Traveling with a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) provides essential support and comfort for individuals managing mental or emotional disabilities. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) provide a federal framework for the rights of individuals with service animals, the specific procedures and documentation required can vary slightly between airlines.
Since January 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) revised its rules regarding service animals on flights, significantly impacting how airlines handle both Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs). Under the new regulations, only dogs are recognized as service animals, and ESAs are no longer granted the same travel accommodations as service animals. This means that if you plan to fly with your dog for mental health support, it must qualify as a PSD and meet the airline’s requirements, primarily centered around the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
At CertifyESA, we empower individuals with the legitimate documentation needed to travel confidently with their PSDs. This comprehensive guide will delve into the specific PSD policies of major airlines, including Delta, American, United, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines, helping you prepare for a smooth journey.
Understanding the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
Before we examine individual airline policies, it’s crucial to understand the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form. This standardized form is the cornerstone of air travel with a PSD for all U.S. airlines. It requires you, as the handler, to self-certify key information about your service dog and your disability.
The form covers:
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Handler Information: Your name, contact details.
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Service Animal Identification: Your dog’s name, description (breed, weight, color).
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Animal Health: Attestation that your dog is vaccinated for rabies and is free of fleas, ticks, or diseases that would endanger others. You’ll need to provide your veterinarian’s name and phone number and the rabies vaccination expiration date.
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Service Animal Behavior Training: Attestation that your dog has been individually trained to perform tasks for your disability and behaves appropriately in public. You’ll specify the tasks your PSD is trained to perform. While not mandatory, providing the name of a trainer or organization can be helpful.
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Other Assurances: Acknowledgment that your service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the airport and on the aircraft, and that you are responsible for any damage caused by your animal. You also attest to the truthfulness of your statements.
For flights scheduled for 8 hours or more, an additional form, the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form, is required. On this form, you must attest that your service dog will either not relieve itself during the flight, or can do so in a sanitary manner.
Key takeaway: You must complete and submit these forms to your airline, typically at least 48 hours prior to departure. If you book a last-minute flight (within 48 hours), you can generally present the forms at the check-in counter or departure gate.
Airline-Specific PSD Policies
While the DOT form is universal, each airline may have slightly different procedures for submission and additional recommendations.
Delta Air Lines
Delta was among the first airlines to update its policy in line with the DOT’s revised rules.
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Documentation: Delta requires the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form for all PSDs. For flights 8 hours or longer, the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form is also required. These forms should ideally be submitted at least 48 hours in advance via Delta’s “My Trips” section or an online accessibility request form. For last-minute bookings, you can present them at check-in or the gate.
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Breed Restrictions: Delta has explicitly lifted its previous ban on “pit bull type” dogs for service animals, evaluating each dog individually based on behavior.
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Number of PSDs: Passengers may travel with up to two PSDs, provided both comply with DOT guidelines and fit comfortably within the allotted space.
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Seating: PSDs must fit within the passenger’s lap (if small enough, like a child under two) or the floor space in front of their seat, without encroaching on other passengers’ space or blocking aisles. Exit row seating is prohibited.
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Behavior: Delta, like all airlines, reserves the right to deny boarding to any service animal exhibiting aggressive or disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive barking, growling, lunging, urinating/defecating in the cabin).
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ESAs: Emotional Support Animals are treated as regular pets and are subject to Delta’s pet travel policies and associated fees.
American Airlines
American Airlines also aligns with the DOT regulations regarding PSDs.
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Documentation: You must submit the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form online, preferably at least 48 hours before your flight. For flights over 8 hours, the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form is also necessary.
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Behavior and Control: Your PSD must be well-behaved and under your control at all times, remaining leashed, harnessed, or tethered unless these methods interfere with task performance. Disruptive behavior can lead to refusal of boarding.
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Size and Space: PSDs must fit comfortably at your feet. If your dog is large, contact American Airlines in advance to discuss potential accommodations. They may suggest purchasing an additional seat if your dog cannot fit in your designated foot space without encroaching on others, or transport in cargo free of charge (as a last resort).
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Fees: No fees are charged for legitimate PSDs.
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ESAs: Emotional Support Animals are transported under American Airlines’ pet policy, which includes fees and carrier requirements.
United Airlines
United Airlines has adopted the same federal guidelines for PSDs.
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Documentation: United requires the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form and, for flights over 8 hours, the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form. These forms can be submitted online through your MileagePlus account or presented at the airport.
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PSD Letter (Recommended): While the DOT forms are the primary requirement, United Airlines (and some other airlines) may ask for a PSD letter from a licensed mental health professional to verify your need for a psychiatric service dog. This letter, which CertifyESA provides, confirms your qualifying disability and the need for a PSD to mitigate its symptoms, supporting the information you provide on the DOT forms.
