A Guide to American Airlines Pet Travel with Pet Shippers

Planning to jet-set with your furry companion on American Airlines? Ensuring a smooth ride for your pet requires a bit of preparation. In this guide, we’ll delve into:

The specifics of American Airlines’ pet shipping policy.
Pre-travel checklist to get ready for the journey.
Key considerations for dog transport and puppy shipping.
Understanding the cargo services for pet travel.
Tips for a pleasant pet travel experience on American Airlines.
How Pet Shippers can help.
FAQ

With the right preparations, both you and your pet can have a comfortable flying experience with American Airlines. Alternatively, connect with a partner today!

Understanding American Airlines Pet Shipping

American Airlines Pet Travel Policy: Essential Guidelines

Number of Pets: Each passenger is allowed to bring 2 pets that are at least 8 weeks old and do not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg) with a carrier.
Carry-on Pets: You can bring 1 kennel as your carry-on bag if you pay the carry-on pet fee.
Route Restrictions: Pets can travel on most flights for up to 12 hours or flights to/from select locations including within the 48 contiguous United States, the U.S. and Canada, Alaska, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas.
Fee for Carry-on Pets: If your pet is traveling as a carry-on in the cabin, you will be charged a $125 fee per kennel for routes within and between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

American Airlines Pet Transportation: What to Expect

When you choose to fly your pet with American Airlines, here’s what you should expect:

Reservation Process: It’s imperative to book your pet’s spot in advance due to limited availability. This can be done through the American Airlines’ reservation department.
Check-in Procedure: On the day of travel, you’ll need to check in at the ticket counter; online check-in isn’t available when traveling with pets.
Carrier Guidelines: Your pet’s carrier needs to comply with American Airlines’ specifications. It should be well-ventilated, secure, and have ample space for your pet to turn around and lie down comfortably.
Fees: Be prepared to pay the necessary fees for your pet’s travel. The costs can vary depending on whether your pet flies in the cabin or as checked baggage.
Cabin or Cargo Travel: Pets can travel either in the cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on their size and breed. The experience would differ significantly, so it’s essential to prepare accordingly.
Temperature and Weather Considerations: American Airlines has specific guidelines about pet travel during extreme weather conditions to ensure your pet’s safety.
Pet Relief Areas: Familiarize yourself with the locations of pet relief areas at the airports you’ll be using, for your pet’s comfort.
Staff Assistance: American Airlines staff will be on hand to assist with any queries or concerns you may have regarding pet travel.

Being well-informed and following the guidelines set by American Airlines will contribute to a smoother, stress-free travel experience for both you and your pet.

Preparing for Pet Travel on American Airlines

American Airlines Pet Travel Requirements: Pre-Travel Checklist

Health Check: Make sure your pet is healthy and fit for travel. It’s advisable to visit a vet for a health checkup and necessary vaccinations before the travel date.
Reservation: Make your pet’s reservation well in advance as American Airlines has limited spots available for pets.
Prepare a Comfortable Carrier: Ensure you have a comfortable, airline-approved carrier for your pet that adheres to American Airlines’ guidelines.

Filling out the American Airlines Pet Travel Form

It’s crucial to fill out the American Airlines pet travel form with accurate information about your pet.
Ensure that you provide all necessary documentation and adhere to the guidelines provided by American Airlines for a smooth travel experience.

These points should provide a clearer understanding of the guidelines and preparations required for pet travel with American Airlines. Each aspect, from understanding the airline’s pet travel policy to filling out necessary forms and ensuring your pet’s comfort, is crucial for a hassle-free travel experience.

American Airlines Dog Transport and Puppy Shipping

Procedures and Preparations for Dog Transport

When planning to transport your dog via American Airlines, adherence to the following procedures and preparations is crucial:

Reservation: Ensure to book your dog’s travel well in advance as spots are limited.
Health Certifications: Acquire a valid health certificate from a vet, ensuring your dog is fit for travel.
Kennel Preparation: Select a well-ventilated, secure, and comfortable kennel for your dog that adheres to American Airlines’ specifications.
Feeding: Feed your dog a light meal 2 hours before handing them over to the airline.
Exercise: Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise before the flight to help reduce anxiety.

Special Considerations for American Airlines Puppy Shipping

Shipping a puppy requires extra care and consideration. Here are some specifics when flying a puppy with American Airlines:

Age Requirement: Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
Health Certifications: A vet-issued health certificate is necessary, indicating that the puppy is fit for air travel.
Kennel Preparation: Ensure the kennel is comfortable, secure, and labeled with “Live Animal” along with your contact information.
Feeding and Hydration: Feed your puppy a light meal and ensure they are well-hydrated before the flight.

American Airlines Pet Travel Cargo Services

How American Airlines Pet Shipping Ensures Safety

American Airlines prioritizes the safety of pets traveling via their cargo services. Here’s how they ensure safety:

Temperature-Controlled Cargo Hold: The cargo hold is temperature-controlled to provide a comfortable environment for your pet.
Secure Kennels: Ensuring your pet’s kennel is secure and well-ventilated is a priority to prevent any accidents or discomfort during travel.
Trained Staff: The staff is trained to handle pets with care during loading and unloading.

Choosing the Right Crate for Pet Travel Cargo

Selecting the right crate is crucial for your pet’s comfort and safety. Here are some tips:

Size: The crate should be spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Material: Opt for sturdy materials like hard plastic or metal.
Ventilation: Ensure the crate has adequate ventilation.
Secure Lock: The lock on the crate should be secure to prevent your pet from escaping during transit.

By adhering to American Airlines’ guidelines and ensuring you’ve selected the right crate, you can make the cargo travel experience much more comfortable and secure for your pet.

Making Pet Travel on American Airlines a Pleasant Experience

Tips to Ease Your Pet’s Travel Experience

When flying with your pet on American Airlines, ensuring their comfort is crucial. Here are some tips to make the journey smoother:

Early Booking: Book your pet’s spot early to avoid last-minute hassles.
Vet Check-up: A thorough check-up to ensure your pet is fit for travel is crucial.
Comfortable Kennel: Invest in a comfortable, airline-approved kennel.
Familiarization: Familiarize your pet with the kennel before travel to lessen anxiety.
Stay Calm: Your pet can sense your anxiety, so stay calm to keep them relaxed.

Why Choose American Airlines for Pet Transport

American Airlines is a reliable choice for pet transport due to the following reasons:

Established Pet Policy: They have clear guidelines to ensure safe pet travel.
Experienced Staff: The staff is trained to handle pets with care.
Temperature-Controlled Cargo: Ensures a comfortable environment for your pet during the flight.

How a Professional Pet travel agency can Help with your Pet’s Transportation

Struggling to find the time for your pet’s travel arrangements? This is where a professional pet travel agency can become an invaluable partner. Let them handle it.

Customized Travel Arrangements: Tailoring travel plans to meet the specific needs of your pet.
Documentation and Compliance: Ensuring all necessary documents are in order and comply with airline regulations.
Travel Crate Provision: Providing or advising on the best travel crate for your pet’s comfort and safety.
Travel Day Assistance: Assistance on the travel day, including pet check-in and pickup.
Emergency Support: Offering support and solutions in case of travel disruptions or emergencies.

Pet Shippers connects you to trusted and vetted Pet Travel Agencies across the USA