In today’s world, people are more prone to fly with emotional support animals on a plane. This facility is available for people with disabilities who need some assistance.
But, some laws of the airlines restrict flying with Emotional Support Animal. This can be due to a fellow passenger who’s allergic to animals.
To know more when airlines can deny them boarding we’ve collected some important information. First, you should know about the different of Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal.
What is a Service Animal?
It is a trained dog that personally serves and performs tasks for an individual with a disability. Such animals are helpful because they assist a disabled person.
What is an emotional support Animal?
These are just a companion to their owners and didn’t have received any type of personal training.
What type of service and emotional support animals you can bring on the plane?
There is an update in the guidance for service or emotional support animals. According to the department of US airlines, the most acceptable service animals are the dog, cat, and miniature horses. Animals that are not allowed on board are snakes, reptiles, ferrets, rodents or spiders.
What are the restrictions on the service and emotional support animals?
Many international airlines fly to/from the US that only allows dogs onboard. Other airlines have different regulations for service animals.
- Some foreign countries also require that service and emotional support animals should be at least four months old to fly.
- The animals are generally expected to travel in the passenger’s lap or on the floor in front of the passenger’s seat so they must be clean and well behaved.
- The boarding of animals is not allowed, that threatens the health or safety of another passenger, too large, or heavy for the aircraft cabin to accommodate them, or will not be allowed to enter the destination country.
- For safety reasons, your service or emotional support animal cannot block aisles or emergency exit rows.
Is there any documentation required for the Emotional Support Animal?
Yes, you must carry the certification of training because the airline can ask you for it if in case the animal displays unacceptable behavior.
They need 48 hours of advance notice for emotional support or psychiatric service animals which must include a note from your mental health professional as well as the animal’s vaccination or other health records.
Some useful information of necessary documents if flying with following airlines:
| Airlines | Doctor Authorization | Vet Documentation | Additional Information |
| Alaska Airlines | Required | Not Required | Not permitted to sit in an emergency exit row. |
| American Airlines | Required | Not Required | Physician statement must be faxed to American Airlines |
| Southwest Airlines | Recommended | Not Required | Animals may ride under seats or on customer’s lap. |
| United Airlines | Required | Required | Documentation must be received no later than 48 hours prior to travel. |
What are the things which I must take care of before flying with animals?
- Read and complete all required forms
- Submit forms together at least 48 hours before your flight
- Keep documents with you during your trip
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