Flying American Airlines with a Cat (2026): Is It the Right Airline for Your Route?
American Airlines allows cats in the cabin on most domestic US routes. Here’s what to check before you book — aircraft type, cabin restrictions, carrier dimensions, and the March 2024 policy change.
This article contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through these links, Travel with Cats may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we'd genuinely use ourselves. Full disclaimer →
American Airlines allows cats in the cabin on most domestic US flights — and unlike some other major US carriers, you can add your pet to your booking online in minutes. But the aircraft and cabin on your specific route matter. American restricts carry-on pets from certain seats and cabins where there is no under-seat storage, and separate route-level bans apply to transatlantic and transpacific trips regardless of aircraft.
The short version: most domestic narrowbody flights are straightforward. The complexity arrives on widebody aircraft (where First and Business seats are off-limits), on transatlantic and transpacific routes (where carry-on pets are banned entirely), and on regional jets (where smaller carrier dimensions apply).
Here’s what to check before you book.
Can I take my cat on American Airlines in the cabin?
Yes — on most domestic routes. American Airlines allows cats and dogs to travel as carry-on pets on flights within the 48 contiguous United States, between the US and Canada, to Alaska, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, provided the flight is 12 hours or less.
The carry-on pet fee is $150 each way (per carrier). Your cat must stay in the carrier for the entire flight, and the carrier goes under the seat in front of you.
American does not offer checked pets for the general public. If your cat is too large for the cabin, the only option is American Airlines Cargo’s PetEmbark® service — a separate booking process with its own requirements and fees.
Where the restrictions actually apply
Aircraft and cabin restrictions
On some aircraft, carry-on pets are restricted to specific cabins because certain seats lack the under-seat storage required:
- Boeing 777-200, 777-300ER, 787-8, and 787-9: Carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business class seats due to lack of under-seat storage. Main Cabin on these aircraft allows up to 20 pet carriers across all cabins.
- Airbus A321XLR: Row 11 is not permitted for carry-on pets. Other seats follow standard rules.
- A321T (3-cabin transcontinental): Two dedicated animal-friendly compartments at the front of the plane. No under-seat stowage in First. Soft-sided carriers only in Business. Up to 20 pet carriers across all cabins.
- Domestic narrowbody (B737, A319, A320, A321, A321NEO): Full cabin access — up to 20 pet carriers across all cabins.
- American Eagle regional jets (CRJ, ERJ): Allowed — but with lower limits (up to 1 in Premium Cabin, up to 5 in Main Cabin) and smaller carrier dimensions (see below).
The practical check: If you’re booked in First or Business on a widebody aircraft, your cat cannot travel in the cabin on that flight. The same trip in Main Cabin is permitted, subject to the 20-carrier limit. Always check your cabin as well as the aircraft type.
How to check your aircraft type before booking:
- Search your flight on aa.com
- In the flight details, look for the aircraft listed (e.g. “Boeing 737-800” or “Airbus A321”)
- If it shows a 777 or 787 and you’re in a premium cabin — carry-on pets are not permitted in that cabin
- Aircraft can change after booking — recheck at 24-hour check-in
Route-level bans
Separate from aircraft restrictions, American Airlines does not allow carry-on pets on the following route types:
| Route type | Cabin pets allowed? |
|---|---|
| Domestic narrowbody (B737, A319, A320, A321, A321NEO) | ✅ Yes — up to 20 carriers across all cabins |
| American Eagle regional jets (CRJ, ERJ) | ✅ Yes — up to 1 (Premium) / 5 (Main); smaller carrier dimensions |
| A321T (3-cabin transcontinental) | ⚠️ Yes, with cabin restrictions (see above) |
| B777 or B787 — Main Cabin | ✅ Yes — up to 20 carriers across all cabins |
| B777 or B787 — First or Business | ❌ No — no under-seat storage |
| A321XLR — Row 11 | ❌ No |
| Transatlantic routes (US ↔ Europe/UK) | ❌ No — route-level ban |
| Transpacific routes (US ↔ Asia/Australia) | ❌ No — route-level ban |
| Flights to Hawaii | ❌ No — not in permitted destination list |
| International routes to South America | ❌ No |
Flying to the UK or Europe? American Airlines does not allow cabin pets on transatlantic flights, regardless of aircraft or cabin class. If you’re planning to fly from the US to Europe with your cat, you’ll need a different approach — European carriers that allow cats in the cabin include Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM, though each has its own route and documentation requirements for US passengers. For cargo options, see our guide to IATA-approved cat travel crates for long-haul flights.
