American Airlines in-cabin pet policy — and the carriers that fit
American Airlines allows small pets in the cabin in a carrier up to 18 × 11 × 11 in, stowed under the seat in front of you. Already own a carrier? Enter its measurements below to check it against this limit. The in-cabin fee is $150 per kennel each way (carry-on, within/between US, Canada, Mexico, Central America & Caribbean). 8 of the 15 carriers we track clear that published limit.
The Sherpa Original Deluxe (Small) leaves the most room — 1" on its tightest dimension, while the Sherpa Original Deluxe (Medium) only just squeaks in with nothing to spare. American's 11" height ceiling sits mid-pack among the 58 airlines we track (shared with Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, JSX, United): Avelo and Breeze allow more, while EL AL Israel allows only 7".
Will your carrier fit American Airlines?
Measure the outside of your carrier (bulges included) and enter it below. The check uses American Airlines’s published 18 × 11 × 11 in limit — height is checked strictly, the footprint may rotate.
American Airlines pet rules
| Recommended max carrier (soft) | 18 × 11 × 11 in |
| Max hard-sided kennel | 19 × 13 × 9 in |
| Soft-sided required? | Soft recommended; hard allowed within its limit |
| In-cabin fee | $150 per kennel each way (carry-on, within/between US, Canada, Mexico, Central America & Caribbean) · compare all airlines → |
| Species allowed | cats, dogs |
| Pets | 1 carry-on pet carrier per passenger; counts as your carry-on or personal item |
| Booking | Add a carry-on pet to your trip; pay the fee at the airport |
Source: official American Airlines pet policy · verified 2026-07-23
Carriers that fit American Airlines
Matched to American Airlines's published 18 × 11 × 11 in limit (height checked strictly; footprint may rotate). See the full American Airlines carrier shortlist →
Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our specs or which carriers we list.
| Carrier | Size | Fit | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 × 10 × 8.5 in | Fits 1" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 16 × 10.5 × 9.8 in | Fits 0.5" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 10 × 10 in | Fits 1" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 11 × 10.5 in | Fits 0" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 8.5 × 10.5 in | Fits 0.5" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 11 × 11 in | Fits 0" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 16 × 8 × 11 in | Fits 0" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 18 × 11 × 11 in | Fits 0" spare | See on Amazon → | |
| 22 × 10.5 × 10.5 in | Fits collapsed | See on Amazon → | |
| 17 × 12 × 10.5 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 18.7 × 10.8 × 10.75 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 19 × 11.75 × 11.5 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 18.5 × 11.75 × 11.5 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 18 × 11.5 × 11.5 in | Too big | See on Amazon → | |
| 18 × 12 × 12 in | Too big | See on Amazon → |
How to confirm your actual under-seat space
American Airlines's number is a fleet-wide recommendation, not a promise for your exact seat. Before you buy or fly:
- Check which aircraft operates your flight (in your booking or on a seat-map site).
- Avoid bulkhead and some window seats — they have less (or no) under-seat storage.
- Call American Airlines to confirm under-seat dimensions for that aircraft, or
- Choose a collapsible / flexible-height carrier that adapts to a tighter space.
More airlines: Air Canada · Alaska Airlines · Allegiant Air · Breeze Airways · Delta Air Lines · Frontier Airlines · Southwest Airlines · United Airlines · Avelo Airlines · all →
Common questions
What size pet carrier does American Airlines allow in the cabin?
American Airlines's recommended maximum in-cabin carrier is 18 × 11 × 11 in (soft) or 19 × 13 × 9 in for a hard-sided kennel. It must fit fully under the seat in front of you. Source: the American Airlines pet policy.
How much does American Airlines charge for an in-cabin pet?
$150 per kennel each way (carry-on, within/between US, Canada, Mexico, Central America & Caribbean). Always confirm the current fee on the official American Airlines pet page before you fly.
Which pet carriers fit American Airlines?
8 of the 15 carriers we track clear American Airlines's published 18 × 11 × 11 in. The roomiest is the Sherpa Original Deluxe (Small), with 1" to spare on its tightest dimension. Full shortlist: /fits/american/.
Does American Airlines require a soft-sided pet carrier?
American Airlines recommends soft-sided but allows a hard-sided kennel within its published limit. Height is what rules carriers out: American Airlines publishes 11", against 13" at the most generous airline we track.
How many pets can I bring in the cabin on American Airlines?
1 carry-on pet carrier per passenger; counts as your carry-on or personal item. Species accepted: cats, dogs. Add a carry-on pet to your trip; pay the fee at the airport