A Guide to American Airlines’ Emotional Support Animal Policies
If you’re planning to fly American Airlines with an emotional support animal (ESA), it’s important to understand the airline’s regulations. In this article, I’ll outline American’s ESA requirements and answer common questions travelers have. But first, a quick overview:
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An ESA, sometimes called a comfort animal, is an animal that provides therapeutic benefits to its owner with a mental or psychiatric disability. ESAs are prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to help mitigate symptoms like anxiety, depression, PTSD and more. Unlike service animals which are specially trained to perform tasks, ESAs simply provide comfort through companionship.
- The animal must be a dog or cat.
- You must have documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating you have a disability and the ESA helps alleviate symptoms.
- The animal must be leashed, harnessed or in a carrier at all times.
- The animal cannot sit in the seat—it has to be at your feet under the seat in front of you.
Documentation Requirements
American requires the mental health professional’s documentation be no more than one year old. It needs to include their name, title, license number, contact info, your diagnosis, dates the animal was prescribed and a statement that you have a disability and the pet provides emotional support. Proper forms can be found on the DOT website for airports and air travel.
From my experience working in mental healthcare, documentation reviews can be kind of nit-picky. I’ve seen travelers get rejected because of minor errors on their doctor’s letter. Make sure to triple check everything is filled out correctly to save hassle at the airport. Submit it online for pre-approval if possible.
Advance Notice & Fees
American requires at least 48 hours notice that you’ll be flying with an ESA. There is no fee for the animal itself. However, if it’s unable to fit on your lap or under the seat and needs its own ticketed seat, you’ll be charged the same rate as a regular passenger.
Kind of annoying, since service animals fly free regardless of seating. But I guess airlines see ESAs as more of a comfort accommodation versus a medical necessity. Still, a hefty fee could seriously deter someone who truly needs their pet for anxiety issues or whatnot.
Breed & Behavior Restrictions
While most dogs and cats are allowed, American has banned pit bull type dogs from the cabin altogether due to safety concerns. The airline may also deny other breeds or animals perceived as aggressive.
Behavior is key – if your pet displays signs of distress, fears or aggression, it risks being refused boarding or removed from the flight. Make sure to take proper measures to accustom your pet to new environments beforehand.
From my experience flying with nervous dogs, it’s a good idea to keep them lightly sedated with anti-anxiety meds prescribed by your vet. Calm Pets are much less likely to freak out over noises or cause a disruption mid-flight. I once saw a big Lab literally trembling in his carrier – poor guy definitely could have used a calming aid!
International Travel Policies
If flying internationally, be aware American’s ESA policies may differ depending on the country’s individual regulations. Some places have quarantine periods or restrictions on certain breeds. You’ll need to researchdestination-specific rules well in advance.
It’s also a good idea to bring documentation translated to the local language, just in case. Translation services can be pricey but may save a ton of hassle at customs. I’ve heard some real horror stories about pets getting detained abroad due to minor paperwork mix-ups.
So in summary – plan ahead, thoroughly research all carrier policies, and double check your paperwork. The last thing anyone needs is airport-related anxiety due to ESA compliance issues! With diligent prep work, your furry friend should be right by your side providing comfort and support at 30,000 feet.
Alternatives If Your Pet is Denied
If for any reason American rejects your animal on a particular flight, there are still options to get your four-legged companion where they’re needed. You could try booking another carrier known to be more ESA-friendly, like Delta or Alaska Airlines. United is usually pretty strict too from my buddies’ accounts.
As a last resort, look into ground transportation. While longer, road trips allow full pet inclusion and avoid the confined stress of planes/airports. Rental cars, trains, and buses all welcome locked crates or carriers in most situations. It’s kind of like a mini road trip adventure!
There’s also the option of flying solo if your pet’s presence isn’t absolutely critical. I know it’s not ideal when you’re used to their comfort, but temporary separation may be better than subjecting a nervous animal to denial or removal from your flight.
With some creative strategizing, there’s usually a solution for getting you and Fluffy where you need to be. The keys are thorough planning, flexibility if one option falls through, and keeping stress levels low all around.
In the end, every disabled traveler has different mental health needs. While airlines must balance pet safety with reasonable accommodations, just bringing awareness to emotional support policies could help some anxious flyers feel more at ease. Does this help summarize the basics of what you can expect flying American Airlines with assistance critters in tow? Let me know if any other questions come to mind!
American Airlines Emotional Support Animal Requirements
| Animal Type | Documentation Needed | Animal Must be |
|---|---|---|
| Dog or cat | Letter from licensed mental health professional | Well-behaved and able to fit without spilling into adjacent seat |
| Any other species | DOT Form certifying necessity of ESA | Remain on owner’s lap or under seat |
| Miniature horse | Veterinary health form and proof of training | Housebroken and remain under control |
| All animals | Up-to-date on all vaccinations | Not disturb other passengers |
| International flights | International health papers | Meet import/export requirements |
FAQ
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What are the American Airlines ESA requirements?
Basically, American Airlines requires service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) to be properly identified and travel with their owner. ESAs must provide proper paperwork from a licensed mental health professional at least 48 hours before the flight.
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Do ESAs require any training?
While service animals are rigorously trained, ESAs don’t need any formal training. They just need a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating the owner has a mental or emotional condition improved by having an ESA. At the same time, the animal still needs to behave appropriately on flights.
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What kinds of animals can qualify as ESAs?
According to American Airlines, dogs and cats are the most common types of animals that can be ESAs. Nevertheless, other animals such as monkeys or snakes may trigger safety concerns and wouldn’t be permitted in the aircraft cabin. So it seems dogs and cats are your best bet!
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Can I book in advance with an ESA?
You need to notify American Airlines of your ESA at least 48 hours before your flight. Nevertheless, it’s a smart idea to book well in advance if traveling with an ESA, just in case. Make sure to bring your letter from a mental health professional too. On the other hand, last minute bookings with an ESA may be tricky!
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Do ESAs fly for free?
No, ESAs don’t qualify for fee waivers like service animals do. You’ll need to purchase a ticket for your ESA. However, many airlines such as American charge a small fee, rather than a full extra ticket. Perhaps check airline policies for the most cost effective option when traveling with an emotional support buddy.
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Can ESAs behave any way they want?
While ESAs provide important support, they must remain under control at all times. Strongly speaking, any animal that barks excessively, displays aggressive behavior or causes a disturbance may be denied boarding or removed from the aircraft. So pet owners, keep those critters calm and well-behaved! Your mental health and the sanity of your fellow passengers relies on it.
As for myself, I don’t actually have personal experiences traveling with an ESA. But it appears American Airlines has clear guidelines to follow. Have any of you flown with an emotional support animal before? I’m quite curious – what was that like? And did your furry friend make the journey less stressful? Please share your stories in the comments!