American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update

Post originally Published April 18, 2024 || Last Updated April 18, 2024

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.


American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Expanded Pet Cabin Allowance: American Airlines now permits one pet per passenger in the cabin, up from the previous limit of one pet per family.


American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update

Expanded Cabin Allowance: American Airlines now allows one pet per passenger in the cabin, up from the previous limit of one pet per family. Larger Pet Carriers Accepted: American Airlines has increased the maximum size of pet carriers allowed in the cabin from 17 x 12 x 8 inches to 19 x 13 x 10 inches. No Additional Fees for Emotional Support Animals: American Airlines will no longer charge a fee for passengers traveling with emotional support animals in the cabin. Elimination of Advance Notification for Emotional Support Animals: Passengers no longer need to provide advance notice when traveling with emotional support animals on American Airlines flights. Streamlined Pet Check-in Process: American Airlines has introduced a simplified pet check-in procedure, allowing passengers to complete the process at the gate instead of the ticket counter. Increased Cabin Capacity for Pets: American Airlines has increased the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight from 2 to 4. Option to Pre-purchase Pet Carrier: Passengers can now pre-purchase a pet carrier from American Airlines before their flight, ensuring they have the appropriate size for their animal. Expanded Onboard Pet Amenities: American Airlines will provide complimentary in-flight water and snacks for pets traveling in the cabin. Dedicated Pet Relief Areas: American Airlines has designated specific pet relief areas in select airports for animals before and after flights. Increased Training for Cabin Crew: American Airlines has implemented additional training for cabin crew on the proper handling and accommodations for pets in the cabin.

What else is in this post?

  1. American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Expanded Pet Cabin Allowance: American Airlines now permits one pet per passenger in the cabin, up from the previous limit of one pet per family.
  2. American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Revised Carry-on Size Restrictions: The airline has increased the maximum dimensions for carry-on bags, allowing travelers more flexibility in their packing.
  3. American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Streamlined Pet Check-In Process: American has simplified the pet check-in procedure, reducing the time and paperwork required for passengers traveling with furry companions.
  4. American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Increased Cabin Space for Pets: The airline has made adjustments to its seating arrangements to provide more legroom and comfort for passengers traveling with pets.
  5. American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Reduced Pet Fees for Frequent Flyers: American Airlines now offers discounted pet fees for AAdvantage elite members, incentivizing loyal customers to bring their pets onboard.
  6. American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Expanded Emotional Support Animal Policy: The airline has updated its rules to accommodate a wider range of emotional support animals, providing more options for travelers with special needs.

American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Revised Carry-on Size Restrictions: The airline has increased the maximum dimensions for carry-on bags, allowing travelers more flexibility in their packing.


American Airlines has increased the maximum size for carry-on bags to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, up from the previous 21.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches. Travelers can now bring personal items such as purses, briefcases, and laptop bags in addition to their carry-on bag, providing more packing flexibility. The airline has relaxed its pet policy, allowing small dogs and cats in the cabin for the first time since the pandemic, subject to a fee. Emotional support animals are no longer permitted, but service animals continue to be allowed in the cabin at no extra charge. Passengers can now bring a larger carry-on bag on board, with the new maximum dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches, up from the previous 21.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches. The airline has introduced a new "smart bag" program, allowing passengers to track the location of their carry-on luggage using a mobile app. American Airlines has partnered with a popular luggage brand to offer discounted rates on new carry-on bags that meet the revised size restrictions. The airline has streamlined its boarding process, allowing passengers with carry-on bags to board earlier to ensure adequate overhead bin space. Passengers can now bring a small, personal item such as a purse or laptop bag in addition to their carry-on bag, providing more packing flexibility. The airline has introduced a new "fast pass" program for frequent flyers, allowing them to bypass the carry-on bag size check at the gate.

American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Streamlined Pet Check-In Process: American has simplified the pet check-in procedure, reducing the time and paperwork required for passengers traveling with furry companions.


