American Airlines Service Dog Policy & Form (2026)

American Service Dog — Policy, the DOT form, and how to fly.

The american airlines service dog policy lets a service dog — a dog task trained to perform tasks for a disability — fly in the cabin free. American follows the air carrier access act and the 2021 DOT rule. You complete the dot form and check in, and American accepts the service dog with no fee. American airlines no longer treats emotional support animals as service animals. Here is how flying american with a service animal works.

Does American Airlines allow service dogs?

Yes. American airlines accepted a trained service dogs request on every flight, because federal rules require it. A service dog is a service animal trained to perform tasks, so aa charges no fee and the dog is permitted in the cabin. American allows up to two service dogs per passenger, and each dog rides on the floor in your foot space, not in a seat and not in an exit row.

The American Airlines service animal form

American requires the DOT service animal air transportation form. Fill out and submit the animal air transportation form in advance — American asks you to complete it at least 48 hours before departure when possible, then attach or upload the file and get it approved. For a long flight, the dot service animal air relief form may also be required. Keep a document copy; a health certificate is only needed for certain international routes or a partner airline such as British Airways.

How to check in with a service dog on American

Book your ticket, notify American through the Special Assistance request, and add the service animal id details to your travel information. On the day, check in and visit the special assistance desk; the gate agent can pre-board you. Contact American by phone if your aircraft type changes on a connections itinerary, since a smaller aircraft affects where the dog sits. A psychiatric service dog for a psychiatric disability uses the same flying american steps.

Emotional support animals and pets on American Airlines

Since 2021, American airlines treats emotional support animals as pets, not service animals. An emotional support dog may fly as a carry-on pet if it fits the carrier size and you pay the fee. Only a trained service dogs handler with disabilities gets free cabin access. Tips: build in extra time, confirm the flight the day before, and carry your approval comment from American.

Two service dogs, seating, and behavior

American allows two service dogs per traveler. Each dog must stay under your control, be housebroken, and not bark or lunge. The airline can refuse a dog whose behavior is unsafe. Your service animal may not sit in a seat, block the aisle, or occupy an exit row. If Hawaii is on your route, extra rules and an id number for quarantine may apply.

American Airlines service dog ID and documentation

American does not require a service animal id card, a letter, or a health certificate on most domestic routes — only the DOT form. For international travel on a partner airline such as British Airways, extra document rules and an id number may apply. Keep your confirmation and travel information handy, and contact the airline by phone if your aircraft type changes on connections.

Flying American with a service dog: last-minute tips

Tips for flying american: book early, complete and submit the form at least 48 hours in advance, and check in at the special assistance desk. Ask to pre-board so the service dog settles before the cabin fills. If a flight to Hawaii is on your itinerary, aa flags quarantine rules that a mainland flight does not have.

Summary — what to remember

Common questions about american airlines service dog

What form does American Airlines require for a service dog?

The DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Complete and submit it in advance, usually at least 48 hours before departure, and bring a copy to check in.

Does American Airlines charge for a service dog?

No. A trained service dog is not a pet, so American charges no fee and reserves no seat. Only paid pets and emotional support animals incur a fee.

Can I fly American with an emotional support animal?

Not as a service animal. Since 2021 American treats emotional support animals as pets, so they fly only if they meet carry-on pet rules and you pay the fee.

How do I add my service dog to an American Airlines booking?

Notify American through Special Assistance after you book, submit the DOT form, then check in and visit the special assistance desk at the airport.

Can American Airlines deny my service dog?

Yes, if the dog is not housebroken, barks uncontrollably, or behaves aggressively. Trained service dogs that behave are always permitted in the cabin.

Does a psychiatric service dog fly free on American?

Yes. A psychiatric service dog is a trained service animal, so it flies free in the cabin with the DOT form, the same as any service dog.

Sources

Written by USAR Editorial Team · Last reviewed:

USAR follows a strict editorial process: every guide is fact-checked against primary federal statutes and reviewed quarterly. We have no financial relationships with letter providers, training schools, or registries.