Airline Policies
ESA and PSD Airline Policies: Everything You Need to Know
CertifyESA can assist travelers by providing legitimate ESA letters through licensed mental health professionals, ensuring documentation is accurate and compliant. Traveling with animals has always required careful planning, but emotional support animals (ESAs) and psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) present unique considerations for airline passengers. Understanding the most current airline policies is crucial for travelers who rely on these animals for mental health support. CertifyESA helps you explore distinctions between ESAs and PSDs, recent policy changes, and the requirements travelers must meet to bring their animals aboard.
Defining ESA and PSD
An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort to individuals with emotional or psychological conditions. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. Conversely, a psychiatric service dog (PSD) is trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression (American Kennel Club, 2023).
The Air Carrier Access Act and Its Impact
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) of 1986 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel. Historically, the ACAA required airlines to accommodate passengers traveling with ESAs similarly to those with service animals. However, in December 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule that redefined the treatment of ESAs and PSDs in air travel (U.S. Department of Transportation, 2020).
Under the new rule, only service animals, specifically dogs trained to assist with disabilities, are recognized. Emotional support animals are no longer guaranteed access to cabins and may be treated as pets, subject to pet policies and fees.
Current Airline Policies on ESA and PSD
Each airline has implemented policies consistent with DOT guidelines but with slight variations.
American Airlines
American Airlines accepts PSDs free of charge. The airline requires the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form attesting to the dog’s health, behavior, and training. ESAs are considered pets and must meet standard pet travel requirements (American Airlines, 2023).
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines adheres strictly to DOT guidelines, accepting only trained service dogs. ESA travelers must follow Delta’s pet travel policies. Service animal forms must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure (Delta Air Lines, 2023).
United Airlines
United Airlines also restricts cabin access to trained service dogs. They require the DOT forms and encourage submission through their website 48 hours in advance. ESAs travel under United’s PetSafe program or as in-cabin pets if they meet weight and size restrictions (United Airlines, 2023).
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines accepts trained service dogs but does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals. They require passengers to complete and submit the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form either online or at the airport (Southwest Airlines, 2023).
Other Major Airlines
Smaller airlines and international carriers also follow similar guidelines but travelers must always verify specific airline policies before flying.
Requirements for PSD Travel
Travelers with PSDs must:
Complete and submit the DOT’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
Ensure the dog is harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.
Confirm the dog’s behavior is appropriate for public spaces.
Provide evidence of the dog’s training if requested.
Some airlines also request a Relief Attestation Form for flights lasting more than eight hours.
Transition Challenges for ESA Owners
The new DOT regulations have posed difficulties for ESA owners. Previously, travelers could bring various types of animals—from cats to miniature horses—aboard as ESAs. Now, many owners face the financial burden of pet travel fees or the emotional strain of leaving their animals behind.
Advocacy groups have voiced concerns, arguing that the changes marginalize individuals who genuinely benefit from ESAs but whose animals lack specialized training (National Council on Disability, 2021).
Training a PSD
Training a psychiatric service dog involves:
Task-specific training, such as grounding an owner during anxiety attacks.
Public access training to ensure good behavior in different environments.
Extensive socialization to reduce distractions and aggression.
Many organizations offer professional PSD training, though it is legal to train a PSD oneself under U.S. law (ADA National Network, 2023).
Legal Documentation
No federal registry for service animals exists. Airlines can request the DOT form but cannot require passengers to demonstrate disability or demand documentation beyond the permitted forms. False claims of service animal status can result in significant penalties under state laws.
International Travel with PSDs
International air travel introduces additional complexities, including quarantine requirements, vaccination documentation, and compliance with destination country regulations. Travelers should consult both their airline and the consulate of their destination country well in advance.
Preparing for Air Travel with a PSD
Preparation tips include:
Booking early and notifying the airline of your service dog.
Checking updated forms and documentation requirements.
Bringing necessary supplies (e.g., collapsible bowls, calming aids, and extra leashes).
Familiarizing the dog with airports and crowded environments before the travel date.
How CertifyESA Can Help
Navigating the complexities of emotional support animal and psychiatric service dog documentation can be overwhelming. CertifyESA simplifies the process by connecting individuals with licensed mental health professionals who can evaluate their needs and, if appropriate, issue legitimate ESA letters or PSD letters. This service ensures that all documentation meets airline, housing, and workplace requirements, offering peace of mind for travelers who rely on their animals for emotional and psychological support. CertifyESA’s network of professionals is fully compliant with federal and state regulations, ensuring travelers have the correct paperwork for their journey.
While recent policy changes have narrowed the definition of support animals allowed aboard aircraft, understanding the nuances can ease the travel process for individuals relying on psychiatric service dogs. By ensuring compliance with airline requirements, travelers can continue to access the mental health support their PSDs provide during air travel. Please also check with your airline before always making travel arrangements with your pet.
References
ADA National Network. (2023). Service animals and emotional support animals. https://adata.org/factsheet/service-animals
American Airlines. (2023). Service animals. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/service-animals.jsp
American Kennel Club. (2023).Psychiatric Service Dogs: What you need to know. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/psychiatric-service-dog/
Delta Air Lines. (2023).Service and support animals. https://www.delta.com/us/en/accessible-travel-services/service-animals
National Council on Disability. (2021).NCD study on the Air Carrier Access Act. https://ncd.gov/publications/2021/Air-Carrier-Access-Act
Southwest Airlines. (2023).Service animals. https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/unique-travel-needs/customers-with-d
Airline Policy Disclaimer
The information provided on CertifyESA regarding airline policies is intended for general guidance only. While we strive to keep the content accurate and up-to-date, airline rules and regulations regarding Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) may change frequently and vary by carrier.
We strongly encourage all clients to contact their airline directly to confirm the most current and applicable policies before traveling. CertifyESA is not responsible for any discrepancies, denied boarding, or travel disruptions related to airline ESA policies.