Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal on Air France in 2021
If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues when traveling, an emotional support animal (ESA) can provide much-needed comfort. However, laws and airline policies regarding ESAs are often confusing. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about flying with an ESA on Air France in 2021.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through its presence. ESAs are prescribed by a mental health professional to help treat a diagnosed mental illness or disorder such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. While ESAs do not undergo specialized training like service animals, their owners rely on them for emotional support and stability.
Does Air France Allow ESAs for Passengers?
Yes, Air France allows passengers traveling within the United States to fly with an ESA. However, there are some important guidelines to follow:
- You must provide a current letter (less than one year old) from your licensed mental health professional stating your need for an ESA.
- Your ESA must remain in a pet carrier or leash for the duration of the flight.
- You are responsible for any damage or disruption caused by your ESA. They must behave appropriately at all times.
Note that Air France has different ESA policies for international flights outside of the U.S. Be sure to check requirements if traveling abroad with an ESA.
What Documentation is Needed?
The main piece of documentation needed is an ESA letter from your mental health provider. This letter should:
- Be on official letterhead with your provider’s contact information, credentials, and license/certification number.
- Specify your diagnosis and explain how your ESA helps mitigate symptoms.
- State that you are under this provider’s care.
- Clearly indicate that your ESA is necessary for your mental health and well-being.
You’ll also need to show photo ID for yourself and current vaccination records/health certificates for your ESA if traveling internationally.
What Types of Animals Can Be ESAs?
Most common domestic pets like dogs and cats can serve as ESAs. Air France generally approves any animal typically allowed in dwellings based on size and weight restrictions. However, some exotic animals may require extra documentation. Pets must be housebroken, and their carriers cannot exceed 100 pounds or take up more space than the passenger’s feet.
Is an ESA Registration Legitimate?
No, ESA registration websites and certificates are scams – they carry no legal weight. The only documentation needed is a letter from a licensed mental health provider, as described above. Avoid paying for fraudulent “registration,” as airlines will not accept these in place of a valid ESA letter.
What if I Have an Emergency?
Even with proper documentation, last-minute travel changes happen. From my experience working in mental healthcare, the key is communication. If your ESA letter is lost or will expire mid-trip, contact Air France right away. They may allow you to send updates within a few days of your flight. Staying respectful yet persistent can help get exceptions made.
In general though, to avoid stress, I’d suggest obtaining ESA paperwork well in advance, keeping records digital as a backup, and packing everything together securely. Proper planning will help ensure smooth flying with your support animal pal.
What Happens if ESA Guidelines Aren’t Followed?
Failure to meet Air France’s ESA guidelines can result in your animal being classified as a pet rather than an ESA. This means you’ll face pet fees and limitations on carrier size. In some cases, you may even be denied boarding altogether if guidelines are significantly disregarded.
It’s never worth the hassle or cost to cut corners with ESA documentation or behavior standards. Passengers count on a safe, disruption-free travel experience. So respecting guidelines protects access for people like yourself who genuinely need ESA support while flying.
Any Other Tips?
Remember that airline staff encounter many “ESA” animals daily and can spot unreliable paperwork. Presenting complete, valid documents displayed clearly helps demonstrate you have a legitimate need, not just a pet companion. It’s also wise to practice crate/leash training well before flights so your animal stays calm in unfamiliar airport environments.
Overall, thoroughly researching policies and needs upfront avoids kind of last-minute panicking, if you get what I mean. An ounce of preparation is worth more than pounds of anxious gate-checking hassles, if you catch my drift. Safe and stress-free flying is the ultimate goal with an ESA buddy by your side.
I hope this overview of Air France’s ESA guidelines helps you feel prepared for future travel with your support animal. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Wishing you smoother skies ahead.
Air France Emotional Support Animal Requirements in 2021
| Type of Animal | Requirements | Flight Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Dog or Cat | Must be house trained, remain on owner’s lap during flight, and fit within a carrier that can fit under the seat. | $125 per animal, each way |
| Rabbit or Small Rodent | Must remain in carrier throughout flight and fit under the seat. | $125 per animal, each way |
| Birds | Must remain in carrier throughout flight and fit under the seat. | $125 per animal, each way |
| Miniature Horses | Must have proof animal is house trained and remain under owner’s control by harness/tether during flight. | $125 per animal, each way |
FAQ
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What animals are allowed as emotional support animals on Air France flights in 2021?
Air France allows dogs and cats as emotional support animals on flights. Other small animals like rabbits may be allowed depending on the flight, but you must check with Air France first.
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Do I need any documentation for my emotional support animal on an Air France flight?
Yes, you need documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for an emotional support animal. Air France requires this letter be dated within one year of your flight.
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Are there size or weight limits for emotional support animals on Air France?
Air France has size and weight restrictions for emotional support animals. Dogs and cats cannot be larger than your lap size. There is also a weight limit which can vary by flight – check with Air France for details. Animals must also fit safely in a carrier under the seat.
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Do emotional support animals fly for free on Air France?
Unfortunately not – you will need to purchase a ticket for your emotional support animal. However, it is usually much cheaper than a regular pet ticket. You’ll pay animal charges plus a service fee.
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Will other passengers know I have an emotional support animal?
Air France requires emotional support animals to remain in a carrier or on a leash for the entire flight. They won’t be identified as a support animal to avoid unnecessary stress or confusion. However, the crew will be aware in case you need assistance.
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Can I travel internationally with an emotional support animal on Air France?
It depends on the country you’re traveling to. Air France follows animal import rules between countries. You must check well in advance for documents, vaccinations, or quarantine required for emotional support animals entering certain nations. Planning is key for international travel with an ESA.
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What happens if my emotional support animal acts up during the flight?
Air France reserves the right to refuse animals that are unruly, unsafe, or disruptive. For example, if an ESA barks or growls excessively. In that case, you may be asked to use a muzzle or relocated away from other passengers. As a last resort, the animal may have to be placed in the cargo hold instead of the cabin.