Flying with a Service Dog: Understanding the Rules and Requirements

If you’re a person with a disability who relies on a service dog for assistance, traveling by air can be a smooth experience if you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) safeguards your right to bring your service animal along during air travel without any discrimination. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a hassle-free journey for both you and your service dog.

Acceptance of Service Animals

Under § 382.72 of the ACAA, airlines are obligated to allow service animals to accompany passengers with disabilities. Importantly, carriers must not deny transportation based on the animal’s breed or type, nor can they refuse transport due to concerns that the animal might offend or annoy personnel or other passengers.

Determining Eligibility

According to § 382.73, airlines may use certain factors to ascertain if an animal qualifies as a service animal for transport:

Inquiries: Carriers may ask passengers two questions to determine if the animal qualifies as a service animal: a) Is the animal required due to a disability? b) What work or task has the animal been trained to perform? Importantly, they cannot inquire about the nature or extent of the person’s disability or request demonstrations of the animal’s work or task.

Observations: Trained service animals display certain behavior patterns, remaining under the control of their handlers. Disruptive behaviors, such as running freely, excessive barking, growling, biting, or causing harm to others, indicate a lack of proper training, and carriers are not obligated to treat such animals as service animals.

Physical Indicators: The presence of harnesses or vests on the animal can also be considered indicators of a service animal.

Handling Service Animals at Airports

In areas of the airport owned, leased, or controlled by the carrier, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times while in the presence of the service animal user or handler.

No Extra Fee for Service Dogs

The Air Carrier Access Act allows individuals with disabilities accompanied by service dogs to fly without incurring an additional pet fee.

Essential Preparations

To ensure a seamless flying experience, follow these guidelines based on the Air Carrier Access Act and airline recommendations:

Be prepared to explain the need for a service animal and the tasks it performs for you.

Ensure your service animal wears identifying patches or badges, and consider having a photo ID card and registration document from a legitimate agency, such as the ESAPETS, to avoid confrontations.

Reach out to the airline in advance to understand specific requirements and notify them of your service animal.

Airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines may require particular verification forms, so check their website or contact them directly.

Each Airline’s Guidelines

Different airlines have varying requirements for service animals. Here are some examples:

Jet Blue: Service animals may be identified by ID cards, harnesses, tags, or credible verbal assurances from the handler.

American Airlines: Service animals are not charged an additional fee. Proper harnesses, tags, or vests help distinguish them by airport personnel, but credible verbal assurance will suffice if questioned.

US Airways (Now American Airlines): Acceptable proof of a service animal includes an ID card, harness, tags, or a credible verbal statement.

Virgin America: Service animals must be appropriately certified. Proof may include an ID card, harness markings, or a credible verbal statement.

Alaska Air: No extra charge for service animals. They should be properly harnessed, and a credible verbal assurance is acceptable when inquired.

Remember to check with your specific airline to ensure compliance with their guidelines.

Click here to register your SERVICE DOG with ESAPETS.

For more information, you can refer to: 

Service Animal Final Rule

Service Animal Final Rule FAQs

Service Animal Brochure from DOT

Traveling with your service dog is made easier when you’re well-informed and prepared for a stress-free journey.