How to book a carry-on pet on American Airlines
This is one area where AA has a genuine advantage over Delta: you can add your cat to your booking online, without calling.
Step-by-step:
- Book your flight on aa.com or the American app as normal
- Go to “Find your trip” using your confirmation code
- In the “Additional Services” section, select “Add carry-on pets”
- Review the carry-on pet requirements
- Select the specific flights your cat will travel on
- Confirm your carry-on pet in the booking. The $150 fee is paid at the airport ticket counter at check-in — an agent will also verify that your pet and carrier meet the requirements at that point
You can also add a pet at the airport, but given the per-flight capacity limit (see below), adding it online as soon as you book your own ticket is strongly recommended.
Capacity limit — book early. On most mainline aircraft, American allows a maximum of 20 pet carriers per flight across all cabins combined (excluding service animals). On American Eagle regional jets, the limit is lower: up to 1 in Premium Cabin and 5 in Main Cabin. On busy routes, spots fill up. Multiple travellers on r/TravelWithPets have reported finding no spots left when trying to add a pet within 24 hours of a flight. Add your pet immediately after booking your ticket.
At check-in: check-in with a carry-on pet goes through the standard counter — no special service counter required (unlike some other carriers, including Delta).
Search flights: Ready to book? Compare routes and aircraft types on Expedia before you confirm — checking the aircraft type helps you avoid widebody cabin restrictions.
Carrier requirements
Which carrier type to use
American recommends soft-sided carriers for all flights, and they’re the most versatile option across the fleet. Hard-sided carriers are permitted, but the dimensions vary by aircraft type — and soft-sided carriers have more flex, which matters when the fit is tight. Soft-sided collapsible kennels must have nylon mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides.
Carrier dimensions
| Carrier type | Approved for | Max dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-sided (recommended) | All AA flights | 18 × 11 × 11 inches (46 × 28 × 28 cm) |
| Hard-sided | American Mainline flights | 19 × 13 × 9 inches (48 × 33 × 22 cm) |
| Hard-sided | American Eagle regional jets | 16 × 12 × 8 inches (40 × 30 × 20 cm) |
If you’re flying on a regional jet (American Eagle — CRJ or ERJ series), the smaller hard-sided dimensions apply. A carrier that fits perfectly on a mainline A321 can be a tight squeeze on an Eagle CRJ-900. If your itinerary includes an Eagle connection, check the carrier fits both planes before you leave home.
Weight limit
The combined weight of your cat and the carrier must not exceed 20 lbs (9.07 kg). This is weighed at check-in — it is not self-reported. If your cat and carrier together exceed 20 lbs, your cat cannot travel in the cabin.
A typical soft-sided carrier weighs 1–2 lbs, leaving most of the allowance for your cat. If your cat is on the larger side, weigh both together at home before you travel. The check-in scale is definitive.
What the carrier must do
- Fit under the seat in front of you (and stay there for the entire flight)
- Allow your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural position
- Your cat must remain inside the carrier for the full duration of the flight — no exceptions, even during boarding and deplaning
Fees and what changed in March 2024
The carry-on pet fee is $150 per carrier, each way. Non-refundable. The fee is paid at the airport ticket counter at check-in.
One pet per carrier: for carry-on travel, plan on one cat per carrier unless American confirms otherwise for your specific booking. Do not assume two cats can share one carry-on kennel.
What changed in March 2024: Until that month, the pet carrier counted as your carry-on allowance — you could only bring a personal item in addition. American changed this in March 2024: the pet carrier is now separate from your carry-on allowance. You can now bring a pet carrier plus a regular carry-on bag or a personal item (but not both). This is a meaningful improvement — you’re paying $150 for the pet spot, and you keep your normal baggage allowance intact.
Some older travel guides still describe the pre-2024 rule. If you see a guide telling you the cat carrier replaces your carry-on, that information is out of date.
