Easy in the cabin, but the hold is military-only — large dogs travel via PetEmbark cargo.
MyDogCanFly is not affiliated with American Airlines. The logo is shown for identification only. We do not sell tickets and take no bookings.
⚖️ Where does your dog travel?
Cabin≤ 9 kg
Holdmilitary only
PetEmbark cargolarge dogs
Weight includes the carrier or kennel.
🐾 CabinAllowed
One small dog or cat under the seat. Combined 20 lb / 9 kg limit on the A321T.
$150 / way
🎖️ HoldMilitary only
Checked pets only for eligible active-duty U.S. military & State Dept personnel.
$150 – 200
✈️ PetEmbark cargoOpen to all
Large pets ship via American PetEmbark (AA Cargo), open to the general public.
Quote + $150
💶 Fares
Cabin (small pet)
$150 each way
Hold — U.S. military / State Dept
$150 – 200 each way
PetEmbark cargo
On request + $150 handling
Service dog
Free
USD, per one-way journey and per kennel. Cargo rates are calculated by route, size and weight. ✓ Official source
⚠️ Key restrictions
🐶 Flat-faced breeds
Cabin allowedHold forbidden
Boxers, bulldogs, mastiffs, pugs (all breeds, incl. mixes) barred from the hold; cargo subject to PetEmbark's approved-breed policy.
🚫 Other rules
No sedationCDC rabies rule
Sedated pets are refused. Dogs that visited a CDC high-risk rabies country in the last 6 months are not accepted as carry-on.
🐶 Check whether your dog is snub-nosed
American Airlines's published conditions mention snub-nosed breeds (the hold) without stating a general refusal. Check your breed's fiche, then confirm with the airline before booking.
These 22 breeds are MyDogCanFly's own brachycephalic classification, heaviest first — it is not the list published by American Airlines. Use it to situate your dog, then read the airline's own wording above and confirm with it before booking.
🌡️ Temperature & hold
Heat ceiling 29.4 °C (85 °F)Cold floor −6.6 °C (20 °F)In-flight temperature: not disclosed
For checked and cargo pets, American publishes strict ground-temperature limits: no travel if the temperature exceeds 29.4 °C or drops below −6.6 °C at any point of the itinerary. It does not publish a single in-flight temperature setting.
Flying with a dog on American Airlines: common questions
Can my dog travel in the cabin on American Airlines?
⌄
American Airlines — Allowed. One small dog or cat under the seat. Combined 20 lb / 9 kg limit on the A321T. Fare: $150 / way.
Does American Airlines carry dogs in the hold?
⌄
Hold — Military only. Checked pets only for eligible active-duty U.S. military & State Dept personnel.
Does American Airlines accept flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds?
⌄
American Airlines — Cabin allowed · Hold forbidden. Boxers, bulldogs, mastiffs, pugs (all breeds, incl. mixes) barred from the hold; cargo subject to PetEmbark's approved-breed policy.
Does American Airlines suspend dog transport in hot weather?
⌄
For checked and cargo pets, American publishes strict ground-temperature limits: no travel if the temperature exceeds 29.4 °C or drops below −6.6 °C at any point of the itinerary. It does not publish a single in-flight temperature setting.
Are assistance dogs accepted on American Airlines?
⌄
American Airlines — In the cabin. Free for eligible fully trained service dogs (U.S. DOT rules).
Answers drawn from American Airlines's published conditions, last verified 11 July 2026. Airline conditions are commercial and can change — confirm at booking.
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