American Airlines ESA Policy – Airlines Guide for Traveling with Emotional Support Animals

Everything You Need to Know About American Airlines’ ESA Policy

If you’re considering traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) on American Airlines, this guide will help you understand their policy and what to expect. American Airlines strictly regulates ESAs to ensure safety and compliance with federal regulations.

What is an ESA?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner. ESAs are usually prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to help mitigate symptoms of a diagnosed mental health condition like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks.

ESA Requirements

For an animal to qualify as an ESA and receive accommodations when flying, the following requirements must be met:

1. The passenger must have a diagnosed mental or emotional disability recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
2. The passenger must provide current documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating they need the ESA as an accommodation for their disability.
3. The animal must be properly vaccinated and in good health.
4. The animal must be housebroken and under the passenger’s control at all times.
5. ESA must travel in an appropriate carrier/crate that fits under the passenger’s seat.

Advance Notice Required

American Airlines requires at least 48 hours notice before your flight if requesting ESA accommodation. This allows time to process documentation and ensure no animals are denied boarding due to up-to-date vaccination/health status issues.

Without the proper advance notice and completed ESA documentation, American will not accept the animal for travel.

Required ESA Documentation

The airline provides a specific ESA documentation form that must be completed by a licensed mental health professional. It requires:

• Passenger’s name
• Mental health professional’s name, license number, and contact information
• Diagnosis and need for an ESA as an accommodation
• Date the accommodation assessment was performed
• ESA animal description

Incomplete or insufficient documentation will result in denial of accommodation.

Breed Restrictions

While most domestic dog and cat breeds can travel as ESAs, American has specific breed restrictions due to safety and health concerns:

• Dogs must be less than 20 pounds for cabin travel
• No pit bull type dogs
• Some brachycephalic (“flat-faced”) breeds like French Bulldogs may have difficulty in the passenger cabin environment

Passengers must contact the airline in advance if traveling with a restricted breed to inquire about ground transportation alternatives.

Cabin Behavior Expectations

Like service animals, ESAs must remain under the passenger’s control at all times. The animal should not growl, nip, or displayed unruly behavior that could potentially disrupt the flight or pose a safety issue.

If an ESA acts aggressively or is disruptive, the crew has the right to relocate the animal to the cargo hold in a kennel or deny boarding if the issue cannot be safely resolved. The passenger will still be responsible for the animal’s needs and welfare during travel.

Ground Transfer Restrictions

When arriving or departing via a third-party shuttle or other ground transportation, ESAs may not be permitted due to insurance or size restrictions.

It’s important for passengers to research ground transportation regulations before travel. Alternative arrangements may need to be made if the ESA cannot accompany the passenger during transfers.

International Travel Limitations

ESA accommodation policies differ greatly when flying internationally. Most foreign carriers do not recognize ESA letters and will require the animal be safely secured in the cargo hold.

It’s crucial for passengers traveling abroad with an ESA to thoroughly research each airline and country’s pet importation rules to avoid denial of boarding or quarantine upon arrival.

Personal Experiences Flying with an ESA

As someone who has twice travelled cross-country with my ESA dog, Apollo, I can attest that advance preparation is key. Both trips went smoothly once American Airlines approved Apollo’s documentation. However, one time the return flight was cancelled and we had to get rebooked, which caused stress until his ESA status was confirmed with the new carrier.

Apollo was a well-behaved chocolate lab, but I still worried how other passengers might react. Thankfully he just slept under the seat the whole flights. The hardest part was getting him exercise during long layovers. Overall, with the proper paperwork in order, ESAs can be a big help for anxious travelers like me.

Alternatives If Denied ESA Accommodation

If a passenger’s ESA documentation is insufficient or there are animal restrictions, American Airlines does provide some alternatives:

1. Traveling with the animal as stowed pet cargo with an appropriate kennel and health/vaccination records.
2. Ground transportation like a rental car to drive directly to your destination.
3. Rescheduling travel for a later date once ESA documentation is corrected or an alternative travel plan is arranged.

While disappointing if denied, it’s important for ESA owners to have a backup plan to avoid animal abandonment or welfare issues due to a denial of boarding. Proper preparation is key when traveling by air with any pet.

Final Thoughts

Navigating airline policies can feel intimidating, but with thorough research and paperwork in order, emotional support animals can indeed provide much-needed comfort to travelers in need. The 48-hour advance notice rule seems fair to smoothly manage any animal travel situations.

Kudos to American Airlines for enforcing clear guidelines that balance passenger rights while maintaining safety and order. With good planning and an appropriately trained ESA, flying need not be an overwhelming experience for those managing mental health conditions.

Hope this guide has helped shed light on what to expect when requesting ESA accommodation through American. Feel free to contact their special assistance team with any other questions before booking your pet-friendly trip.

American Airlines ESA (Emotional Support Animal) Policy Table

ESA Requirements	Details
Documentation needed	Letter from licensed mental health professional confirming need for ESA no more than 1 year old
Reservation notice	Reserve space for ESA at least 48 hours before flight
Species allowed	Dogs, cats, miniature horses only. No reptiles, rodents, ferrets, etc.
Health forms	Provide signed/dated health/vaccination records for ESA
Cabin transport	ESA must remain in carrier or on owner’s lap at all times

FAQ

1. What is American Airlines’ ESA policy?

   American Airlines allows emotional support animals (ESAs) to fly in the cabin free of charge. However, some rules do apply. ESAs must remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on their lap. They cannot occupy a seat.

2. Do I need any documentation for my ESA?

   Yes, you need to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for the animal. The letter needs to be dated within one year of your flight. Without proper paperwork, your animal will not qualify as an ESA and may have to fly in the cargo hold instead of the cabin.

3. What types of animals qualify as ESAs?

   American Airlines allows dogs and cats as well as miniature horses as ESAs. However, certain breeds may be prohibited for safety reasons. The animal also needs to be trained to behave properly and remain under control in public.

4. Are there size or weight limits for ESAs?

   Yes, there are some limits. ESAs must be able to sit on your lap or at your feet without obstructing the aisle or encroaching into another passenger’s space. If your animal is too big, it may not qualify as an ESA and could potentially be denied boarding or asked to fly in cargo instead.

5. Can I request a certain seat for my ESA?

   You can politely ask at the check-in counter if it’s possible to pre-select a suitable seat for traveling with your ESA, like an aisle or bulkhead spot. But seats cannot be guaranteed in advance. All passengers, including those with ESAs, are subject to ordinary boarding and seating procedures on a first-come basis.

6. What behaviors are not acceptable for ESAs on flights?

   ESAs must behave properly and not act aggressively, growl, nip, or exhibit other disruptive behaviors. Signs of excessive anxiety like crying or whining may also result in being denied boarding if the animal seems unlikely to remain under control inflight. Proper obedience training and socialization are important to avoid stressing out other passengers.

   

7. Will my ESA be allowed on other flights or transportation?

   While American Airlines has a stated ESA policy, other airlines and transportation providers like Amtrak, Uber, or hotels are not obligated to accept ESAs and may have different criteria or rules. Make sure to check individual policies before traveling. It’s also a good idea to reach out to airlines proactively before booking if you’ll be accompanying an ESA.