American Airlines Psychiatric Service Dog Policy – Traveling with Emotional Support and Assistance Animals on American Airlines Flights

Traveling with an Emotional Support or Psychiatric Service Dog on American Airlines

If you depend on an emotional support animal (ESA) or psychiatric service dog to manage a mental health condition, American Airlines’ policies for flying with your pet can impact your travel plans. In this article, I’ll explain American Airlines’ rules for emotional support animals and psychiatric service dogs and address some common questions users search for.

What’s the Difference Between an ESA and a Psychiatric Service Dog?

The main distinction is that a psychiatric service dog is specially trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a passenger’s mental disability, like preventing or interrupting self-harming behaviors, reminding the person to take medication, or waking them from nightmares. An emotional support animal provides comfort merely through its presence but is not required to be trained to perform specific jobs.

Can I Fly with an ESA on American Airlines?

Yes, American Airlines allows passengers with a mental health disability to fly with an ESA in the cabin as an accommodation. However, there are specific documentation requirements:

1. You’ll need a signed letter from your mental health professional stating you have a diagnosed disability and your ESA provides emotional support to alleviate symptoms.
2. The letter should be on official letterhead and dated within one year of your flight dates.

You don’t need to present ESA training documentation since they aren’t required to have specific training like psychiatric service dogs. ESAs can sit at your feet or on your lap in-cabin.

What About Psychiatric Service Dogs?

American Airlines has a more lenient policy for psychiatric service dogs than ESAs since they perform trained tasks. Passengers can bring their psychiatric service dog in-cabin without any advance documentation as long as:

1. The dog is trained and certified to assist with your particular mental disability.
2. The dog behaves appropriately and doesn’t exhibit aggressive behavior.

As with all service dogs, a psychiatric service dog must be leashed or harnessed at all times.

Can the Airline Ask for Documentation?

Despite the lack of an advance documentation requirement, American Airlines reserves the right to ask basic questions to determine if the dog is truly trained as a psychiatric service dog versus an ESA. For example:

1. What specific tasks is the dog trained to perform for your disability?
2. Can you demonstrate those tasks?

The questions seek to establish that the dog is mitigating the effects of your mental disability through trained behaviors versus only providing comfort. Proper documentation is suggested to avoid hassle during check-in.

Are There Other Restrictions?

As with all animals, American Airlines may refuse transport if a psychiatric service dog or ESA appears unruly, unclean, or aggressive toward people or other animals. Owners must be in full control of their dog at all times and follow basic rules like:

• Keeping dogs on a leash or in a carrier
• Cleaning up after accidents
• Sitting with the animal at your seat or holding them on your lap, not occupying an extra seat

Remember that the safety of passengers and crew depends on well-behaved service animals. Improperly trained animals risk being refused from future flights.

What Happens If a Dog Misbehaves?

From my experience working with service dogs, even the best-trained animals can become stressed flying on a plane. If your psychiatric service dog acts out – barking excessively, relieving itself indoors, or snapping at others – flight attendants may ask you to restrain the dog more securely or relocate away from other passengers.

In rare cases of aggressive behavior that persists, American Airlines reserves the right to refuse boarding or request that you and your dog exit the aircraft before departure. This protects all involved. Proper crate training and socialization help avoid such issues.

Any Other Tips When Flying with Your Psychiatric Service Dog?

Here are a few suggestions based on what has worked well for passengers I’ve spoken with:

1. Consider bringing a note from your mental health provider verifying your dog’s training even if not legally required. It can avoid questions at check-in that increase stress.
2. Arrive extra early at the airport to allow time for any discussions about your dog’s access. Calmly explain your dog’s training and your disability needs if asked.
3. Seat your dog close to you on the plane using positive reinforcement to keep them settled. Having treats or toys can occupy an anxious dog during take-off/landing when ears pop.
4. Contact the airline ahead of time about any specific boarding or in-flight accommodations you require, like pre-boarding with your dog. Good communication makes everyone’s experience go smoothly.

In summary, with documentation of training if flying with a psychiatric service dog, or a simple letter for an ESA, American Airlines aims to accommodate air travel for passengers needing mental health assistance dogs. Following basic rules helps ensure safe, worry-free flights for all. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

American Airlines Psychiatric Service Dog Policy

Behavioral Requirements	Vest Color	Handler Requirements
In public service dog must behave calmly and avoid disturbing others	Red vest with “Psychiatric Service Dog” patch	Handler must have diagnosed mental illness
Able to comply with basic commands like “sit” and “stay”	2 Years of training or professional certification	Handler must keep service dog under control at all times
Not disrupt or interfere with aircraft or airport operations	Service dog must be house broken and not relieved on plane	Handler cares for all basic needs like feeding, grooming
Remain at handler’s feet or in aisle without blocking	Up to date vaccinations including rabies	No additional charges for service dog on plane

FAQ

1. Can I travel with my psychiatric service dog on American Airlines flights?

   American Airlines allows psychiatric service dogs to accompany their handlers on flights as long as all documentation is in order. The dog has to be properly trained and behave well in public. You’ll need a letter from your mental health professional stating your need for the animal.

2. What paperwork do I need for my service dog?

   Basically, you’ll need a letter from your doctor or mental health provider saying you require the dog due to your disability. The letter should discuss how the dog is trained to help mitigate your condition. Proof of vaccinations and ID tags are also a must. You may want to contact American ahead of time to check any other documents they need. Proper preparation makes the whole process way smoother.

3. Does my service dog need a vest?

   While not required, a vest can help identify your dog as a service animal. This prevents any confusion and makes staff aware the pooch is working. You could also carry the dog’s official paperwork for verification. But the law doesn’t mandate a special outfit. As long as the dog is under control and doesn’t disrupt others, their attire shouldn’t be an issue.

4. Can my psychiatric service dog sit on my lap?

   American Airlines allows service dogs to accompany their handlers throughout the flight, including sitting on the passenger’s feet or lap. However, if the dog seems distressed or causes problems, you may need to have it sit on the floor instead. Communication and cooperation will sort out any concerns. The main thing is that both you and your dog travel comfortably.

5. What if my dog acts up on the plane?

   Sometimes even well-trained dogs can get overstimulated in new environments. If your service dog barks excessively or shows aggressive behavior, you may have to put them in a carrier under the seat. Or possibly move to another area away from others. Owners are responsible for keeping their psychiatric animals under control at all times. American staff can offer advice on handling disruptions smoothly.

   

In the end, proper preparation and paperwork go a long way towards a pleasant flying experience with your psychiatric service dog. American Airlines aims to accommodate handler-dog teams as much as possible. With mutual respect and clear guidelines, passengers and staff can travel side by side in relative comfort. But does having a psychiatric service pup truly help so much with flying stresses? Maybe further research could explore if their calming effect outweighs any potential hassles.