Can ESAs Travel on Planes? Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animals on Aircrafts

A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Emotional Support Animals

Traveling by air with your emotional support animal (ESA) can be a stressful experience if you aren’t prepared. As the owner of an ESA, you have certain rights under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) that allow your pet to accompany you in the aircraft cabin. However, there are specific rules and regulations you must follow. In this article, I will address all the most common questions people have about flying with ESAs and help ensure a smooth journey for both you and your furry friend.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. ESAs are prescribed by a mental health professional and help alleviate the symptoms of their owner’s disability such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. While ESA owners are legally permitted to travel with their animals on flights, ESAs do not have extensive training like certified service animals do. They are not required to be professionally trained to perform tasks that help mitigate disabilities.

Can I Bring My Dog as an ESA on a Plane?

Yes, dogs are one of the most common types of animals used as ESAs. Under the ACAA, airlines are required to allow ESAs in the aircraft cabin to assist people with disabilities. However, certain breeds that are likely to pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others, such as pit bulls or rottweilers, may be restricted. The animal must also be housebroken, under your control at all times (on a leash or harness), and behave appropriately during the flight.

Do I Need Any Documentation?

To travel with your ESA, federal regulations require that you provide current documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that you have a disability that requires having your ESA for emotional support. This documentation is often called an “ESA prescription letter” or “ESA verification letter.” It should be on official letterhead and include:

1. Your name
2. Your qualifying disability diagnosis
3. The date you were last evaluated
4. The licensed clinician’s full name, title, and contact information
5. A statement that you need this specific animal for emotional support
6. The clinician’s signature and state license number

Be sure to book flights at least 48 hours in advance so your ESA paperwork can be reviewed. Present it along with your pet’s vaccination records to the airline when checking in at the airport.

How Can I Ensure My ESA is Well-Behaved?

While ESA training is not required like for service animals, it is highly recommended that you practice basic obedience skills with your pet to prepare for flying. From my experience working with ESA owners, animals that are well-socialized, housetrained, know simple commands like “sit” and “stay,” and can remain calm in distracting environments tend to have the best success traveling.

I advise taking your ESA on practice runs to airports, planes, pet stores – anywhere busy with people, sights, and sounds. Bring high-value, gentle chew treats to reward calm behavior when distracting situations arise. Crate training can also help during take-off/landing when space is limited. A calm, controlled pet makes the flight more enjoyable for everyone.

What if My ESA Acts Up on the Plane?

Even with training, there is always a chance an ESA could display disruptive behavior in an unfamiliar, stressful situation like flying. Here are a few tips if issues arise:

1. Apologize to other passengers and immediately remove your pet from public areas.
2. Use treats, toys or quiet petting to help calm and redirect your animal in private.
3. Contact a flight attendant for support if the behavior persists or seems unsafe.
4. As a last resort, a captain can request you and your animal deplane if they pose a threat.

Having backup plans like medications, toys or even boarding for future flights can provide a safety net. But if your pet seems well-adjusted at home, positive reinforcement training is usually all that’s needed. A little preparation goes a long way!

Are There Any Restrictions or Fees?

Most major U.S. airlines will allow one ESA per passenger in the cabin free of charge. However, some carriers have additional policies:

• The ESA must fit on your lap or at your feet without blocking the aisle or taking another seat.
• Advanced notice (1-14 days) is recommended but not always required.
• Overweight pets traveling as cargo may incur excess fees, so check weight/size limits.
• Restricted breeds like pit bulls are typically prohibited for safety concerns.

International travel often has stricter species/health requirements as well. So in summary – plan ahead, follow airline pet policies to the letter, and you should be good to bring Fluffy along for emotional support!

Any Tips for a Smooth Flight?

Here are some final suggestions to help make flying with an ESA a breeze:

1. Stay well-hydrated and try to use restrooms right before boarding if your pet is not fully housebroken.
2. Consider anti-anxiety medication or calming treats for yourself and your pet 30-60 mins before the flight.
3. Request bulkhead/exit row seating for extra legroom if your pet tends to feel anxious or motion sick.
4. Bring plenty of chews, toys and distractions to keep your pet engaged and calm during take-off/landing.
5. Politely educate seatmates beforehand about your ESA in case they have any concerns or allergies.

With the right preparation and documentation, traveling with an ESA allows people the comfort and support of their furry companions wherever they go. I hope this guide has addressed all of your concerns and questions about flying with an emotional support animal. Please feel free to ask if you need any clarification or have additional situations come up.

Guidelines for Transporting Service Animals on Airplanes

Animal Type	Documentation Required	Seating Requirements
ESA (Emotional Support Animal)	Letter from Doctor/Mental Health Professional	Animal can sit at passengers feet under seat or on lap
Service Animal	No documentation required	Animal sits at handlers feet/legroom provided
Pets	Varies by airline – check carrier rules	Animal must travel in carrier under seat or in cargo hold
Foreign Service/ESA Animals	Documentation in English, health records	Seating as for domestic animals of type

FAQ

1. Can emotional support animals fly on planes?

   Generally yes, emotional support animals (ESAs) are allowed to fly with their owners on commercial flights within the United States. However, airlines have some rules that owners need to follow.

2. Do ESAs need special training?

   Not really. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not need to be trained to perform certain jobs or tasks. Their main job is to provide emotional support, comfort, or companionship just by being with their owner.

   

3. What documents are required?

   Owners must provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional – like a therapist – stating that they have a disability and their ESA helps mitigate it. This letter doesn’t need to be renewed yearly like service animal documentation.

4. Are there size or breed restrictions?

   Airlines can restrict certain breeds for safety, but they can’t limit an ESA simply due to its size or breed as long as it’s housebroken and not disruptive. Airlines follow the federal rules set by the DOT and ACAA.

5. Who qualifies for an ESA?

   Under the Air Carrier Access Act, an ESA is allowed if a passenger has a documented mental health condition like depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc, and their doctor confirms the animal provides support. But you know, I think some folks may take advantage of the system!

6. What behavior is expected from the ESA?

   ESAs must remain under their owner’s control at all times with a leash or carrier. They shouldn’t be distracting other passengers or causing problems. If their behavior jeopardizes health or safety, the animal may be denied boarding or removed mid-flight. Basically, they need to just chill.

7. Are pets allowed in the cabin too?

   Regular household pets that are not certified as ESAs or service animals can fly in the aircraft cargo hold as baggage but cannot go in the cabin with the owner. Kinda stinks if you ask me! Maybe airlines should allow nice well-behaved pets too.

   

8. What happens if the owner travels internationally?

   International rules on ESAs can differ country to country. Owners should research destination country regulations and contact airlines flying there to ensure ESAs are permitted on those flights. Sometimes it’s easier left than done! Be prepared for paperwork.