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As more and more people begin to rely on service animals for assistance, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations surrounding their travel. One question that often arises is whether or not service dogs are allowed to fly on American Airlines.
The answer is yes, American Airlines does allow service dogs to fly with their owners. However, there are certain guidelines and requirements that must be followed in order to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members on board. Let’s take a closer look at what these guidelines entail.
Contents
- Can Service Dogs Fly on American Airlines?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a service dog?
- What is American Airlines’ policy on service dogs?
- What is the process for bringing a service dog on an American Airlines flight?
- Can a service dog be denied boarding on an American Airlines flight?
- What should I do if I have a complaint about American Airlines’ service dog policy?
- Flying with a Large Service Dog | American Airlines and Spirit Airlines
- How Many Aircraft Does American Airlines Have?
- Is American Airlines Business Class Worth It?
- Can You Have 2 Carry Ons For American Airlines?
Can Service Dogs Fly on American Airlines?
Understanding the Air Carrier Access Act
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is a civil rights law that was passed in 1986. This law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in air travel. Under the ACAA, airlines are required to allow service animals to accompany their owners on flights. This includes both emotional support animals and service dogs.
What is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a specially trained dog that is trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. These tasks may include guiding individuals who are blind, alerting individuals who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, and providing assistance to individuals with mobility impairments. Service dogs are not considered pets and are allowed to accompany their owners in public places where pets are not allowed.
What are the Requirements for Service Dogs on American Airlines?
American Airlines has specific requirements for service dogs that must be met before they are allowed to fly. These requirements include:
- The dog must be trained to perform a specific task for its owner
- The dog must be well-behaved and under the control of its owner at all times
- The dog must be able to fit in the space under the seat in front of its owner or on the owner’s lap
- The owner must provide documentation of the dog’s training and vaccination records
How to Book a Flight with a Service Dog on American Airlines
Booking a flight with a service dog on American Airlines is a simple process. You can either book your flight online or by calling American Airlines reservations. When booking your flight, you will need to inform the airline that you will be traveling with a service dog. You will also need to provide documentation of your dog’s training and vaccination records.
What to Expect at the Airport
When you arrive at the airport, you will need to check in with the American Airlines ticket counter. At this time, you will need to provide documentation of your dog’s training and vaccination records. American Airlines may also ask you to complete a form stating that your dog is a service animal and that it is trained to perform a specific task for you.
Boarding the Flight
When it’s time to board the flight, you will be allowed to board first. This will give you time to get settled in your seat and ensure that your dog is comfortable. Your dog will need to be under your control at all times during the flight. American Airlines requires that your dog be on a leash or in a carrier while on the flight.
The Benefits of Flying with a Service Dog on American Airlines
Flying with a service dog on American Airlines can be a great experience. Your dog will be able to accompany you in the cabin of the plane, which means that you will be able to keep an eye on your dog and ensure that it is comfortable throughout the flight. Additionally, American Airlines allows service dogs to fly for free, which can be a significant cost savings for individuals with disabilities who require the assistance of a service dog.
Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals
It’s important to note that service dogs are different from emotional support animals. Emotional support animals do not require specific training and are allowed to fly on American Airlines under different guidelines. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals are not required to perform specific tasks for their owners.
The Bottom Line
If you require the assistance of a service dog, you can rest assured that American Airlines will allow your dog to accompany you on your flight. By following the airline’s requirements and guidelines, you can ensure that your dog is comfortable throughout the flight and that you are able to travel without any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a service dog?
A service dog is a specially trained animal that provides assistance to a person with a disability. The dog is trained to perform specific tasks that help the person with their daily activities and improve their quality of life.
Service dogs are allowed to accompany their owners in public places, including on airplanes.
What is American Airlines’ policy on service dogs?
American Airlines allows service dogs to fly with their owners in the cabin, free of charge. The dog must be trained to perform specific tasks that help the person with their disability. The airline may require documentation of the dog’s training or certification.
The dog must be well-behaved and remain under the control of its owner at all times during the flight.
What is the process for bringing a service dog on an American Airlines flight?
Passengers with service dogs must notify American Airlines at least 48 hours before the flight and provide documentation that the dog is a trained service animal. The dog must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times, and the owner must bring any necessary supplies, such as food and water bowls, for the dog.
When boarding the flight, the owner must provide the dog’s harness, leash, or tether to the flight attendant for storage during takeoff and landing.
Can a service dog be denied boarding on an American Airlines flight?
American Airlines may deny boarding to a service dog if it poses a threat to the health or safety of other passengers or if it does not meet the airline’s requirements for trained service animals. The airline may also deny boarding if the flight is full and there is no space for the dog to sit or lie down.
If the dog is denied boarding, the airline must provide alternative arrangements for the passenger and their service animal.
What should I do if I have a complaint about American Airlines’ service dog policy?
If you have a complaint about American Airlines’ service dog policy or the treatment of your service animal during a flight, you should contact the airline’s customer service department to file a complaint. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division.
The airline is required to respond to your complaint within 30 days.
Flying with a Large Service Dog | American Airlines and Spirit Airlines
In conclusion, service dogs are allowed to fly on American Airlines. However, there are certain guidelines and rules that must be followed to ensure the safety of both the dog and the passengers. American Airlines requires that the dog be trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability and that the dog must be properly leashed and harnessed during the flight.
It is important to note that service dogs are not considered pets and are allowed to sit with their owner in the cabin of the plane, free of charge. They are also exempt from breed restrictions and weight limits that apply to pets traveling in the cargo hold.
If you plan on traveling with a service dog on American Airlines, it is recommended to inform the airline in advance and provide any necessary documentation. This will ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for both you and your furry companion.
Overall, American Airlines recognizes the importance of service dogs for individuals with disabilities and strives to provide a welcoming and accommodating travel experience.
