What you should know when flying with pets on American Airlines’ flights

Taking your furry friends along when travelling can be a joyous experience, but it needs to be planned for well and according to the airline rules. Every major air carrier, including American Airlines, has their regulations put in place to ensure safety and comfort for both animals and passengers. If you are thinking of bringing a pet with you while flying with American Airlines, here is what you need to know.

1. Understanding the Pet Travel Policy

The size and type determine whether an animal can travel in the cabin or as cargo. For instance, small dogs or cats can travel with their owner as long as they fit into a pet carrier that goes under the seat in front of them. On the other hand, bigger animals might have to fly separately from their owners especially if they are going overseas.

Cabin Travel

American Airlines permits up to five pets carriers per flight within the US territory only – so book early! The carrier must be an airline-approved one which fits under the seat while keeping in mind this dimension cannot exceed 20 pounds (pet plus carrier).

Cargo Travel

For larger animals requiring this service on international flights; please use AA Cargo Service where necessary standard kennels approved by IATA (International Air Transport Association) should be used). The crate must permit free flow of fresh air into it and robust enough for easy turning around or lying down by the pet.

2. Booking Your Pet’s Travel

When making reservations for yourself always indicate that there will also be a “passenger” accompanying you with fur coat – call American Airlines Reservations Office ahead! Give full details like type/breed & weight etc., dimensions etc; so don’t forget about these little guys who deserve care too!

Fees and Costs

There are additional charges involved when taking pets onboard airplanes: such as paying per pet container fee at check-in counter if traveling within United States territory; otherwise depending upon route taken plus size/weight, the animal as well as crate itself might attract different charges levied against them during transportation.

3. Preparing Your Pet for Travel

In readiness for this eventful journey take your domesticated friend to see a vet doctor to ascertain their fitness levels since some might not make it due to ill health while away from home. Most airlines demand that one produces certification of good health issued by veterinary officer before departure especially when going abroad.

Vaccinations and Health Certificates

See to it that all immunizations are up-to-date prior commencing such trips because there is need for these animals like dogs or cats etc., which could be prone to infections if exposed without proper protection around them being vaccinated against various diseases with rabies being one of them – this should form part of an international certificate which must be done within thirty days prior travelling overseas whereas cargo-bound ones must have theirs issued ten days before flight.

Comfort and Safety

Ensure you have familiarized your pet with its carrier at least two weeks in advance so that they can get used to it. It is recommended that you put something comforting such as their favorite blanket inside too. Do not feed them heavily before boarding but ensure hydration throughout; also do not open container during flight – pet should remain fastened always

4. Getting Around the Airport with Your Pet

Get to the airport early so you have plenty of time for check-in and security procedures. When you arrive at the airport, go to the special check-in counter for people traveling with animals. You'll need to show your pet's health certificate and pay any required fees.

Security Screening

At the security checkpoint, take your pet out of the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while your carrier is screened separately. This can be a scary experience for pets, so stay calm and comforting.

Waiting for Your Flight

Once you're through security, find a quiet place to wait for your flight. Many airports have pet relief areas where dogs can use the bathroom before boarding. Know where these spots are ahead of time.

5. Onboard the Aircraft

Your pet must stay in their carrier under the seat in front of you during the flight. Animals aren't allowed to be taken out of their carriers while onboard. The carrier should be secured and placed in a way that allows for proper ventilation.

In-Flight Tips

To keep your pet relaxed during the flight, consider providing a soft lining in their carrier. If your dog is particularly anxious, talk to your vet about calming aids or medications. Remember, this can be a stressful environment for animals due to noise and pressure changes in the cabin — staying calm yourself will help comfort them.

6. Arrival and Post-Flight Care

When you get off at your destination, pick up your pet as soon as possible. This is easy if they flew with you in-cabin; however, if they were transported as cargo, go to that designated area onsite to claim them there instead. Give them some time to adjust to their new surroundings and offer water/let them use the bathroom.

Post-Flight Checkup

Keep an eye on your furry friend after flying for any signs of stress or discomfort. Sometimes it takes a little while for them to get readjusted after being on a plane. Make sure they have access to fresh water and a cozy spot to sleep.

7. International Travel

Traveling with pets internationally involves additional considerations. Each country sets its own rules about pet travel, which may include quarantine requirements, import permits, and specific vaccinations.

Researching & Documenting

Look up the pet travel requirements for your destination country well in advance. You might need an import permit and certain health documents for your animal -- so contact the embassy or consulate of that place too!

Quarantine Regulations

Certain nations impose quarantine periods on arriving pets; these can vary by location and duration (e.g., days vs weeks), so make sure you're aware of what's required where you're going before leaving home.

8. Service Animals

Different rules apply to service animals like guide dogs. American Airlines allows service animals in the cabin free of charge, but documentation is required and must be submitted ahead of time during booking process along with other information requested at that point such as training background etc...

9. Restrictions on Traveling with Pet

There are some limitations concerning the traveling along with pets by American Airlines which can be either related to breed, weather or flight route specificity.

Restriction On Breed

Because short-nosed animals like Bulldog and Persian cat have a higher chance of developing respiratory problems during flights than others; thus, they are prohibited from being transported as cargo.

Weather Restrictions

Extreme temperatures may endanger animals when they are being flown as cargo. For this reason, American airlines do not allow transportation of pets in case of very hot or cold periods so that their safety is ensured.

Route Limitations

Some routes might have extra regulations while others don’t permit any pet travel at all especially international flights; hence, check everything about your journey’s policy always.

10. Customer Support And Help

Travelers together with their pets can access customer support from American Airlines. In case you need clarifications or help regarding how your pet should travel then contact the customer service of this airline; they will guide concerning booking, documentation required among other things that may worry you.

Emergency Preparedness

Make sure you plan for emergencies because anything can happen anytime anywhere. Your veterinarian and a person who is friendly to animals at the place you’re visiting should be among those listed as emergency contacts. Also learn about veterinary services available locally in your destination.

To travel with an animal on board an aircraft owned by American Airlines, one must prepare adequately and abide by the company’s rules. Therefore, it is important to know what is needed before time so that both parties enjoy safe journey throughout their relationship. Ensure that you always give priority to health care for your dog throughout its lifetime even during transportation period since they too get tired sometimes just like humans do