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Size and Behavior: PSDs must be well-behaved and fit within your foot space or lap (if small enough). Disruptive behavior will result in denial of boarding.
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Number of PSDs: Up to two PSDs per passenger are generally permitted, provided they meet all requirements.
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ESAs: United Airlines treats ESAs as pets, subject to standard pet fees and carrier requirements.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines, known for its customer service, also adheres to the DOT’s service animal regulations.
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Documentation: Southwest requires the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. Unlike some other airlines, Southwest states that this form must be dated on or after the date you purchased your ticket. You’ll need to present this form at the ticket counter or gate on your day of travel.
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Check-in: You are generally required to check in with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter to present the required form.
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Onboard: Your PSD must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times. They should sit at your feet or on your lap (if no larger than a child under two) and not block aisles or encroach on other passengers’ space. Emergency exit row seating is prohibited.
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ESAs: ESAs are treated as pets and must adhere to Southwest’s pet policy.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines welcomes trained service dogs, including psychiatric service animals, with specific requirements.
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Documentation: Alaska Airlines requires the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form. For flights booked more than 48 hours in advance, the form must be submitted 48 hours prior to departure via their online portal. For last-minute bookings, you can present it at check-in or the gate.
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Number of PSDs: A maximum of two service dogs are accepted per guest.
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Size and Space: Your service animal(s) must not exceed the footprint or personal space of your seat or foot area. They cannot occupy a seat or sit on a tray table. Unlike some airlines, Alaska Airlines states your PSD cannot sit on your knee during the flight.
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Behavior: Strict behavioral guidelines apply; disruptive behavior will lead to the animal being treated as a pet or denied travel.
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ESAs: Emotional support animals are not considered service animals and may travel as pets under Alaska Airlines’ pet travel policy.
Important Considerations for Flying with a PSD
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Advance Notification: While not always strictly required for submission, it’s highly recommended to notify your airline that you’ll be traveling with a PSD when you book your ticket. This allows the airline to make necessary preparations and ensures you receive any relevant instructions.
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Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. This gives you ample time to navigate check-in, security, and address any potential questions from airline staff regarding your PSD and documentation.
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Airport Relief Areas: All U.S. airports are required to have designated animal relief areas. Familiarize yourself with their locations at your departure, layover, and arrival airports.
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Security Screening: Your PSD will need to go through security screening. Be prepared to remove your dog from its harness/leash if requested, and ensure your dog is comfortable with being handled by security personnel.
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Behavior is Key: Regardless of documentation, airlines can deny boarding or remove a service animal that displays aggressive or disruptive behavior. Your PSD must be reliably trained to be calm and well-behaved in busy public environments.
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International Travel: Traveling internationally with a PSD involves additional complexities. Each country has its own animal import regulations (e.g., specific vaccinations, microchipping, health certificates, quarantine periods). Always research the requirements for your destination country well in advance. The DOT forms only apply to flights departing from or arriving in the U.S.
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PSD Letter from CertifyESA: While the DOT forms are self-attesting, having a legitimate PSD letter from a licensed mental health professional, like those provided through CertifyESA, offers an additional layer of credibility and confirmation of your disability and the need for a PSD. This can be particularly useful if an airline agent or housing provider seeks further verification beyond the DOT forms, as some airlines explicitly mention they may ask for such a letter (e.g., United, Alaska).
CertifyESA: Your Partner in PSD Travel
Navigating airline policies for Psychiatric Service Dogs can feel overwhelming. At CertifyESA, we simplify the process by connecting you with licensed mental health professionals who can conduct a thorough evaluation and, if appropriate, issue a legitimate PSD letter. This documentation can serve as valuable supporting evidence for your need for a PSD, complementing the mandatory DOT forms.
Our goal is to ensure you have the proper, legally compliant documentation so you can travel with peace of mind, knowing your rights are protected and your essential companion is by your side.
References (APA Format)
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. (2015, July 20). ADA Requirements: Service Animals. ADA.gov. Retrieved from https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html
- U.S. Department of Transportation. (2020, December 2). Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals. Retrieved from https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/final-rule-traveling-air-service-animals
- Delta Air Lines. (n.d.). Trained Service Animals. Retrieved from https://www.delta.com/us/en/accessible-travel-services/service-animals
- American Airlines. (n.d.). Service animals. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-topics/special-assistance/service-animals.jsp
- United Airlines. (n.d.). Service animals. Retrieved from https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/special-needs/assistance-animals.html
- Southwest Airlines. (n.d.). I am traveling with a trained service dog. Retrieved from https://www.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/traveling-with-a-trained-service-dog
- Alaska Airlines. (n.d.). Travel With Service Animals. Retrieved from https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/accessible-services/specialservices-support-animals
