How Reliable is American Airlines Pet Shipping?

I have to ship my cat from California to Georgia. Price matters, so I can't afford any specialty pet movers that will cost over a thousand dollars. I'm going to ship my cat via American Airlines Live Animal Shipping, but I'm worried about how he'll be treated, and if he'll be safe. I've heard numerous horror stories about shipping an animal via an airline. Has anyone ever used American Airlines Animal Shipping, or does anyone know anybody that has? If so, how was your experience or what have you heard? I want my cat to be safe and arrive at his destination without being mistreated or traumatized, so any info or feedback about them would be greatly appreciated.