American Airlines Pet Policy 2026: Fees, ESA Policy & Psychiatric Service Dogs

American Airlines is the world's largest airline by fleet size and passenger volume. Their pet policy has evolved significantly since the 2021 DOT rule change on service animals. This guide covers American's current 2026 pet policy, fees, ESA rules, and psychiatric service dog documentation requirements.

American Airlines In-Cabin Pet Policy 2026

American allows small cats and dogs in the passenger cabin on most domestic flights:

• Fee: $150 per pet, per one-way flight
• Carrier size: Soft-sided carrier max 19" × 13" × 9"; must fit completely under the seat in front of you
• Weight: No published weight maximum - carrier must fit under seat
• Eligible animals: Cats and dogs only
• Age: At least 8 weeks old
• Booking: Must be added during booking or at least 45 minutes before departure

Pets are not permitted in the cabin on transatlantic or transpacific flights, or on flights to/from South America. Basic Economy passengers may be restricted on some routes. Verify before booking.

American Airlines ESA Policy 2026

American no longer recognizes ESAs as a distinct category requiring special accommodation. This change was implemented in January 2021 following the DOT rule update. ESA letters are not accepted to waive the $150 in-cabin fee or to bypass carrier size requirements.

ESA owners on American must choose:

• Travel with their ESA as a standard in-cabin pet (if it meets size/weight requirements) for $150
• Ship their pet via American Airlines Cargo on eligible routes
• Upgrade to PSD status if the animal is trained to perform qualifying ADA tasks

Reminder: ESA letters still protect your housing rights under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604), even though they no longer provide airline benefits.

Psychiatric Service Dogs on American Airlines

American accepts trained service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, in the cabin free of charge. The process requires:

• Completion of American's Service Animal Request form via their website
• Submission at least 48 hours before departure
• For flights over 8 hours: a Service Animal Relief Attestation form

A psychiatric service dog must perform individually trained tasks that directly mitigate a disability - not merely provide comfort or emotional support. See our PSD letter guide.

American Airlines Cargo

American Airlines Cargo accepts dogs, cats, and household birds on select domestic routes. Temperature restrictions apply seasonally. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds may be restricted. Contact American Cargo directly for current availability and fees.