Airlines across the US have been changing their policy on allowing people to travel with their ESAs. The Air Carrier Access Act was meant to enable people with a mental illness or condition, to take their emotional support animal along with them, free of charge, but this law has turned into an unfortunate amount of abuse of the system.
We have created a fact sheet that outlines the specifics of American Airlines’ ESA policy. If you want to travel with your ESA on this airline, be sure to take note of every point! The new policy weeds out ESA imposters, people without the correct documentation, or animals who do not behave themselves in public.
An American Airline’s policy update will come into effect on April 1st. This update on the airline’s pet and ESA policy states that they will only allow dogs and cats in the cabin of their flights.
**Please note, as of January 11, 2021, under new regulations passed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the allowance of Emotional Support Animals onboard flights may vary from airline to airline. Please contact your airline of choice for their most up-to-date policies on Emotional Support Animals.
Letter_Fact_Sheet” class=”ez-toc-section”>CertaPet’s American Airlines ESA Travel Letter Fact Sheet Keeps You in Check!
For people suffering from disabilities such as OCD, Depression or Social Anxiety Disorder, the sensory overload and elevated stress levels of traveling can be overwhelming. It seems like the process, from leaving their homes, being at the airport, and getting on a plane are a death trap of triggers that could set them off. These are the people who should be allowed to fly with their animals.
As much as you have a right to travel with your ESA, the airline has as much right to deny your ESA access if any of these new rules are not observed or abided by!
Also know, if you adhering to American Airlines‘ Pet Policy for flying with your non-assistance animal, the fact sheet covers what your pet can and cannot do on board!
Unfortunately, many people have viewed the ACAA as an opportunity to get a free ticket for their pet or exotic animal. This turn of events has tainted flights for people who need their ESAs, as well as the passenger with arachniphobia who doesn’t know whether they will be forced to sit next to an “ESA” tarantula for 3 hours!
American Airlines has clearly set out the rules and regulations of their new ESA Policy…and we have put it all together right here!