Flying with pets on American Airlines: Things you should know!

Flying with pets on American Airlines is easy. I am saying this by assuming the fact that you’ll pay attention to the details that I’m about to discuss with you. If you’re a mental health patient, an emotional support animal is a brilliant way to manage it. Well, to travel with a pet on the plane, you need to have a valid ESA letter. Well, that’s not all. You need to keep an eye on more details that ensure your ride is smooth and hassle-free. 

 What gives you the right to travel with your ESA on the plane?

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) gives you the right to travel with your pet on the plane. It acknowledges the fact that mental health patients need support at all times. So, it’s natural that they’ll need it on the flight too. This is surely a great step owing to the vulnerability of such people. Our center of focus here is American Airlines. The company surely complies with the needs of patients but it has a set of guidelines that you need to follow. 

You’ll need these forms before flying with pets on American Airlines

There are a set of forms that you need to furnish before boarding your flight. 

1) For the first form, you need to contact your mental health expert and let him fill it. He will outline the fact that you need an ESA for your good mental health. 

2) The second is the Behavioral Form. It states the fact that your pet is trained to behave in public. Ideally, when you have a pet on board, you wouldn’t want to bother someone else. Well, the airline requires the form to ensure the same. 

3) The third one is the Animal Sanitation Form for flights longer than 8 hours. The airline needs to know how you’ll handle your pet when it needs to go to the bathroom.

You should complete all these forms and submit them to the airline authorities at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. 

Which animals are permitted on the flight? 

American Airlines is quite clear in this regard. It states that only cats and dogs are allowed on the flight. Also, there are certain breeds that are not allowed. We’re talking about the short-nosed breeds. As for the dogs, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Japanese Chin, Cane Corso, Bulldog, and similar breeds are not allowed. Now, talking about the cats, Persian, Burmese, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair do not make the cut. 

Some more details that you should be aware of

If you’re planning to travel on flight, you should be aware of the following guidelines:

• You’re only allowed to carry one pet with you 
• The cat or dog should be at least 4 months old. 
• Submit all the documents in advance. 
• Don’t forget to carry your emotional support animal letter when you’re boarding the flight. This one is really important. 
• Your ESA should either sit on your lap or fit under your seat. 
• You’re not allowed to sit with your pet near the exit or let it sit where it blocks the aisle. 

So, flying with pets on American Airlines will be easier if you consider these details. When you follow the right approach, traveling with your ESA will surely be easier.