A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Emotional Support Animals on Air France
If you struggle with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues when traveling, an emotional support animal (ESA) can make flying more manageable. Airlines are required by law to accommodate passengers traveling with legitimate ESAs. In this article, I’ll explain Air France’s policies for traveling with emotional support dogs, cats and other approved animals.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An ESA is not considered a service animal under the law. Instead, an ESA provides comfort and support to an individual with a mental or emotional disability diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional. An ESA can live with their owner in housing that has a “no pets” policy and accompany them in public. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not need to be trained to perform specific tasks.
Documentation Required for Emotional Support Animals
To bring an ESA on an Air France flight, you must provide the following documents at least 48 hours before your travel date:
- A dated letter from your licensed mental health professional written on official letterhead. This letter must verify your disability and explain how the ESA helps mitigate symptoms.
- Proof the animal is current on routine vaccinations like rabies, depending on destination country requirements.
The letter cannot be older than one year from your travel date and must be signed and dated within the last 12 months. Air France may refuse travelers without proper papers or if documentation does not meet standards.
Emotional Support Animal Specifications
Air France only allows dogs and cats as ESAs in the passenger cabin. Small pets like rabbits, birds and hedgehogs cannot fly as ESAs for safety and health reasons. Your ESA must be leashed, harnessed or in a carrier at all times. Animals must remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on their lap.
Consider age and size limits as well. Puppies and kittens less than four months old often cannot handle the stress of air travel. Very large breeds over 100 pounds or over two feet tall at the shoulder may be too big for cabin space.
Preparing Your Emotional Support Animal for Travel
Proper training is important even for ESAs. From my experience as a dog trainer, it’s best to evaluate how your pet interacts with strangers and behaves in different situations. Consider training for basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Practice things like allowing strangers to pet them and being handled by security during screenings.
Bring your pet’s leash, harness, food, toys and any medications or supplies in FAA-compliant packaging you’ll need for the trip in your carry-on bag. Remember ESAs cannot sit in the seat – they must remain on the floor at your feet unless traveling in an approved carrier.
Booking and Pre-Boarding with an Emotional Support Animal
When making Air France reservations, disclose that you will be traveling with an ESA. Provide ESA paperwork at least 48 hours in advance. On the day of your flight, visit the airport early to allow extra time to check your companion animal. Declare your ESA to an Air France agent at check-in.
You may need to fill out special paperwork at the gate as well. Security officers will screen you and your ESA separately. Remain patient and calm during these procedures – getting flustered won’t help the situation. I once witnessed a passenger miss their flight after a heated argument arose during screening of their ESA.
In-Flight Policies for Emotional Support Animals
Onboard the aircraft, keep your ESA at your feet within the seating area unless using an approved carrier. Do not block aisles or take up additional seats. Bags and carriers cannot occupy seats that must remain available for other passengers. If officials tell you to restore order or place your ESA elsewhere, comply immediately and respectfully.
Control noise, hygiene and any unusual behavior. Groom your ESA beforehand and avoid heavy shedding. Most importantly, keep animal stress levels low with calming activities. Noisy, aggressive or disruptive animals will be denied boarding or removed from the flight for everyone’s safety and comfort.
Planning Ahead and Being Flexible
Despite best efforts, traveling is challenging for some animals. Know your pet’s temperament and tolerance for new situations. Consider alternate plans in case your ESA seems unduly stressed before takeoff. Gate agents and pilots may refuse animals showing signs of heightened anxiety that could endanger others.
At the same time, remain understanding if Air France denies approval or boarding of your ESA. Policies exist for essential safety reasons. Seek alternatives like flying cargo or finding pet-friendly ground transportation whenever possible for your pet’s security and serenity. With compassion and cooperation on all sides, flying with ESAs can go smoothly.
Conclusion
If managed responsibly, ESAs can help people cope with mental health issues like depression, PTSD or anxiety disorders. By understanding Air France’s documentation requirements and in-cabin policies, owners can feel more prepared for ESA-friendly travel. While not a perfect solution, reasonable ESA accommodations demonstrate care, empathy and respect for all air passengers, including those needing assistance for invisible disabilities.
I hope this guide has addressed any uncertainties about flying internationally with a well-behaved, trained emotional support animal on Air France. Please let me know if you have additional questions!
Air France Emotional Support Animal Policy Details
| Animal Type | Documentation Required | Cabin Space Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Vet letter or prescription | Under passenger’s seat or in carrier that fits under seat |
| Cat | Vet letter or prescription | Under passenger’s seat or in carrier that fits under seat |
| Rabbit | Vet letter or prescription | Under passenger’s seat or in carrier that fits under seat |
| Bird | Vet letter or prescription | Requires prior approval, must remain in carrier at all times |
| Rodent | Vet letter or prescription | Requires prior approval, must remain in carrier at all times |
FAQ
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Can I bring my emotional support animal on an Air France flight?
While Air France allows recognized service animals to accompany passengers, emotional support animals are not considered service animals under Air Transport Rules. Emotional support animals are not granted the same access rights as legitimate service animals.
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What paperwork do I need for my support animal?
To travel with a service animal on an Air France flight, you essentially need a letter from a doctor or medical professional stating that the animal is individually trained to help mitigate your disability and what tasks it performs. However, this documentation is not required or accepted for emotional support animals.
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Are there size or breed restrictions for support animals?
Kind of. Air France does not have any size limits, but the animal must be able to sit on the floor at your feet or on your lap without obstructing the aisle or other passenger spaces. Some restricted breeds like pit bulls may not be allowed on flights for safety reasons. It’s best to check Air France policies in advance.
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Do I have to pay extra fees for my support animal?
Sadly, yes – unlike legit service animals, emotional support animals are considered pets. You’ll need to purchase a ticket for your fuzzy companion. Fees vary depending on size, but it can cost a few hundred dollars each way. Oof, that’s not cheap! But maybe it’s worth it for your mental health.
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Will my animal disrupt other passengers?
As long as the animal is well behaved and under control, it likely won’t bother anyone too much. Although, basically there’s always a risk of noise or mess affecting others in close quarters like on a plane. Air France recommends keeping the animal in its carrier under the seat as much as possible. But honestly, some passengers will probably find any pet distracting.
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Can Air France deny my support animal?
Although support animals are meant to provide emotional assistance, Air France retains the right to refuse any animal – even with documentation – if it seems aggressive, isn’t under the handler’s control, or poses a threat due to size or breed. The airline prioritizes safety for all flyers. At the same time, they aim to accommodate disabilities when reasonable. It’s a tricky balance!
So in summary, while support animals can perhaps helpxiety flyers feel calmer, Air France policy only permits legitimate service dogs. Emotional support pets may be denied due to lack of access rights. Nevertheless, proper paperwork and pet fees could perhaps sway them. On the other hand, safety and space constraints come first.