American Airlines ESA Policy Updates for 2024 – Traveling with Emotional Support Animals

American Airlines ESA Policy in 2021: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you’re traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) for the first time or a seasoned flyer, American Airlines’ ESA policy can seem ambiguous. In this article, I’ll break down the current 2021 guidelines and answer all your questions about flying with an ESA on American.

What is an ESA?

Let’s start with the basics. An ESA, or emotional support animal, is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner with regard to a mental or psychiatric disability. ESAs are prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to help owners manage difficulties like anxiety, PTSD, or depression. Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), ESAs are allowed to accompany their owners in the aircraft cabin without having to pay fees.

Do I need any paperwork for my ESA?

Yes, to fly with an ESA on American Airlines, you’ll need documentation from a licensed mental health professional. This letter must:

• Be on official letterhead
• Be dated within one year of your flight
• Include your name and the professional’s name, title, and license information
• Confirm your need for an ESA due to a disability

You must provide this letter when checking in at the airport. American will not accept online registrations or certifications. The documentation helps establish your need for an ESA versus a pet.

What types of animals can qualify as ESAs?

While dogs and cats are most common, the ACAA allows other animals to serve as ESAs too. As long as your animal is housebroken and can fit on your lap or at your feet, it may qualify. However, certain exotic or dangerous animals like snakes, rodents, reptiles, and spiders are prohibited. Always check with American if you have a less typical ESA like a miniature horse.

Where can my ESA sit on the plane?

Since 2016, American has required ESAs to remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on their lap for the entire flight. Unlike certified service animals, ESAs are not allowed in-cabin. Your ESA must also remain harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered to you at all times.

Are there any other American Airlines ESA policies I should know?

A few other key points:

1. ESAs under four months old are not permitted to fly due to health risks.
2. You are responsible for properly vaccinating and caring for your ESA, including cleaning up after it.
3. American may refuse transport of an ESA that is disruptive or not under the owner’s control.
4. Your ESA does not qualify you for priority or advance boarding.

It’s also smart to check American’s full animal policy page for updates before your trip. The rules can change, so staying informed is key.

What happens if I don’t have the proper ESA paperwork?

If you attempt to fly with an animal claiming it’s an ESA but lack documentation, American has the right to deny transport of the animal. They may even charge you a normal pet fee. I’ve personally seen this play out where a passenger booked last-minute and didn’t have time to obtain the necessary letter.

Furthermore, attempting to pass off a pet as an ESA fraudulently can damage legitimate patients’ access. Airlines are cracking down on individuals flouting the rules just to avoid pet fees. My advice? Only travel with an properly documented ESA if you have a genuine need.

Do I need to reserve my ESA’s spot ahead of time?

Technically, no – as an ESA, your animal can accompany you as a component of your air travel and does not require a reservation. However, from my experience in the travel industry, it’s still a good idea to give American a heads up that you’ll be flying with an ESA.

Calling reservations in advance allows the airline to plan accordingly and avoids potential issues at check-in. You never know what kind of delays or problems might pop up on the day of your flight. Proactively notifying American of your ESA is sort of like a spare tire – it’s no guarantee of a smooth trip, but it helps cover your bases.

Any tips for making flying with an ESA less stressful?

Whether it’s your first time or fiftieth, flying can be a hassle even without an animal in tow. Here are some useful suggestions:

• Arrive extra early at the airport to allow time for any ESA-related screening
• Consider sedating your normally anxious pet with a calming aid like CBD or medication with vet approval
• Bring favorite chew toys, treats, and water to help keep your ESA occupied and content
• Stash necessary sanitation bags, leash, and letter in an easily accessible backpack
• Contact American ahead of time about any special needs like preferred bulkhead seating

With preparation and following guidelines closely, you and your ESA companion can hopefully enjoy a mostly stress-free flying experience. Feel free to reach out if you have any other ESA air travel questions!

In summary…

To wrap up, American Airlines does permit properly documented emotional support animals to fly with their owners as a reasonable accommodation. As long as you provide paperwork from a licensed mental health professional and abide by other handler responsibilities, you and your ESA should be able to travel smoothly. Just be sure to plan ahead, thoroughly research policies, and reach out for clarification on any confusion. Following the rules benefits all parties involved in supporting mental health needs through animal companionship.

I hope this extensive overview addressed all the intentions and questions of users researching American’s ESA flying guidelines for 2021. Please let me know if you need anything else! Wishing you and your emotional support friend safe and happy travels whenever you take to the skies.

American Airlines ESA Policy 2021

Species Allowed	Documentation Required	Size Restrictions	Cabin Location	Advance Notice
Dogs, cats, miniature horses	Vet health form, training documentation, vaccination records	Dog must fit in carrier under seat	Kept at passenger’s feet in cabin	At least 48 hours before flight
Special permission required for other species	ESA letter from licensed mental health professional	Cannot block aisles or exits	Cannot occupy a seat	Not accepted on all routes
Snakes, reptiles, rodents, ferrets not allowed	ESA must be able to behave properly in public	Carrier must be secure and allow animal to stand comfortably	Cannot sit on laps in cabin either	Handler assumes responsibility for ESA
Live animals must travel with their owner	ESA must have current vaccinations	Carrier size is limited to maximum dimensions of 18x14x8 inches	Certain aggressive breeds are excluded	ESA regulations subject to change

FAQ

1. What is American Airlines’ ESA policy in 2021?

   American Airlines allows an emotional support animal to accompany passengers in the aircraft cabin if the animal is required for emotional or mental health reasons. Passengers need to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional to bring an ESA on board.

2. What kinds of animals are allowed as ESAs?

   American Airlines will accept most dog or cat breeds as well as miniature horses as emotional support animals. Passengers must ensure their animal is well-behaved, housebroken, stays on a leash or in a carrier, and does not cause any disturbances during the flight.

   

3. Do I need any paperwork for my ESA?

   Yes, to bring an ESA on a flight, you need documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for the animal. This letter must be dated within one year of your flight. Without this letter, American Airlines will treat your animal as a regular pet rather than an ESA.

4. Is there a size limit for ESAs?

   While American Airlines accepts most dogs and cats as ESAs, they must fit comfortably in your lap or at your feet on the aircraft cabin floor. Oversized animals may not be brought on board. The size guidelines are similar to regular carry-on luggage dimensions.

5. Are there any fees involved with bringing an ESA?

   American Airlines waives pet fees for properly documented ESAs since they are not considered pets but service animals. However, you must purchase a ticket for your ESA like any other passenger. Animals must remain on the floor at your seat or in a carrier under the seat in front of you.

6. Can I request early boarding with an ESA?

   Unfortunately, unlike service animals, ESAs are not given boarding priority. You can board with early or priority groups only if you have purchased those options independently. However, in principle American Airlines strives to accommodate all passengers with ESAs.

7. Will my ESA be subjected to any health checks?

   For the health and safety of all passengers, American Airlines reserves the right to inspect ESAs for signs of illness or distress before granting boarding approval. They may also request vaccination records as a prerequisite. Aggressive or unruly animals exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be denied entry on flights.

8. What if I forget my ESA paperwork at home?

   If you arrive at the airport without the required ESA documentation, American Airlines will be unable to accept your animal as an ESA. At best, they may allow you to check-in the animal as cargo or regular pet in a kennel. However, this will likely involve significantly higher charges. So keep all paperwork organized to avoid problems.