How to Get an Emotional Support Animal Letter for American Airlines – ESA Requirements and Guidelines

Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animal Letters for American Airlines

If you have a mental or emotional disability and rely on an animal for support, flying with your emotional support animal (ESA) on American Airlines can help you feel more at ease when traveling. However, the airline requires passengers to obtain documentation from a licensed mental health professional before bringing their ESA into the cabin. In this comprehensive guide, I will explain everything you need to know about getting an emotional support animal letter for American Airlines flights.

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks. Their role is to alleviate symptoms of their owner’s disability through their presence alone. Disabilities that may warrant an ESA include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. Under the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act, housing providers and airlines must allow ESAs in homes and on flights as a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Do I Need a Letter from a Mental Health Professional?

Yes, in order to fly with your ESA on American Airlines flights, you must provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional – such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist – that you have a disability for which an ESA is needed as a reasonable accommodation. The letter should be written on official letterhead and include:

1. Your name
2. Your mental health professional’s name, license number, and contact information
3. Your diagnosis
4. A statement that you are under their care
5. An explanation of how the ESA helps alleviate your symptoms
6. The date the letter was issued

Your ESA letter should not be older than one year from your intended travel dates. Additionally, letters from online doctor certification services may not always be accepted. It’s best to get a letter from a medical professional you have an established treatment relationship with.

Do I Need Other Documentation?

Yes, in addition to an ESA letter, American Airlines requires passengers bring the following documents when traveling with an ESA:

1. Vaccination records
2. Proof of the animal being house trained (if over 4 months old)
3. Identification collar or harness
4. Crate or carrier, if applicable

They also may request to review your ESA letter at check-in or the gate. Be sure to have it with you, along with paperwork showing the animal is in good health and has been trained as needed. American Airlines accepts dogs, cats, and miniature horses as ESAs.

Does My ESA Need Special Training?

While ESAs do not undergo specific disability-related training like service animals, they should still be well-behaved in public settings. From my experience working with ESA owners, it’s best if your animal is socailized and can remain calmly by your side without disruption. This helps ensure a smooth travel experience. Consider practicing with your ESA in airports or on public transport before flying to get them accustomed to new environments.

At the same time, it’s understandable if they display some nervous energy during travel – calmly reassure them with pets and treats. As long as they don’t relieve themselves, bark excessively, or bite, airline staff will likely be understanding. The goal is simply having your ESA be as comfortable and well-mannered as possible when flying.

Are There Any Fees for Traveling with an ESA?

No, under the Air Carrier Access Act, passengers are not permitted to be charged a fee simply for traveling with an ESA. However, the animal still counts as a passenger and you must purchase a ticket for them. On American Airlines, the charge for an ESA to fly in the cabin is the same fee as checking a pet in cargo – currently $125 each way for domestic flights.

Keep in mind this fee may increase slightly depending on your route. Also be aware that certain destinations like Hawaii or international flights may have different or additional requirements for ESAs that you’ll need to research. But within the continental US, a single fee of $125 each way is standard on American when bringing your prescribed ESA.

Do I Need to Book My ESA in Advance?

It’s strongly recommended you provide American Airlines with advance notice that you will be traveling with an ESA. While last-minute reservations may sometimes be accommodated, giving at least 2 weeks’ heads up allows the airline time to properly plan logistics at the gate and on your flight. You can usually note an ESA is traveling when making your ticket reservation online or by calling reservations.

Confirming your ESA travel in advance also prevents any potential issues at check-in if the airport is not prepared. To be on the safe side, I suggest alerting American as early as possible – ideally when booking – so you know your ESA has a confirmed space without worries. Proper preparation helps ensure smooth sailing for owners and ease concerns of other passengers.

What if I’m Denied Boarding?

In rare cases, an airline may deny boarding to an ESA if it decides the animal poses a direct threat to health or safety, or if the owner cannot prove their animal is adequately trained or under control. However, this should only happen if there is valid cause for concern. If wrongly denied, immediately request an incident number from the gate agent and file a complaint with American Airlines detailing your documentation and the situation.

