What Airlines Allow (and What They Don’t)
For Michigan residents relying on an emotional support animal, or ESA, for comfort and stability, the thought of air travel can bring a mix of anxiety and confusion. The rules governing ESAs on flights have undergone significant changes, particularly since 2021. It’s crucial for anyone flying with an ESA from Michigan to understand these updated regulations to avoid unexpected issues at the airport.
The Federal Shift: What the DOT’s New Rule Means for Michigan ESAs
The most impactful change for ESA owners occurred in December 2020, when the U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, revised its Air Carrier Access Act, or ACAA, regulations. This pivotal ruling redefined “service animal” to explicitly exclude emotional support animals. This means airlines are no longer federally mandated to allow ESAs to fly in the cabin free of charge. For Michigan travelers, this places ESAs firmly into the “pet” category for air travel purposes, fundamentally altering how you can bring your companion on a flight.
ESAs Now Treated as Pets by Most Airlines Serving Michigan
As a direct result of the DOT’s rule change, nearly all airlines operating flights to and from Michigan airports now treat emotional support animals as standard pets. This means your ESA will be subject to the airline’s specific pet policies, which typically include fees, size restrictions, and carrier requirements. You should anticipate paying a pet fee, which can range from approximately $95 to $175 each way for domestic flights.
In-Cabin vs. Cargo: Michigan ESA Travel Options
If your ESA is small enough to fit comfortably in an airline-approved carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you, it may be allowed to travel in the cabin as a pet. Airlines have strict dimensions for these carriers, and it’s imperative to check your chosen airline’s website for their specific requirements. If your emotional support animal is too large for in-cabin travel, it may need to travel in the cargo hold. This option involves different regulations, higher fees, and introduces greater considerations for your animal’s welfare due to temperature and environmental factors.
The Michigan-Specific HB 703 and Air Travel
Michigan’s House Bill 703, or HB 703, which became effective on October 1, 2023, primarily impacts the issuance of ESA letters for housing purposes, requiring a 30-day client-provider relationship with a licensed mental health professional. It’s important to understand that while HB 703 affects how you obtain an ESA letter in Michigan, it does not grant any special privileges or access for ESAs on airlines, as federal DOT regulations supersede state laws in this domain.
Psychiatric Service Dogs: Still Protected for Michigan Flyers
A crucial distinction for Michigan residents is between an emotional support animal and a psychiatric service dog, or PSD. Unlike ESAs, PSDs are dogs individually trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a psychiatric disability. PSDs are still recognized as service animals under the ACAA and are permitted to fly in the cabin with their handlers free of charge, provided they meet strict criteria. If your animal is a task-trained psychiatric service dog, you will need to complete and submit the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form to the airline, typically at least 48 hours before your flight.
Airline-Specific Policies: Research is Key for Michigan Departures
Each airline operating out of Michigan, whether it’s Delta, American, Southwest, United, or others, has its own unique pet policy. These policies detail accepted animal types, carrier specifications, breed restrictions (especially for brachycephalic or “snub-nosed” breeds due to respiratory risks), and reservation procedures. It is absolutely essential for Michigan travelers to contact their specific airline directly and review their pet policy on their website before booking a flight with an ESA.
Health and Vaccination Documentation for Your Michigan ESA
Regardless of whether your animal travels as a pet or a psychiatric service dog from Michigan, you will need to provide documentation of its good health and up-to-date vaccinations. Many airlines require a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, issued within a specific timeframe prior to your flight. Always confirm these requirements with your airline and your veterinarian well in advance of your travel date.
Advance Notification to Airlines is Crucial for Michigan Travelers
The single most important step when flying with any animal from Michigan is to contact your airline directly and well in advance of your planned trip. Inform them you will be traveling with an animal and inquire about their current pet policies, associated fees, carrier requirements, and any necessary documentation. This proactive step can prevent unexpected issues and stress at Michigan airports like Detroit Metro, Gerald R. Ford International, or Bishop International.
Preparing Your Michigan ESA for Air Travel
Beyond the paperwork, preparing your animal for the journey is essential. Familiarize your ESA with its travel carrier well before the flight, making it a comfortable and positive space. Consider a soft-sided carrier for in-cabin travel, as these are often more flexible for fitting under seats. On the day of travel, avoid feeding your animal a large meal to minimize the risk of nausea. Ensure they have opportunities for potty breaks before entering the terminal and after landing.
Navigating Michigan Airport Security with Your ESA
At Michigan airports, you will typically need to remove your animal from its carrier at the security checkpoint, and the carrier will go through the X-ray machine. Your animal will then walk through the metal detector with you. Keeping your animal on a leash or in a harness is important for their safety and to maintain control. Many Michigan airports offer designated pet relief areas both pre and post-security.
By thoroughly understanding these updated regulations and diligently preparing, Michigan residents can still travel with their emotional support animals, albeit under pet policies, ensuring a more predictable and less stressful experience for both handler and companion on their journey.