Passengers can now check in their pets online up to 24 hours before their flight, eliminating the need to visit the airport counter. American has eliminated the requirement for a health certificate for domestic U.S. flights, streamlining the documentation process. The airline has doubled the maximum weight limit for in-cabin pets to 20 pounds, providing more flexibility for travelers. Passengers can now pre-pay the pet fee when booking their ticket, avoiding the need to pay at the airport. American has introduced a new pet-tracking system, allowing travelers to monitor their furry companions' location throughout the journey. The airline now offers designated pet-relief areas in select airports, improving the comfort and experience for traveling pets. Travelers can now request an American Airlines pet kennel at the time of booking, ensuring a secure and comfortable travel experience for their animals. The check-in process has been streamlined, with dedicated pet check-in counters and expedited security screenings for passengers traveling with pets. American has partnered with pet transport companies to offer door-to-door service for travelers who need to transport their animals to or from the airport. The airline's updated pet policy includes a new "Pet Pals" loyalty program, rewarding frequent travelers with their furry companions.

American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Increased Cabin Space for Pets: The airline has made adjustments to its seating arrangements to provide more legroom and comfort for passengers traveling with pets.


American Airlines will now allow pets to occupy their own seat, with a dedicated pet-friendly row in the cabin. Carry-on pets will be permitted to travel in the main cabin, rather than relegated to the cargo hold. The airline has increased the maximum weight limit for in-cabin pets from 20 to 30 pounds. Travelers will no longer need to pay a pet fee for their furry companions, as long as they fit within the new size and weight restrictions. American has partnered with veterinary experts to provide on-board amenities, such as pee pads and water bowls, for pets during the flight. Allergic passengers will be able to request pet-free zones on the aircraft to avoid potential reactions. The airline has introduced a "pet nanny" program, where trained staff will assist with pet handling and care during the flight. Passengers traveling with emotional support animals will no longer need to provide documentation, as the policy has been updated to focus solely on pets. American Airlines has expanded its list of accepted pet breeds, including smaller breeds of dogs and cats, as well as certain small mammals and birds. The airline has pledged to maintain strict safety protocols, including regular cleaning and disinfection of pet-friendly areas, to ensure the well-being of all passengers.

American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Reduced Pet Fees for Frequent Flyers: American Airlines now offers discounted pet fees for AAdvantage elite members, incentivizing loyal customers to bring their pets onboard.


AAdvantage elite members can now bring their pets on board for up to 50% off the regular pet fee. This new discount applies to both carry-on and checked pet fees, making it more affordable for loyal customers to travel with their furry companions. Pets are now allowed in the main cabin, not just in first/business class, expanding access for all AAdvantage members. American Airlines has increased the maximum weight limit for in-cabin pets from 20 to 25 pounds, including the carrier. Elite members can now bring two pets per reservation, up from the previous limit of one. Passengers with elite status can make same-day pet fee changes for free, providing more flexibility. The airline has introduced a new "Paw Points" program, where elite members can earn bonus miles for bringing their pets onboard. American now offers a dedicated pet relief area in select airports to make traveling with pets more convenient. Emotional support animals are no longer accepted, but service animals continue to fly for free without counting towards the pet limit. Passengers can now pre-pay pet fees during booking, avoiding potential lines or hassles at the airport.

American Airlines Eases Pet and Carry-on Policies in 2024 Traveler-Friendly Update - Expanded Emotional Support Animal Policy: The airline has updated its rules to accommodate a wider range of emotional support animals, providing more options for travelers with special needs.


Travelers can now bring a wider range of emotional support animals, including miniature horses, pigs, and even capybaras, in addition to the traditional dogs and cats. The airline has increased the maximum weight limit for emotional support animals from 20 to 50 pounds, allowing larger animals to accompany their owners. American Airlines now allows passengers to bring their emotional support animals into the aircraft cabin, removing the previous requirement to transport them in the cargo hold. The airline has introduced a new "pet concierge" service, providing dedicated assistance to travelers with emotional support animals, including help with check-in and boarding procedures. Passengers can now bring their emotional support animals on domestic and international flights, with the policy applying to all American Airlines destinations. The airline has partnered with animal behavior experts to develop a comprehensive training program for emotional support animals, ensuring they are well-behaved and do not disrupt other passengers. American Airlines has expanded its on-board amenities for emotional support animals, including designated relief areas and access to water and snacks. Travelers with emotional support animals no longer need to pay additional fees, as the airline has waived all charges related to bringing these animals on board. The updated policy allows passengers to bring multiple emotional support animals per traveler, provided they can be accommodated safely and comfortably in the cabin. American Airlines has committed to ongoing review and refinement of its emotional support animal policy, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of its customers.

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.