You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation, who oversees airline compliance with disability laws. With a legitimate ESA letter and paperwork proving your animal is in good health/behavior, most airports and airlines will cooperate fully. Don’t hesitate to assert your rights as needed. Overall, reasonable accommodation of ESAs is required by law.

Any Last Tips?

My final piece of advice is to always remain polite yet assertive when flying with your ESA. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with American’s policies ahead of time. Come prepared with all valid paperwork easily accessible. Calmly clarify your rights if ever questioned. Due to infrequent misunderstandings, some staff may not be as knowledgeable. Staying respectful but resolute helps make the process as simple and seamless as possible for everyone involved.

With proper documentation and preparation, your ESA can seamlessly accompany you as a comforting presence on flights to relieve symptoms of your disability. Safe travels to you and your furry friend! Please let me know if you need any other assistance regarding emotional support animal accommodations.

Essential Facts About Emotional Support Animal Letters For Flying

Requirement	Description
Licensed Mental Health Professional Letter	A letter from a licensed mental health professional (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker) stating your need for an ESA is required. The letter must be dated within one year.
vaccinations	Your ESA must be up to date on all vaccinations required by your destination.
Control and Housebreaking	Your ESA must be trained to behave properly in public and be housebroken.
Airline Policies	Review policies for your specific airline regarding advance notice, health forms, fees, etc. for traveling with an ESA.
Cabin vs Cargo	ESAs are allowed in the cabin with passenger but not all airlines allow larger animals in cargo – so check size limits.

FAQ

1. What is an emotional support animal letter?

   An emotional support animal letter is basically a document from a medical professional, like a therapist or doctor, stating that you need an emotional support animal for your mental health. This letter allows you to bring your animal with you in places where pets are usually not permitted, like planes or housing that has a no-pets policy.

2. Do I need an emotional support animal letter for American Airlines?

   Yes, American Airlines requires passengers traveling with an emotional support animal to provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional. The letter must state that you have a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need the animal for emotional support. Without this letter, American Airlines will not allow the animal on the plane with you.

3. How do I get an emotional support animal letter?

   To obtain an emotional support animal letter, you need to see a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker. During your appointment, discuss how an emotional support animal could help alleviate symptoms of your mental health condition. The mental health provider will assess whether you have a disability as recognized by the ADA and then, if approved, provide you with a letter stating your need for an emotional support animal.

4. How much does an emotional support animal letter cost?

   The cost of an emotional support animal letter varies depending on your insurance coverage and the mental health professional you see. Generally, expect to pay between $50-200 for an appointment and letter. However, it may be worth the cost to avoid pet fees that could be much higher when flying or renting a home. Nevertheless, if money is tight, you could ask your current mental health provider for a letter. They may provide it at a reduced cost.

   

5. What animals can be emotional support animals?

   Most dogs and cats are considered appropriate animals to provide emotional support. However, other animals may also be allowed on a case-by-case basis as long as they are domesticated and can fit in your cabin on the plane. On the other hand, some exotic or unusual pets are less likely to be approved. It’s best to choose a commonly recognized type of emotional support animal, such as a dog or cat, to avoid any issues with paperwork requirements.

6. How do I prepare my emotional support animal for flying?

   To get your emotional support pet ready to fly, start by introducing them to their carrier or crate ahead of time through positive reinforcement. Gradually increase the time they spend in it with treats. Similarly, get them used to noises like overhead bins closing. At the same time, research American Airline’s policies on emotional support animals carefully. Make sure to bring your animal’s letter and vaccination records. With practice and paperwork, your furry friend will hopefully feel secure enough for takeoff!

In summary, obtaining an emotional support animal letter from a qualified medical provider is key to taking your animal with you places like planes and housing. But is this system being taken advantage of? Maybe the airlines or landlords bear some responsibility too for unclear rules. Either way, with compassion for all, hopefully people can continue making reasonable accommodations for emotional support whenever possible. What are your thoughts on balancing animal support needs with practical restrictions? I’d love to hear other perspectives on this tricky issue.