i have flown with miss buffey and gino - both on AA
now i know they are going through the whole canceling flights thing (i am in DFW) but as far as my experiences flying AA, they have both been fine...the furbabies were fine during the trip...neither time was i asked for any paperwork for them (which i had), nor did anyone check to see if i had a receipt that shows i paid the extra fee (which i did) .. the suggestion to bring a potty pad is a great one ... also, bring an extra blanket to wrap around the crate / bag because it is drafty
the time i flew with gino, the flight crew was so nice and let me hold him in my lap during the flight!
he was a big hit...there was also a little chihuahua in front of me and he was on their laps the whole time too!