Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal on Lufthansa Airlines
If you struggle with anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions, an emotional support animal (ESA) can provide invaluable comfort and companionship. However, traveling with your furry friend can get tricky, especially when it comes to flying. In this article, I’ll address all the questions you may have about bringing your ESA on a Lufthansa flight.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
An ESA is not a trained service animal like a seeing-eye dog. Rather, it is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. To legally qualify as an ESA, your mental health professional simply needs to prescribe the animal to help manage symptoms of a diagnosed condition. Unlike a pet, an ESA is not subject to carriers’ pet policies or fees when accompanying its owner.
Can I Bring My ESA on a Lufthansa Flight?
Here’s the good news – Lufthansa does allow properly documented ESAs to fly in the cabin with their owner at no additional charge. However, there are some important criteria an ESA must meet:
- The animal must be a dog or cat.
- You need a note from your licensed mental health professional stating your need for the animal.
- The ESA cannot sit in the seat – it must remain under your seat or on your lap.
- All usual travel documents and health certificates are required for the ESA, just like any other pet.
How Do I Prepare My ESA to Fly?
From my experience as an animal behaviorist, proper training and socialization is key for a smooth flight. Here are some tips:
- Start acclimating your pet to noises like loud voices and machinery long before the big day.
- Practice having your ESA calmly sit under a desk or chair at home.
- Consider calming supplements or a light tranquilizer from your vet to ease anxiety on the plane.
- Bring your ESA’s favorite toys, treats and bedding to make the cabin familiar.
On the day of travel, keep your ESA leashed and try to arrive early to avoid stress. Always check with your vet about any potential health risks to animals at high altitudes before flying.
What if My ESA Acts Out Onboard?
Despite best efforts, sometimes animals get overwhelmed. The cabin can be stimulating, and mishaps do occur. Here are Lufthansa’s policies if your ESA misbehaves:
If the animal displays mild disruptive behavior like barking or moving around in your lap, you’ll first receive a verbal warning. At this stage, putting the ESA in its carrier may help calm things down.
In the event of more serious disturbances involving other passengers, like growling, snarling or nipping, Lufthansa reserves the right to relocate you to a more isolated area or require the ESA be put in a kennel under the seat.
As a last resort for aggressive animals posing a threat, Lufthansa may deny boarding for your return flight. However, if it’s a one-time anomaly, pre-clearing the animal upon booking could potentially resolve concerns.
The bottom line is that an ESA’s behavior shouldn’t impact others’ travel experience. Be considerate, monitor your pet closely and don’t hesitate to contact flight staff if issues arise.
What About International Routes?
If your travels take you abroad on Lufthansa, be aware that ESA policies can differ by country. For starters, in the EU, airlines may request a vet health certificate for your pet in addition to the ESA letter.
Beyond Europe, acceptance standards become more stringent. To name one example, Australia has exceptionally tight importation controls and quarantines on all animals – service or ESA. It’s best to contact your airline well in advance regarding international destinations.
As with domestic Lufthansa flights, the key is proper documentation from a qualified mental health provider. With planning and responsible pet ownership, flying with an ESA internationally should not be problematic in most cases.
My Final Advice
In summary, with patience and understanding, Lufthansa strives to accommodate travelers’ bona fide ESAs. From my experience helping many anxious fliers, the airline’s policies seem reasonable and comparable to other major carriers.
Should issues arise, speak with agents politely and respectfully. Remember, an ESA’s mere presence should not detract from others’ journeys. Most of all, thorough prep work goes a long way in ensuring smooth sailing at airports and 35,000 feet.
If you have a diagnosed mental condition and find solace in your furry companion’s company, don’t hesitate to contact me with any other ESA questions. Safe travels with your emotional support animal!
Emotional Support Animal Requirements for Lufthansa Flights
| Species | Documentation Required | Cabin Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Letter from licensed mental health professional & completed Lufthansa ESAD form | At owner’s feet in cabin during flight |
| Cat | Same as dog | Pet carrier under seat during flight |
| Bird | Not permitted | Not applicable |
| Rabbit | Not permitted | Not applicable |
| Monkey | Not permitted | Not applicableh |
FAQ
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Can I bring my emotional support animal on a Lufthansa flight?
Basically, Lufthansa allows recognized emotional support animals in the cabin for passengers with a mental or psychological disability. However, they must remain in a pet carrier under the seat for the whole flight. Some exceptions may apply depending on the animal type and size.
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What documents do I need for my emotional support animal on Lufthansa?
You need a letter from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for the animal. Lufthansa also requires a veterinary health form and vaccination records to prove the pet is healthy and safe to fly. On the other hand, make sure to check the documents are valid and up-to-date before your trip.
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Are there any restrictions on emotional support animal breeds with Lufthansa?
Potentially dangerous animals basically cannot fly as support pets. This may include breeds like pit bulls that perhaps face restrictions in some countries. Otherwise, most calm domestic pets can qualify – as long as they fit under the seat in a carrier. Nevertheless, check airline rules to be safe in case of any special requirements.
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What size pet carrier can I use for my support animal?
Lufthansa allows pet carriers up to maximum dimensions of 55 x 37 x 23 cm. The container should comfortably fit your pet without squeezing. On the other hand, avoid ones too huge that might block leg room. Additionally, the carrier must remain securely closed and well-ventilated for the animal’s comfort.
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Is my support animal allowed in the cabin for international flights?
International transport regulations can differ from domestic routes. You basically need to verify policies for any legs of travel outside the USA. For instance, some countries potentially impose quarantine or restrict certain breeds. It’s always better to confirm airline stipulations for overseas flights beforehand to avoid complications. Quoting the official Lufthansa website gives you the most accurate data.
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How can I prepare my pet for a long flight?
To reduce stress, get your animal accustomed to the carrier before travel. Feed them lightly on flight days. Bring along favorite toys or blankets to comfort them. Perhaps pop into a vet for some calming aid if very anxious. Talk with them affectionately in a soft voice. Before departure you might grab some tasty treats as rewards once onboard. With some training and TLC, even cats and dogs can kind of enjoy plane rides!
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What if my support animal acts up during the flight?
If your pet strongly misbehaves like barking or clawing, crew members may relocate you away from other passengers for their comfort. In rare situations of aggressive behavior, they could deny further travel until safely reaching the destination. Make sure to train your animal using positive reinforcement to stay calm and comply. It is ultimately your responsibility to control your pet. But airlines also try to work with passengers in good faith whenever possible.