What goes wrong — 5 failure modes
1. Booked in a premium cabin on a widebody
If you’re in First or Business on a B777 or B787, carry-on pets are not permitted in those cabins. This catches people who book premium cabin transcontinental flights and assume the same rules apply everywhere. Check your cabin against your aircraft type before confirming. If your routing puts you in a premium cabin on a widebody, rebooking into Main Cabin (if available) resolves it.
2. Capacity full before you add your pet
The carrier limit per flight fills up on popular routes. Several travellers have found no spots available on morning departures on busy leisure routes. Add your pet online immediately after booking your own ticket — not the night before.
3. Weight over 20 lbs at check-in
The scale is definitive. If your cat and carrier together exceed 20 lbs, the cat cannot fly cabin. Weigh both at home before you travel. If you’re close to the limit, a lighter soft-sided carrier gives you more room.
4. Regional jet carrier mismatch
A carrier sized for a mainline A321 can be too large for an American Eagle CRJ-900. The smaller hard-sided dimension (16 × 12 × 8 inches) applies on Eagle regional jets. The lower per-flight limit also applies on Eagle routes. If your itinerary includes an Eagle connection, check both the carrier dimensions and the availability before you go.
5. Sedated cat refused at the airport
American Airlines will not accept a sedated or tranquilized pet. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedating a pet during air travel compromises the animal’s health, with increased risk of respiratory and heart problems at altitude. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) similarly advises against sedating cats or dogs during transport, because sedatives reduce the animal’s ability to respond to stress during the trip. If your cat is anxious, speak to your vet about non-sedative options — and tell your vet the specific constraint. Do not show up at the airport with a visibly sedated cat.
Vet-approved alternative to sedation: FELIWAY Classic spray (£17, Amazon UK) uses synthetic feline facial pheromones to reduce stress during travel — spray the carrier 15 minutes before placing your cat inside. Ask your vet if it's appropriate for your cat.
Flying to the UK or Europe with your cat — AA isn’t the answer
If you’re a US-based cat owner planning a move to Europe or a longer stay, American Airlines cabin travel isn’t an option for transatlantic flights. This is a route-level ban — it applies regardless of aircraft type or cabin class.
Flying to Europe with a cat from the US requires either cargo travel (via AA’s PetEmbark® service or another carrier’s cargo) or flying a transatlantic carrier that allows cats in the cabin on European segments — with the cat boarding at a European hub after you’ve flown over separately. This is a complex routing challenge. If you’re planning it, our guide to IATA-approved cat travel crates for cargo and long-haul flights is the starting point.
Cat-friendly hotels near American Airlines hubs
If you have a long layover, an early morning departure, or a connection that doesn’t work on one day, staying near an AA hub overnight with your cat is a realistic option.
We’ve verified cat-friendly hotels near JFK in New York — all with confirmed pet policies and fees: cat-friendly hotels near JFK Airport.
Guides for LAX (Los Angeles), ORD (Chicago O’Hare), DFW (Dallas Fort Worth), and MIA (Miami) are in development.
American Airlines vs Delta — how they compare for cats
| American Airlines | Delta Air Lines | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin cats allowed? | ✅ Yes (domestic) | ✅ Yes (domestic) |
| Fee (each way) | $150 | $150 (tickets issued April 8, 2025 or later) |
| Booking method | ✅ Online (aa.com or app) | ❌ Must call Reservations |
| Weight limit | 20 lbs (pet + carrier) — weighed at check-in | No stated weight limit (must fit under seat) |
| Per-flight limit (mainline) | 20 carriers (all cabins) | 4 carriers (Main/Comfort+); 2 in domestic First; 0 in Delta One/Premium |
| Widebody aircraft restriction | ⚠️ First/Business only — Main Cabin permitted; transatlantic/transpacific route bans are separate | ⚠️ Flat-bed/Delta One seats banned; widebody aircraft permitted in eligible seats |
| Check-in counter | Standard counter | Special Service Counter required |
| Hawaii? | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| UK / Europe? | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Carrier type | Soft or hard-sided | Soft-sided only |
Search flights: Comparing carriers for your route? Search and compare flights on Expedia →
On widebody aircraft: Both airlines have seat-and-cabin restrictions rather than blanket aircraft bans. For AA, the restriction on B777 and B787 applies to First and Business seats. For Delta, the restriction applies to flat-bed and Delta One seats. In both cases, Main Cabin on widebody aircraft can carry pets. The separate route-level bans (transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii) apply on top of this for both carriers.
