While the rules for flying with emotional support animals (ESAs) have changed significantly, leading many airlines to classify them as pets, there are still situations where an ESA might accompany you on a flight, such as if they are a small animal that fits in a carrier under the seat, or if you are flying an airline that still voluntarily accommodates ESAs (though these are increasingly rare). Even if your animal is now considered a pet by the airline, ensuring their comfort and calm during air travel remains a top priority. A stressed animal can make for a stressful journey for both you and your fellow passengers. This guide provides practical tips to help keep your ESA calm and comfortable when flying, regardless of their official designation.
Before You Fly: Preparation is Key
Thorough preparation is the first line of defense against in-flight anxiety for your ESA. The more you plan ahead, the smoother the experience will be.
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Consult Your Veterinarian: Before any travel, schedule a visit with your vet. Discuss your travel plans, especially if your animal has a history of anxiety or health issues. Your vet can advise on suitable calming aids, such as pheromone sprays, supplements, or in some cases, mild sedatives if absolutely necessary for the animal’s well-being. They can also ensure your ESA is up-to-date on all vaccinations and has a clean bill of health for travel.
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Familiarize with the Carrier: If your ESA will be traveling in a carrier, introduce it well in advance of the flight. Let your animal explore it, sleep in it, and associate it with positive experiences. Place treats, toys, and familiar bedding inside. This helps reduce the novelty and stress of being confined when travel day arrives. Ensure the carrier meets airline size and ventilation requirements.
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Desensitize to Sounds and Motion: While you can’t replicate airplane conditions perfectly, you can expose your ESA to similar stimuli. Play recordings of airplane sounds (engine hum, cabin announcements) at low volumes and gradually increase them. Take car rides to get them accustomed to motion.
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Practice Short Periods of Confinement: Gradually increase the time your ESA spends in their carrier. Start with short durations and reward calm behavior. This builds their tolerance for confinement during the flight.
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Exercise Before Travel: A tired animal is a calm animal. On the day of your flight, ensure your ESA gets plenty of exercise a few hours before you need to leave for the airport. A long walk, a play session, or mental stimulation can help them rest during the journey.
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Limit Food and Water (Strategically): To minimize the need for potty breaks and potential upset stomachs, limit food intake a few hours before the flight. Offer small amounts of water to prevent dehydration, but avoid overfilling their bowl. This is especially important if your pet is traveling in cargo (though this article focuses on in-cabin ESAs/pets).
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Pack an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like a copy of your ESA letter (if applicable), vaccination records, a recent photo of your animal, favorite treats, a comfort toy, a small blanket that smells like home, waste bags, and any prescribed medications.
At the Airport: Navigating the Environment
The airport environment can be overwhelming. Bright lights, loud noises, and crowds can quickly escalate an animal’s anxiety.
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Allow Plenty of Time: Rushing adds stress for both you and your ESA. Arrive at the airport well in advance to allow for security checks, potty breaks, and unexpected delays without feeling pressured.
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Potty Breaks are Crucial: Locate the airport’s designated animal relief areas (most major airports have them) both before and after security. Give your ESA ample opportunity to relieve themselves before boarding.
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Security Checkpoint Strategy: Be prepared for security. You may need to remove your ESA from their carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the carrier goes through the X-ray machine. Ask TSA agents for specific instructions. Remain calm, as your stress can transfer to your animal.
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Minimize Time in Carrier (if possible): If your ESA is allowed out of their carrier in certain areas (e.g., designated pet relief areas), take advantage of it to let them stretch and relieve themselves. Keep them leashed and under control at all times.
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Find a Quiet Spot: If you have time before boarding, try to find a quieter area away from the main concourse where your ESA can relax and avoid sensory overload.
On the Plane: During the Flight
The enclosed space and unusual sensations of a plane can be particularly challenging. Your focus here is on minimizing discomfort and providing reassurance.
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Settle In Comfortably: Once at your seat, try to position your ESA’s carrier in a way that allows for good ventilation and minimal disturbance. If they are allowed out of the carrier (e.g., if they are a small service animal that can sit at your feet), ensure they have enough space to lie down comfortably without obstructing the aisle.
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Provide Comfort Items: Place a familiar blanket or toy in their carrier. The scent of home can be incredibly comforting.
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Offer Distractions (Chew Toys/Treats): A long-lasting chew toy or some favorite treats can provide a positive distraction during takeoff and landing, as well as throughout the flight. Chewing can also help with ear pressure changes.
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Maintain a Calm Demeanor: Your ESA will pick up on your emotions. Speak to them in a calm, soothing voice. Pet them gently if they are accessible. Your presence and reassurance are vital.
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Address Ear Pressure: Just like humans, animals can experience ear discomfort due to pressure changes. Chewing, yawning, or swallowing can help equalize pressure. Offering a treat or a chew toy during ascent and descent can encourage these actions.
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Avoid Over-Sedation: If your vet prescribed medication, administer it exactly as directed. Over-sedating an animal can be dangerous, especially in unfamiliar environments or if there’s an emergency. Only use medication under veterinary guidance.
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Hydration (Small Amounts): Offer small sips of water periodically, especially on longer flights, to prevent dehydration. Avoid giving too much at once to prevent accidents.
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Ignore Unwanted Attention: While most passengers will be understanding, some might want to interact with your ESA. Politely decline if you feel it will agitate your animal or interfere with their calm.
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Be Prepared for Accidents: Despite all precautions, accidents can happen. Have absorbent pads or wipes readily available for quick cleanup.
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Know When to Seek Help: If your ESA is showing severe signs of distress, such as excessive panting, drooling, vocalizing, or aggression, alert the flight attendant immediately. They can advise on next steps.
Post-Flight: Decompression and Reassurance
Once you’ve landed, your ESA will need time to decompress and get back to their normal routine.
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Immediate Potty Break: As soon as possible, take your ESA to a designated animal relief area. They’ve likely been holding it for a while.
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Give Them Space: Allow your ESA to stretch, explore, and shake off the journey. Don’t immediately overwhelm them with new experiences or people.
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Re-establish Routine: Get back to your normal feeding, walking, and sleeping routines as quickly as possible. Familiarity provides comfort.
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Monitor for Stress Symptoms: Keep an eye on your ESA for a day or two after the flight for any lingering signs of stress or illness. Consult your vet if concerns arise.
Flying with an ESA or any pet requires meticulous planning and a calm approach. By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce your animal’s anxiety and ensure a safer, more comfortable journey for both of you. Remember, their well-being is paramount, and your proactive efforts can make all the difference.
References
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Traveling with your pet. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/traveling-your-pet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Bringing an Animal to the United States. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-to-the-united-states/index.html
U.S. Department of Transportation. (2020). Final Rule on Traveling with Service Animals. Retrieved from https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-announces-final-rule-traveling-service-animals
