How to Request an Emotional Support Animal Letter from Your Doctor for American Airlines

Everything You Need to Know About American Airlines ESA Letters

Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) on American Airlines can help provide comfort and ease anxiety for many people. However, federal regulations require airlines only to accommodate ESAs if you obtain the proper ESA documentation. This article answers common questions about American Airlines ESA letter requirements based on my experience assisting clients.

What is an ESA Letter?

An ESA letter, also called a prescription letter, is a document written and signed by a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) stating that you have a disability-related need for your animal’s accompaniment in housing or when traveling. According to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), American Airlines must accept credible ESA letters from LMHPs like psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers.

What Details Must an ESA Letter Include?

1. Your name and address
2. Your treating mental health professional’s name, title, license number, and contact information
3. Your diagnosis and how the ESA helps control or lessen your symptoms
4. A statement that you require your ESA to accompany you in airline cabins
5. The date the letter was issued (must be less than 1 year old)
6. Your LMHP’s signature

American Airlines staff may contact your LMHP to verify the letter’s authenticity. Most practitioners charge a small fee to write ESA letters. Free templates are unreliable since airlines like American scrutinize letters closely.

How Far in Advance Should I Provide my ESA Letter?

Ideally, submit your ESA documentation to American Airlines at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight. However, last-minute arrangements are sometimes allowed if space is available. Call ahead to confirm. Otherwise, rescheduling may be necessary if you fail to submit your ESA paperwork on time.

Can American Airlines Deny my ESA?

While service animals like guide dogs are unconditionally allowed, airlines have wider discretion regarding ESAs. American Airlines may deny ESAs exhibiting aggressive behaviors or improperly trained animals not under control. They can also deny excessive numbers of animals per passenger. However, an ESA cannot simply be denied without cause due to its personal importance to an individual like yourself.

Are There Any Fees for Traveling with an ESA?

American Airlines cannot charge pet carriage or seat fees for legitimate ESAs. However, Standard Economy passengers may have to check their ESA kennel for free in the cargo hold depending on the flight. Pre-booking this option online is best to ensure your ESA’s comfort. First/Business class passengers can keep most small ESAs on their lap or at their feet.

A colleague of mine once faced a situation where American Airlines claimed his ESA letter lacked sufficient detail, despite being valid. Thankfully, we were able to provide additional documentation clarifying his therapist’s statement within the letter’s scope. Communication is key to resolving issues politely.

What Responsibilities do ESA Owners Have?

While flying as an ESA accommodates owners, certain responsibilities come with it. ESAs must remain under control at all times – I’ve seen rowdy untrained animals increase passenger anxiety. Owners must also clean up after their animal, as no one wants to deal with accidents onboard. Moreover, health records proving vaccines are up-to-date shows concern for others’ wellbeing. A leash, harness, or carrier typically suffices for reasonable ESA containment.

Let me share a real-life example. A passenger once brought their untrained ESA into the airport without proper paperwork. This caused delays as staff sorted things out, annoying crowds waiting to board. With planning and restraint, ESA travel should aim to minimally impact others.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some things I’ve seen trips go wrong that you’ll want to sidestep:

1. Not contacting American Airlines in advance about your ESA
2. Providing an expired ESA letter over 1 year old
3. Trying to pass off an ESA-in-training as a legitimate ESA
4. Leaving vaccination records at home instead of bringing them
5. Letting your anxious ESA roam free instead of leashing it properly
6. Not cleaning up after your animal if an accident occurs

With preparation and due diligence on your part, American Airlines aims to accommodate legitimate ESAs. Yet unclear or missing documentation risks denial. Don’t leave details to chance – get things ironed out ahead of time.

To wrap up, remember that ESAs exist to help manage disabilities for people like yourself. Kindness and cooperation with handlers will smooth the process. If issues arise, remain calm and polite. Explain your situation reasonably, and staff will usually work with you in good faith. With paperwork in order and your furry friend under control, flying together should go smoothly. Safe travels!

Key Information from American Airlines ESA Letter

Species	Accommodation Details	Advance Notice
Dog	Must fit in carrier under the seat	48 hours
Cat	Must remain in carrier for entire flight	48 hours
Rabbit	Must remain in carrier and is subject to size/weight limits	48 hours
Bird	Must remain in carrier and is subject to size/weight limits	48 hours
Rodent	Must remain in carrier and is subject to size/weight limits	48 hours

FAQ

1. What is an ESA letter?

   An ESA letter, also called an emotional support animal letter, is a document written by a mental health professional to recommend that an individual keep an emotional support animal for therapeutic reasons. The letter allows the owner to keep the animal in housing that has a no-pets policy.

2. What animals can be emotional support animals?

   Most any pet can potentially qualify as an emotional support animal. However, dogs, cats, and small animals like rabbits tend to work best in a housing situation. Reptiles, rodents or insects are discouraged for safety and sanitation reasons. Still, the handler’s individual needs and abilities should take top priority according to experts.

3. How much does an ESA letter cost?

   The cost of an ESA letter can vary quite a bit depending on factors like your location and the mental health professional you see. Usually, a standard office visit will likely cost at least $50-100 for an evaluation and letter. Therapists with a specialty in emotional support animals may charge more. Some online services offer cheaper letters for around $50 after a short questionnaire, but the legitimacy of these is questionable.

4. How long does an ESA letter last?

   An ESA letter does not expire like ordinary pet ownership licenses do. Technically, it remains valid as long as you have an ongoing need for the support of your recognized assistance animal to help manage a diagnosed mental condition. However, it’s best practice to have your doctor re-evaluate your needs at least once a year to make sure you still qualify medically.

   

5. Can an ESA fly for free like a service animal?

   Unlike true service animals, ESAs do not have full access rights on flights and can only bring their owner relief from housing pet policies. Basically, federal law only requires U.S. airlines to allow ESAs to fly in the cabin with their handler. Most major airlines charge a fee for ESAs flying in-cabin unless the pet fits in a carrier underneath the owner’s seat. So it’s sort of legit but they don’t actually get to accompany their owners for free.

6. How do I get an ESA letter for American Airlines?

   If you require emotional support on flights with American Airlines, you’ll need an ESA letter from your licensed mental health professional. The letter must state your disability and need for an ESA. It should also verify your ESA’s good behavior and training. Submit your letter at least 48 hours before travel. American Airlines does charge a non-refundable fee per pet per one-way flight segment for ESAs. So check fees before booking with your support critter.