How to Fly with an Emotional Support Animal in the
Cabin of an Airplane
Do your nerves bundle up the minute you
step into an airport, more so into an airplane? You’re not alone! Millions of
people feel the same way you do, and some address their anxiety by bringing
along an ESA, otherwise known as an emotional support animal. Your pup may just
be the answer to your problems. Here’s what you can do before taking your ESA
with you on your next trip. If you’re looking for certification of service
dogs, you can find more information at Service Dog Certifications.
Prepare
Proper Documents
It is vital that your pet has the necessary
registration, emotional support animal
doctor letters, and identification to prove that it is a certified
emotional support animal, most especially to present to authorities who might
question you. Not all disabilities/mental illnesses merit having an ESA, so
your particular disability should appear on the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV implying that your pet’s immediate
presence is necessary due to health matters. You may learn more about how and
whether or not you may acquire certification for an emotional support animal by
speaking to a psychiatrist. The moment you have all the right documents
supporting your ESA, you’re set to go!
Bringing
Your ESA on Your Next Flight
The first thing you should do before taking
your ESA on a flight is to inform the airline you’re flying that you’ll be
bringing your emotional support animal at least 48 hours before departure. They
might need you to fax or email letters written by a licensed mental health
professional. Don’t forget to bring your pet’s papers to prove its shots, as
well as a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, just in case.
To avoid being late for your flight, as you
may be questioned about your ESA, you might want to check-in online or leave
for the airport extra early. Ideally, you should be checked in at least 90
minutes before your flight. Have the proper equipment that will aid you in
holding and/or controlling your pet, such as a leash, harness, cage, or others.
Check to see that it’s comfortable enough for your pet to stay in/wear for the
duration of the flight as well!
While
in the Plane
Is your pet well-trained? A dog that yips
on the plane may be bothersome to other passengers, so a quiet, behaved pooch
who understands commands is usually mostly appreciated. As for dealing with
calls of nature, see to it that your pet urinates and defecates in a suitable
place before boarding the plane. You may want to fit a diaper on your pup to
lessen the chances of it making a mess while in-flight. Avoid giving your pet
food or water during the flight, but keep a bit with you in your carry-on to
give to your pet when you land. Remember to keep your animal with you at all
times, and position it (or its cage) in an area that doesn’t block emergency
exits. You may not be allowed to sit in certain rows of the airplane, but it’s
only to make sure of the accessibility, safety, and comfort of you and your
pet.
Still
Nervous?
In case you’re still nervous about or
during the flight, you may want to speak to a doctor/psychiatrist beforehand,
so you can get prescribed medication to alleviate your anxiety. Depending on
which airline you’re flying, it also helps to call the airline beforehand and
inform them that you’re an “anxious flyer”, as the airline’s flight attendants
become more aware about your situation and may check up on you every now and
then.
Once you’re on the flight, take 10 deep breaths; each inhaling for the
count of 5 heartbeats, keeping it in for 7, and exhaling for 9 to relax
yourself. Once you’ve done that, try distracting yourself with your favorite
music, book, or video game. Before you know it, the flight will be over, you’ll
have reached your destination!
