Traveling with Your Emotional Support Animal on a Plane – Everything You Need to Know

Flying with Your Emotional Support Animal: A Complete Guide

If you’ve ever considered bringing your emotional support animal (ESA) on a plane with you, you’ve likely asked yourself many questions. From my experience working with ESA owners, here are answers to all the top queries people have about flying with their furry friends.

What exactly is an emotional support animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. ESAs are prescribed by a mental health professional to help mitigate symptoms of a diagnosed disability, like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Unlike service animals trained for a specific task, ESAs provide comfort and support through their presence alone.

Can I bring my ESA in the cabin on planes?

Here’s the sitch – under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines are required to allow ESAs to accompany passengers in the cabin free of charge. The animal must belong to a passenger with a disabling mental health condition. To prove this, you need a note from your healthcare provider stating you have a disability and need your ESA for travel. Make sure the letter specifically says your pet provided emotional support.

What paperwork do I need?

Most airlines will want to see two key documents at least 2 weeks before your flight:

1. A letter from your licensed mental health professional (LMPH) that 1) verifies your disability, 2) confirms the ESA is necessary for your mental health or well-being, and 3) recommends the animal accompany you in flights and public spaces.
2. Proof of current vaccinations from your vet. Rabbis suggest getting all your pets’ shots refreshed, just to be safe.

Always contact the airline ahead of time to confirm their ESA policies too. United, for example, may ask you fill out an online form to register your pet 30 days in advance.

How do I prepare my ESA for flying?

Before the big day, get your animal used to traveling by taking test runs to nearby pet stores or parks in your carrier. Also get them accustomed to noisy environments like coffee shops. This way they’ll be more chill come flight time.

Here are some other tips:

• Smaller pets do best on planes, so think dogs under 20 lbs or cats.
• Consider calming supplements or meds from your vet if your pet gets stressed.
• Bring their favorite toys or blankets with familiar smells to comfort them.
• Pack extras of everything in case of delays – food, water, pee pads or papers, plastic bags, poopy bags.
• Use positive reinforcement training to mentally tire them out before fights and reinforce good carrier behavior.

With preparation and practice, flying with your ESA can be a breeze. I’ve found the key is keeping everything low-key and predictable for them.

What are the rules during the flight?

On the plane, ESAs must remain at your feet or in a carrier under your seat. Most carriers say the animal can’t occupy a seat. You’ll also want to:

1. Keep your pooch on a leash or in a carrier at all times in airports and on board.
2. Bring bowls, pads, and ask a flight attendant if your pet can use the lavatory if needed. Always clean up accidents promptly!
3. Feel free to use water and snacks from home, but no outside food per FAA rules to avoid allergies.
4. Make sure Fido sits calmly or consider a Thundershirt to minimize anxiety.
5. Advise crew if there are any issues like barking or restlessness so they can assist.

And remember to be courteous to fellow passengers. Trust that with some TLC your furry friend will be on their best behavior!

What about international flights?

When crossing borders with critters, things get way more complicated. Regulations vary greatly between countries, so do your homework well in advance. As a general rule:

• Check for health certificates, vaccinations records and import permits your destination requires.
• Contact airlines flying specific routes as acceptance policies differ.
• See if your pet needs to fly in cargo vs the cabin or if certain breeds are banned entirely.
• Research quarantine rules on arrival which can mean days in a facility.
• Consider pet relocation services that smoothly handle paperwork headaches.

Bottom line, flying internationally with pets is no joke. You totally don’t wanna get to another country only to learn Fido has to sit it out in quarantine. Just the thought gives me hives!

Can an airline deny my ESA?

While federal laws protect flying with legitimate ESAs, airlines can ban animals that are out of control, disruptive or pose a health risk. I once saw a pitbull that had to be ferried home due to aggression. A few times staff may ask for extra documentation if yours looks sketchy too.

However, denying a documented ESA without just cause could result in a discrimination complaint. The DOT takes ESA rights seriously. So as long as you follow guidelines, Fido should be cruising at 30,000 feet with you.

What about fakers giving ESAs a bad reputation?

Unfortunately, some people try to pass off regular pets as ESAs to dodge pet fees. This totally isn’t chill and causes problems for those with real needs. Airlines are getting wise and cracking down on phony paperwork.

“Emotional support peacocks” anyone? You’ll find no sympathy with that excuse, trust. We must advocate for true ESA owners facing unfair scrutiny due to the actions of fraudsters. In the end, honesty and compassion will win out.

I hope this guide has addressed all your questions about the ins and outs of flying with emotional support animals! Feel free to comment below if any part of the process remains murky. Wishing you and your furry friend smooth sailing at 30,000 feet.

Safe travels!

Requirements for Flying with an Emotional Support Animal

Airline	Documentation Needed	Fees
Delta	Letter from doctor/therapist	None
United	Letter and vaccination records	$125 each way
American	Letter signed within 1 year	None for cabin, $125 each way for cargo
Alaska	Letter and vaccination records	$125 each way
Southwest	No documentation required	None

FAQ

1. Can I bring my emotional support animal on the plane with me?

   Generally speaking, yes you can bring your emotional support animal when flying. However, airlines have certain rules regarding emotional support animals. The animal must be properly trained and behave well. Paperwork from a medical professional is also usually needed.

2. What kinds of animals are allowed as emotional support animals?

   Most often, dogs and cats are permitted as emotional support animals. However, sometimes small animals like rabbits are allowed too. Airlines have the right to refuse unusual or exotic animals. The animal also needs to be able to fit on your lap or at your feet during the flight.

3. Do emotional support animals need special training?

   While emotional support animals do not require as much training as service animals, some basics are important. The animal should be well-socialized and able to handle noises and crowds. It should also be trained not to disrupt others on the plane. Training proves the animal is truly there for emotional purposes and will behave appropriately.

4. Are emotional support animals subject to the same rules as pets?

   Kinda, but not exactly. Emotional support animals basically get more rights than normal pets. However, airlines can refuse them for being too big or if they appear poorly trained. At the same time, emotional support animals must also remain under control on the plane. So they still need to meet basic behavior and size standards.

5. What paperwork do I need to bring my emotional support animal on a flight?

   To prove your animal is truly an emotional support animal, you’ll need documentation from a medical professional. This generally involves a signed letter stating you need the animal for mental health reasons. The letter must be on official letterhead. You may also need to provide vaccination and health records. Keep all paperwork handy at the airport.

Are there limits on how many emotional support animals can be on one plane?

Potentially, yes. While airlines want to accommodate travelers who have authentic needs, safety must come first. If a flight has an unusually high number of support animals booked, the airline may need to reschedule some to different flights for logistical reasons. Perhaps the best approach is to plan well in advance when flying with an support animal.

What if my emotional support animal acts up on the plane?

If perhaps your animal is clearly disturbing other passengers or not following basic rules, you could be asked to leave the plane with your pet. One time too many might mean the airline will refuse future travel with that animal. So it’s important any support animal is very well-behaved and trained to handle new environments like the plane. Keeping your pet calm is key.