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American Airlines Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) and Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Policy Guide.

American Airlines no longer accepts emotional support animals as service animals; they are treated as pets. Travelers must follow the airline’s pet policy, pay applicable fees, and comply with carrier regulations. Only trained psychiatric service dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin free of charge with prior DOT documentation.

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If you have a psychiatric service dog or emotional support animal and are considering bringing it to American Airlines, it’s crucial to understand their specific policies. Familiarizing yourself with the American Airlines service animal policy can help you avoid fines and delays. You don’t want to miss your flight just because you weren’t aware of the guidelines. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down American Airlines’ policies regarding PSDs and ESAs, clarifying what you need to know before you board.

Key Points

Are Psychiatric Service Dogs Allowed to Fly on American Airlines? Yes, according to American Airlines’ service dog policy, psychiatric service dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin with their owners without any additional fees.
Can Emotional Support Animals Fly on American Airlines? No, under American Airlines’ ESA policy, emotional support animals are not recognized as service animals. They are considered pets and must adhere to the airline’s pet policy, including paying applicable pet fees and following carrier regulations.
What Are the Carrier Requirements for Emotional Support Animals? Emotional support animals must be transported in an approved pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and secure.
How Do I Notify American Airlines That I’m Traveling with a Psychiatric Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal? When booking your flight, inform the customer service representative that you will be traveling with a service dog. Provide details about your animal and ensure all required documentation is submitted.
Can American Airlines Deny Boarding to My Animal? Yes, American Airlines can deny boarding if your service dog or emotional support animal exhibits disruptive behavior, poses a threat to the safety of others, or fails to meet the airline’s requirements.

1. American Airlines’ Service Animal Policy

Are Service Dogs Allowed?

Fully trained service dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin. These dogs must be trained to perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, including visual impairments, psychiatric impairments, mobility impairments, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Service animals in training may travel as pets, and all requirements and applicable pet fees will apply. Dogs under four months old are not permitted to travel as service animals. Additionally, each individual is allowed to travel with a maximum of two service animals. The animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times and must be clean and well-behaved.

What Documentation Is Required?

DOT Form: To travel with a service animal on American Airlines, you must submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
Service Animal Relief Attestation Form: If your flight time is over 8 hours, you must also submit a Service Animal Relief Attestation Form that outlines your animal won’t relieve itself or can do so in a way that doesn’t create sanitation issues.
PSD Letter: You may also need a PSD letter. This letter verifies your service animal needs if requested by airline officials.

Dog with boarding pass and suitcase at airport terminal

How To Obtain a PSD Letter?

To get a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) letter, consult with a licensed mental health professional, either in person or online. They will assess your condition and, if appropriate, issue a signed letter recommending a PSD as part of your treatment.
Fast ESA Letter offers an easy online process to get your PSD letter. We connect you with licensed mental health professionals who can evaluate your needs. If approved, you will receive your PSD letter via email.

Get Your Official PSD Letter

Where Can I Submit These Documents?

You can submit these forms online through the American Airlines customer service portal. You must submit these documents 48 hours before your departure. If you booked your flight in an emergency or cannot satisfy the 48-hour timeline, you can present the completed form at the airport on the day of travel. However, you must do so early so that an official can verify your service dog’s needs.

Once you’ve submitted your form and it’s been approved, you will receive a Service Animal ID (SVAN ID) in your email. You can use this ID to book future travel without submitting DOT forms again. Remember, your SVAN ID will expire either one year from the date of signature or when your animal’s vaccination expires, whichever comes first.

You can also obtain a Service Dog Pass ID (SDP ID) to make your document submission more seamless. You can use this number instead of the SVAN ID, so you don’t need to submit the DOT form repeatedly.

Interesting Fact: As of July 15, 2024, American Airlines (AA/AAL) has a fleet of 1,715 aircraft, making it one of the largest airlines in the United States.

2. Emotional Support Animals on American Airlines

Can You Travel With An ESA?

American Airlines no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals, but you can still travel with your animal, subject to American Airlines’ pet policy. Only cats and dogs that meet the airline’s specific size, age, and destination criteria are allowed as carry-on pets.
Pet Fee:

Cargo Pet: The fee will vary. Confirm the fee when booking.
Carry-On Pet: When traveling within and between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, pet owners must pay a fee of $150 per kennel, subject to each specific country’s entry policies.

Interesting Fact: Over 80% of American Airlines’ aircraft are narrow-bodies from the Airbus A320 family and the Boeing 737 family.

3. Seating And Carrier Requirements

Seating Requirements

When flying with a service dog on American Airlines, your animal must fit comfortably at your feet, under your seat, or in your lap—provided the dog is smaller than a child under two years old. Final approval for travel will be given at the airport, where it’s determined whether the animal can safely fit at your feet. If your dog is in a kennel, it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

Service animals are not permitted to sit in exit rows, block or protrude into aisles, occupy a passenger seat, or eat from tray tables. If your service animal is too large or heavy to fit safely in the cabin, you may need to rebook on a flight with more open seats or purchase a ticket for the animal. The policies are the same for emotional support animals, except that service animals have optional carriage.

