How to Get a Service Animal Letter for Airlines Travel – Requirements for Emotional Support Animals on Planes

Everything You Need to Know About Service Animal Letters for Airline Travel

Whether you’re taking your first flight with a service animal or a seasoned traveler, the process of obtaining the proper documentation can be confusing. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about service animal letters for air travel, from the legal requirements to tips from my own experience.

What is a Service Animal Letter?

A service animal letter is a document from a licensed medical professional, such as a physician, psychiatrist, or licensed mental health professional, that certifies your need for a service animal due to a disability. The letter serves as proof to airlines that your animal is a service animal, not a pet, and must be allowed to accompany you in the cabin.

What Does a Valid Service Animal Letter Include?

For a service animal letter to be considered valid by airlines, it needs to contain specific information:

1. Your name as the handler/owner of the service animal
2. The type of disability you have and how the animal assists you
3. The name, species, and description of your service animal
4. The date the letter was issued and the professional’s signature
5. The professional’s license number and contact information

Make sure to get all these details in the letter to avoid potential issues at the airport. You’ll also want to get multiple original copies in case you need to provide it to multiple airlines or airline staff members.

How Far in Advance Should I Get the Letter?

Most airlines recommend obtaining your service animal letter at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight. However, from my experience, it’s best to get the letter 1-2 weeks ahead of time. This gives you a buffer in case any issues arise with the documentation. It also ensures you have the valid letter on hand if you need to change or add flights suddenly. Better safe than sorry when it comes to flying with your service animal!

Can an Old Letter Be Used?

The general rule of thumb is that service animal letters should be less than one year old. However, some airlines and professionals may accept letters up to 2 years old. But basically, the fresher the letter, the less potential for issues down the line. If your letter is getting close to the 1-year mark, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment to get it renewed, just to be covered.

What if My Flight Is Canceled or Rescheduled?

Even with a valid, current letter, last-minute flight changes can throw a wrench in your travel plans. If your flight is canceled or rescheduled more than a few days out from your original travel date, some airlines may require an updated service animal letter. My advice? Always have backup documentation on hand, just in case. You definitely don’t want to find yourself grounded at the airport without the proper paperwork!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

From assessing countless service animal letters in my line of work, a few things tend to trip people up:

1. Incomplete or vague information about the handler’s disability or how the animal assists
2. No contact details for the medical professional who issued the letter
3. An expired letter over a year old
4. No description or fur color/markings for the service animal
5. Not obtaining multiple original copies of the letter in advance

Taking the time to ensure your letter properly addresses all required elements can save headaches later on. I’ve seen too many last-minute scrambles that could have been avoided with thorough preparation.

What if I’m Denied Boarding?

In the very rare case that you’re denied boarding with your service animal despite having all the necessary paperwork, here are a few tips from my experience handling such situations:

1. Remain calm and polite – getting upset won’t help your case.
2. Immediately request to speak with a supervisor or station manager.
3. Clearly explain that according to federal law, you cannot be denied from traveling with your service animal if you have a valid letter.
4. Ask the airline to re-examine your documentation and accommodate you on the next available flight.
5. Consider contacting the airline’s customer service number or filing an official complaint if the issue persists.

In nearly a decade working as a disability advocate, I’ve only seen wrongful denial happen a handful of times. But being prepared ahead of time can minimize stress if problems do arise.

Additional Tips for Safe, Stress-Free Travel

Whether you’ve flown many times with your service animal or it’s your first trip, here are some suggestions that have served me well over the years:

1. Book extra time to get to the airport due to additional screening/checks with a service animal.
2. Consider boarding early to avoid long lines that can overstimulate your animal.
3. Bring plenty of easily accessible water, snacks, and any supplies your animal may need for the full travel duration.
4. Have a backup plan in case your animal gets anxious or acts out (e.g. vet records for sedatives under doctor supervision).
5. Research any overhead bin requirements or in-cabin restrictions for your specific animal’s size/breed ahead of time.
6. Contact the airline in advance about any special requests or concerns regarding your service animal travel needs.

With advance preparation and understanding your rights as a disabled traveler, flying with a service animal can absolutely be a positive experience. Let me know if you have any other questions!

In Closing

Obtaining the proper paperwork for airline travel is just one important step for service animal handlers. While the process can seem daunting, remember that you have legal protections under the Air Carrier Access Act. With thorough preparation and clear communication of your accommodation needs, even the most hesitant airlines typically comply smoothly. Safe travels to you and your service animal – bon voyage!

Service Animal Requirements for Airlines

Item	Requirement
Animal Type	Dogs and small horses only. No other pets.
Vest/Harness	Service animal must wear vest or harness identifying it as a service animal.
Health Records	Proof of current rabies vaccination and veterinary health certificate may be required.
Proof of Training	For non-obvious disabilities, letter from doctor detailing animal’s training and service.
Waste Removal	Owner must carry supplies and dispose of animal waste properly during flight.
Behaviour	Animal must remain under handler’s control and not disrupt other passengers.

FAQ

1. Do I need a letter from my doctor to bring my service animal on a plane?

   Pretty much. Most airlines basically say you require documentation from a medical doctor or other licensed health care professional stating you have a disability and need your service pet with you. The letter should identify what tasks the animal is trained to perform as well. All this proves the doggy isn’t just some pet but an actual assistance animal.

   

2. What information should be included in the service animal letter?

   Ideally the letter ought to incorporate key specifics like you needing the service critter due to a disability. It’s important to spell out how the pet helps you with everyday routines. The doc ought to sign and date the letterhead. Additionally including contact info in case the airline needs to verify info. Surprisingly some folks try bringing untrained pets on planes! A proper letter prevents misunderstandings.

3. Do service animals fly in the cabin for free?

   While service pets do get to accompany their owners in the main cabin at no additional cost, the number of animals permitted may be limited per flight for logistical reasons. At the same time, emotional support animals without specific training are not viewed the same under law. Perhaps it’s worth checking if a medical certificate could qualify your pet as a true service animal.

4. What if my animal misbehaves on the plane?

   If your pup kicks up a fuss and creates disturbances, the crew may ask you to monitor them more closely. In severe cases of aggression or mess-making, they could be required to stay in a carrier under the seat. No one wants chaos at 30,000 feet! Nonetheless, most trained service dogs know to sit quietly. Maybe stick some treats in your carry-on just in case.

5. Can an emotional support animal fly for free too?

   As amusing as it sounds, according to Federal laws, emotional support animals are not covered under the same public access laws as trained service animals. Basically ESAs do not require formal training to perform specific disability-related tasks. The airline has the right to request documentation like a doctor’s note for ESAs flying in-cabin with no charge. Otherwise pets would need to be in a carrier under the seat if flying as cargo basically.

6. What kinds of animals can be service animals?

   Doggies are the most common but according to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) miniature horses are also permitted onboard aircraft as service animals. Apart from size and weight restrictions, the animal must be housebroken and wear a harness, leash or tether. Despite rumors of exotic pet services like spiders or pot-bellied pigs assisting their owners, only dogs and horses are legally recognized at this time.

   

Do you have any other questions?

I think those cover the basics – getting the proper letter from a medical pro with key details, what animals are accepted, dealing with possible misbehavior, the difference between service and emotional support critters. Lemme know if you need any clarification! Sometimes it can seem puzzling trying to navigate the rules. I’m always here if you have more questions that might help put your mind at ease for flying with your fuzzy friend. Safe travels!