The Basics of Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal on an Airplane
Travelling with an emotional support animal (ESA) on an airplane can be a great way to provide comfort and alleviate anxiety during flights. However, there are specific guidelines passengers must follow. In this article, I will discuss the top things to know when bringing your ESA into the passenger cabin of commercial flights.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is defined as an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner with regard to a diagnosed mental or psychiatric disability. ESAs are prescribed by a licensed mental health professional and serve to mitigate symptoms like depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and more. While sometimes confused with service animals, emotional support animals are not trained to perform specific tasks and have more limited access rights under the law.
Documentation Needed for an ESA
In order to fly with an ESA, passengers are required to present a note from a licensed mental health professional – usually a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. This note, sometimes called an ESA letter, should be current (often considered good for up to one year) and must verify that the owner has a disability and that the ESA plays an integral part in treatment. Airlines do not require specific forms or documentation, but may ask for this letter to prove that the animal is indeed an ESA prescribed for mental health reasons rather than a pet. Keep the letter handy when traveling as you may need to show it at check-in, TSA screening, or during the flight.
Rules for ESA Behavior
While ESAs are permitted to accompany their owners in the passenger cabin free of charge, there are certain standards of behavior they must meet. The animal should be well-trained, leash-broken, and kennel or litterbox trained if applicable. They should remain under control and not bother other passengers during boarding, flight, and disembarking. Any disruption like excessive barking, growling, or biting is not acceptable and could result in being asked to transport the animal in a carrier or in cargo instead of the cabin. Clean up accidents and control noise and odors to avoid disturbing fellow travelers.
Advanced Booking & Aircraft Type
When traveling commercially with an ESA, it’s recommended to book flights well in advance as some aircraft types have space limitations. Contact the airline directly about booking an ESA to determine aircraft type and ensure there is room. Large animals like dogs and cats may have trouble fitting on smaller planes while posing no issues on larger jets. Provide notice at the time of booking to smooth the process. You can also inquire about preferred seating near the bulkhead or over the wings for more legroom if traveling with a medium to large ESA.
Traveling Internationally with an ESA
Rules vary greatly when flying internationally with an ESA versus domestic US flights. Be sure to research regulations for the specific countries and airlines involved well before booking. Many nations have strict quarantine periods or prohibitions for pets and emotional support animals entering their borders. Paperwork such as health records, vaccinations, or import permits may be required that are not needed domestically. The process is more complicated so plan accordingly.
Ground Transportation & Lodging with an ESA
In addition to flying, ESAs can accompany their handlers in other transportation and public areas like taxis, rideshares, trains, and most hotels. However, individual companies may have size or breed restrictions so always contact them in advance to ensure your ESA is permitted. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), hotels, taxis, Uber/Lyft and other public services cannot have a blanket “no pets” policy that prohibits ESAs. But specific animals may be barred due to health, safety or disruption concerns on a case-by-case basis.
Alternatives if an ESA is Denied Cabin Access
While airlines cannot legally ban an ESA from the main cabin if guidelines are followed, in some cases transportation may be denied. This can happen if documents don’t validate ESA status or if the animal seems poorly trained and out of control. If denied, passengers typically have the option to transport the pet as cargo in the belly of the plane instead. This involves purchasing an individual kennel that meets IATA safety standards, providing food, water, identification, health records and checking with the airline on fees and allowable breeds. It’s risky so avoiding this scenario is best by proper planning and ESA compliance.
Personal Experience Flying with my Cat ESAs
I have severe anxiety and depression, so my two cats Murphy and Loki are invaluable emotional support buddies. From my experience traveling with them, positive communication is key. I found that contacting airlines in advance to notify them of my ESA travel plans and get aircraft recommendations avoided issues. Murphy and Loki are well behaved, leash trained and stay on a blanket on my lap. I bring their H2O, food and litter just in case of flight delays too. While a few passengers seemed annoyed by their presence, most were understanding once I explained the ESA situation. With the proper papers and behavior, my feline friends were able to join over half a dozen flights with me incident-free.
Common Questions about ESAs and Airplane Rules
As emotional support animal policies continue to evolve, travelers frequently have additional queries. Here are answers to some popular questions:
Do ESAs Require Special Training?
No formal training is mandated for ESAs like service animals have. However, basic obedience and socialization is vital to make others comfortable. Puppies or highly anxious pets may not be suited for flights.
Are There Breed or Size Restrictions?
While airlines can’t legally discriminate by breed, some like small jets have size limits for safety. Very large or powerful breeds prone to problems may face scrutiny. Double checking allowed sizes is wise.
Can I Request a Certain Seat for my ESA?
Absolutely. Contact the airline ahead of time to get a bulkhead row, extra legroom aisle or window seat where both you and your ESA can stretch out comfortably.
How Can I Prepare My ESA for Takeoff and Landing?
Get pets used to carrier travel beforehand. On flight day, sedate anxious animals if needed and distract with treats during pressurization changes to avoid fright-related issues.
If my ESA Misbehaves, What Happens?
One warning should resolve minor troubles, but aggressive, biting or too disruptive animals risk being denied cabin access and put in cargo instead to avoid disturbing others.
In conclusion, with a little preparation like contacting airlines early and making sure emotional support animals are well-behaved, traveling by air provides an excellent way for individuals with mental health disabilities to receive support. Following the transportation guidelines benefits both pet owners and other passengers. With planning and responsibility shown by all parties, ESA travel can and should go smoothly.
Important Information about Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal
| Airline | ESA Policy | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Allows ESAs in cabin with proper documentation. | Letter from licensed mental health professional and vaccination records. |
| Delta | Allows ESAs in cabin with proper documentation. | Letter less than 1 year old from licensed mental health professional and vaccination records. |
| United | Allows ESAs in cabin with proper documentation. | Letter less than 1 year old from licensed mental health professional on letterhead, signed and dated. |
| Southwest | Allows ESAs in cabin with proper documentation. | Letter from licensed mental health professional dated within 1 year of flight, signed and on letterhead. |
| Allegiant | Does not distinguish between pets and ESAs. All animals must travel in cargo. | N/A |
FAQ
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Can I bring my emotional support animal on an airplane?
Generally speaking, yes you can bring your emotional support animal on a plane. However, airlines have specific regulations about what types of animals are allowed and what paperwork is necessary. It’s best to check directly with the airline before your flight.
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What paperwork do I need for my emotional support animal?
Most airlines require a letter from your mental health professional, like a psychiatrist or doctor. This letter should state that you have a mental or emotional disability and that your animal provides emotional support to alleviate symptoms of that disability. The letter is usually valid for a year. You’ll also need to make sure your animal is properly trained, well-behaved, and able to fit securely in its carrier under the seat.
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Are there size or breed restrictions for emotional support animals?
While laws prohibit restrictions based on an animal’s breed, some airlines do have size limits. The animal generally needs to be able to fit on your lap or under the seat in front of you in its carrier. Larger animals may have to be transported as cargo instead of in the cabin. It’s important to check each airline’s specific policies, as they can vary slightly.
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Can airlines deny emotional support animals?
Airlines are allowed to deny emotional support animals in some cases. For instance, if the animal seems poorly trained or displays aggressive behavior. They can also deny the animal if it’s too large for the cabin. However, airlines are not permitted to reject an ESA due to its breed alone. Make sure to plan well ahead and get the proper documentation to avoid issues during travel.
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Are emotional support animals the same as service animals?
No, emotional support animals are different than trained service animals like guide dogs. Service animals are highly trained to perform important tasks for people with disabilities, whereas ESAs provide emotional benefits but do not require specific training. Service animals have more extensive access rights than ESAs under federal law.