Carry-On Kennel Dimensions

Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside a closed or zipped carrier. These kennels must be secure, padded, made of water-repellent material, and feature nylon mesh ventilation on at least three sides.

Hard-Sided Kennel: For mainline flights, the kennel dimensions must be 19 inches in length, 13 inches in width, and 9 inches in height (48 x 33 x 22 centimeters). On regional flights, the dimensions are slightly smaller, with a maximum length of 16 inches, width of 12 inches, and height of 8 inches (40 x 30 x 20 centimeters).
Soft-Sided Kennel (Recommended): 18L x 11W x 11H inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters.

Interesting Fact: Together with its regional partners and affiliates, American Airlines now operates an expansive network, offering nearly 6,800 flights daily to around 350 destinations across 48 countries.

4. How Do You Book a Flight With Your Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal?

Start by booking your flight through the American Airlines website, app, or by calling customer service. During the booking process, inform them you will be traveling with a service dog or emotional support animal. Provide details about your animal, including its size and breed, and necessary documentation requirements.

For service dogs, have all required documentation ready, such as a completed U.S. DOT form. Emotional support animals may require a letter from a licensed mental health professional. On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport early to allow time for check-in and any additional verification or documentation review.

5. Traveling With Dogs To The U.S.

If you’re planning to bring your dog into the United States, it’s essential to know that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets the rules for dog entry. These guidelines apply to all dogs, including service animals and pets returning to the U.S. Every traveler must comply with these CDC regulations.

American Airlines permits only service dogs to board if they possess an approved CDC Dog Import Permit or meet the CDC’s vaccination and microchip criteria. Before your journey, make sure to review the CDC’s guidelines for the information on bringing dogs into the U.S.

6. Tips For a Smooth Journey With Your Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal

Book Early and Notify the Airline: Book your flight as early as possible and inform American Airlines that you’ll be traveling with a service dog or emotional support animal. This allows the airline to accommodate your needs and ensures you have the necessary paperwork ready.
Arrive Early at the Airport: Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. This gives you ample time to check in, present your documentation, and handle any special procedures without feeling rushed.
Familiarize Your Animal with the Carrier: If your emotional support animal will be in a carrier, get them accustomed to it before the trip. This helps reduce their stress and ensures they are comfortable during the flight.
Pack Essentials for Your Animal: Bring along food, water, a leash, and any necessary medications for your service dog or emotional support animal. It’s also a good idea to pack a familiar toy or blanket to help them feel more at ease.
Follow All Airline Guidelines: Adhere to all American Airlines guidelines for service dogs and emotional support animals. This includes behavior standards and carrier specifications.

Interesting Fact: In 2013, American Airlines merged with US Airways but retained the American Airlines name due to its stronger international recognition.

Bottom Line

According to American Airlines’ service animal policy, psychiatric service dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin with their owners without a fee, provided that the required U.S. DOT forms are submitted. Emotional support animals, on the other hand, are considered pets and must follow the airline’s pet policy, including paying applicable fees and using approved carriers. For a smooth travel experience, ensure you have all the required documentation and adhere to American Airlines’ specific policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Fly With A Service Dog Puppy On American Airlines?

No, dogs under four months old are not permitted to fly as service dogs on American Airlines. However, they can travel as pets if they meet the pet policy requirements.

Can My Psychiatric Service Dog Travel Without A Dot Form On Short Flights?

No, the DOT form is mandatory for all flights regardless of duration to ensure compliance with airline policies.

How Are Service Dogs Screened At TSA Checkpoints For American Airlines?

Service dogs will undergo a TSA screening process, which includes walking through a metal detector and possibly additional checks.

Does American Airlines Offer Pre-Boarding For Passengers With Service Dogs?

Yes, passengers traveling with service dogs can pre-board to settle their animal before general boarding begins.

Can I Change My Seat If My Service Dog Does Not Fit?

Yes, American Airlines staff can assist with rebooking you on a flight with more space if your dog cannot fit safely in the cabin.

Do American Airlines Flights Have Relief Areas For Service Dogs?

While aircraft do not have relief areas, most major airports serviced by American Airlines have designated pet relief areas for use before boarding.

What Happens If My Service Dog Becomes Disruptive On A Flight?

American Airlines may require you to manage your dog’s behavior. In severe cases, your dog could be denied boarding on future flights.

Can I Reuse My Dot Form For Multiple American Airlines Flights?

Yes, the DOT form is valid for up to one year unless your service dog’s vaccination records expire sooner.

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