The booking difference: You can add your cat to an AA booking online in minutes, at any time. Delta requires a phone call to Reservations. If spots fill up before you call, you may miss them. AA’s online system also requires acting quickly — the 20-carrier limit can fill on busy routes — but you’re not dependent on hold times or desk hours.
Delta also requires a Special Service Counter at check-in. AA processes carry-on pet check-in at the standard counter.
Related: Full Delta Airlines cat in cabin guide →
Related: Full United Airlines cat guide →
Frequently asked questions
Can I fly with my cat in the cabin on American Airlines?
Yes, on most domestic US routes and select international routes (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean). The main route exceptions are transatlantic flights, transpacific flights, and Hawaii — carry-on pets are not permitted on any of these. On widebody aircraft (B777, B787), carry-on pets are restricted from First and Business cabin seats but are permitted in Main Cabin.
How much does it cost to bring a cat on American Airlines?
$150 per carrier each way. Non-refundable. The fee is paid at the airport ticket counter at check-in, not when you add the pet online.
What size carrier does American Airlines require for cats?
Soft-sided (recommended for all flights): 18 × 11 × 11 inches. Hard-sided on Mainline: 19 × 13 × 9 inches. Hard-sided on American Eagle regional jets: 16 × 12 × 8 inches. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided carriers must have nylon mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides.
Carrier pick: The Pecute soft-sided pet carrier (£23, Amazon UK) meets AA's 18 × 11 × 11-inch soft-sided requirement and has ventilation on 3 sides. Collapsible for storage. Verify the packed dimensions against your specific aircraft before travelling.
How do I add my cat to an American Airlines booking?
Go to aa.com or the American app, find your trip using your booking reference, select “Additional Services,” then “Add carry-on pets.” You can do this online — no phone call required. The fee is paid at the airport ticket counter at check-in.
Does American Airlines allow cats in first class?
On B777 and B787 aircraft, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business seats due to lack of under-seat storage. On the A321T, pets are permitted with restrictions (dedicated compartments at the front of the aircraft; soft-sided only in Business). On standard narrowbody aircraft, pets travel under the seat in all cabins.
What is the weight limit for cats on American Airlines?
Your cat and carrier combined must not exceed 20 lbs (9.07 kg). This is weighed at check-in — not self-reported.
Can I fly American Airlines with my cat to Hawaii?
No. Hawaii is not included in American Airlines’ permitted destination list for carry-on pets.
Does American Airlines allow cats on all planes?
The restrictions depend on the aircraft and cabin. On B777 and B787 aircraft, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business class. On A321XLR aircraft, Row 11 is not permitted. Transatlantic and transpacific routes ban carry-on pets entirely, regardless of aircraft. On domestic narrowbody and most regional jet routes, cabin pets are permitted subject to the per-flight carrier limits.
How many pets are allowed per American Airlines flight?
On most mainline aircraft, a maximum of 20 pet carriers per flight across all cabins combined (excluding service animals). On American Eagle regional jets, the limit is lower: up to 1 in Premium Cabin and up to 5 in Main Cabin. Add your pet immediately after booking on busy routes.
Is American Airlines better than Delta for flying with a cat?
It depends on your route and priorities. AA’s main advantages: online booking (Delta requires a phone call to Reservations), higher per-flight capacity on mainline aircraft (20 vs 4 in Main Cabin), standard check-in counter. Both airlines have similar seat-based restrictions on widebody aircraft. Check your specific route, aircraft, and cabin for both carriers before deciding — and always confirm directly with American before booking.
Sources
- American Airlines pet policy: aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/pets.jsp — verified 27 May 2026
- March 2024 policy change: Fortune, 29 March 2024
- Delta pet travel policy: delta.com/us/en/pet-travel/overview — verified 27 May 2026
- Community experiences: r/TravelWithPets, r/americanairlines (thread dates: 2024–2025)
- Sedation risk: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — guidance on pet air travel and sedation; International Air Transport Association (IATA) — live animal regulations