and pets traveling with American Airlines Cargo are safe and protected from extreme heat or cold:

-In the animal holding areas

-At terminal facilities

-When moving the pet between the terminal and the plane

-On a plane awaiting departure 

• I am flying with a checked pet on a connecting flight. Are there any restrictions?

Yes, if you are traveling on a connecting flight, checked pets will only be able to connect through:

Charlotte, NC (CLT)

Chicago O'Hare, IL (ORD)

Dallas / Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

Los Angeles, CA (LAX)

New York Kennedy, NY (JFK)

New York LaGuardia, NY (LGA)

Miami, FL (MIA)

Philadelphia, PA (PHL)

Phoenix, AZ (PHX)

Washington Reagan, DC (DCA)

• Can I have my pet sedated to feel calmer during the flight?

Based on a recommendation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Airlines does not accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilized. 

Pets that have been given sedatives or tranquilizers are at a higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes.