Traveling with a service animal can make a world of difference for individuals with disabilities, providing essential support and companionship. American Airlines, in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, welcomes trained service dogs in the cabin. However, there's a specific process to follow, especially when it comes to submitting the necessary forms. This lengthy guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth journey for both you and your loyal companion.
Navigating the Skies with Your Service Animal: A Step-by-Step Guide for American Airlines
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you getting ready to embark on a journey with your incredible service animal on American Airlines? It's wonderful that you're taking your partner with you, and ensuring their comfortable and compliant travel is our top priority. Let's make sure you've got all your ducks (or rather, your service dog!) in a row before you take off. Ready to dive in?
Step 1: Understand What Qualifies as a Service Animal (and What Doesn't)
Before you even think about forms, it's crucial to understand American Airlines' definition of a service animal, which aligns with DOT regulations.
What IS a Service Animal?
A service animal is defined as a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. This includes physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.
The tasks performed must be directly related to the individual's disability. Examples include guiding the visually impaired, alerting the hearing impaired, pulling a wheelchair, or assisting with psychiatric episodes.
What ISN'T a Service Animal?
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized as service animals by American Airlines (and most other U.S. airlines) due to updated DOT regulations. If you plan to travel with an ESA, they will likely need to travel as a pet, subject to fees and kennel requirements.
Comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are also generally not considered service animals for free cabin travel. They will also typically fall under American Airlines' pet policy.
Animals other than dogs are generally not considered service animals under DOT rules, though airlines may choose to accommodate them. American Airlines' policy specifically refers to dogs.
Important Note: If your animal previously traveled as an ESA, but you believe they now qualify as a psychiatric service dog (PSD) because they are trained to perform specific tasks related to a mental health disability, you will need to meet the service animal requirements and submit the DOT form.
Step 2: Acquire the Essential Document – The DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
This is the cornerstone of your service animal's travel. American Airlines requires you to submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form. This form serves as an attestation of your animal's health, training, and behavior.
Where to Find the Form:
You can typically download the official DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form directly from the American Airlines website in their Special Assistance or Service Animals section, or from the U.S. Department of Transportation's website. A quick search for "DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form" should lead you to the correct document.
What Information You'll Need to Provide:
The form will ask for detailed information about your service animal and your attestations. Be prepared to provide:
Your information: Your name, phone number, and email.
Service Animal's Identification and Health Information:
Animal's name.
Description of the animal (including weight and color).
Confirmation that the animal does not have fleas or ticks or a disease that would endanger people or other animals.
Confirmation of rabies vaccination, including the date of expiration.
Name and phone number of your veterinarian (signature not required).
Service Animal's Training and Behavior Information:
Attestation that your animal has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks to assist you with your disability.
Name of the animal trainer or training organization (or your name if you trained the animal).
Confirmation that the animal has been trained to behave properly in a public setting, meaning it remains under your control and does not act aggressively (e.g., biting, barking excessively, jumping, lunging).
Confirmation that the animal does not urinate or defecate on the aircraft or in the gate area, or if it does, it does so in a sanitary manner.
Attestation that, to the best of your knowledge, the animal has not behaved aggressively or caused serious injury to another person or dog. If it has, you must explain the circumstances.
Other Assurances:
Acknowledgement that the animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the airport and on the aircraft.
Understanding that if your service animal causes damage, you may be charged for the cost of repairs.
Tip: Fill out this form carefully and accurately. Any discrepancies or missing information could lead to delays or issues with your travel.
Step 3: Complete the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (If Applicable)
If your flight itinerary includes any single flight segment that is 8 hours or longer, you are also required to submit the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
What This Form Covers:
This form attests that your service animal either:
Will not need to relieve itself during the flight.
Can relieve itself in a way that does not create a health or sanitation issue (e.g., using a designated relief pad that you carry with you and dispose of properly).
Remember: This form is only required for flights exceeding 8 hours. If your entire itinerary consists of shorter flights, you typically do not need this additional form.
Step 4: Submit Your Forms to American Airlines
Once you have both the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (and the Relief Attestation Form, if needed) fully completed and signed, it's time to submit them to American Airlines.
Timelines for Submission:
At least 48 hours before your flight: This is the recommended and preferred timeframe for submission if your reservation was booked more than 48 hours before your departure. Submitting within this window allows American Airlines ample time to process your forms and issue your Service Animal ID (SVAN ID).
Within 48 hours of your departure: If you book your ticket less than 48 hours before your flight, American Airlines must allow you to submit the completed form at the gate on the day of travel. However, it's always best to submit electronically in advance if at all possible to avoid potential last-minute complications.
How to Submit:
American Airlines generally prefers electronic submission.
Online Portal/Special Assistance Desk: American Airlines typically provides an online portal or a dedicated section within their "Special Assistance Desk" or "Contact Us" pages on aa.com where you can upload the completed forms. Look for a link related to "Service Animal Request" or "Submit Your Department of Transportation Service Animal Form."
My Trips: Some airlines allow you to upload documents directly through your "My Trips" section after logging into your American Airlines account.
Email or Fax: While less common for initial submission, if you encounter issues with the online portal, you might inquire about alternative submission methods like email or fax, though electronic upload is the standard.
Crucial Step: Always keep a copy of your completed forms with you during your trip, both in physical and digital formats. You may be asked to present them at the airport or onboard the aircraft.
Step 5: Receive Your Service Animal ID (SVAN ID)
After American Airlines processes your submitted forms, they will typically send you an email with your Service Animal ID (SVAN ID).
What is an SVAN ID?
This ID is a confirmation that your service animal's documentation has been reviewed and approved for travel.
It simplifies future travel with the same service animal, as you can often use this SVAN ID when booking subsequent flights with American Airlines, potentially avoiding the need to resubmit the full forms each time.
Expiration of SVAN ID:
Your SVAN ID will generally be valid for one year from the date of signature on the form or until your animal's rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first. Keep track of these dates!
Step 6: Prepare for Your Airport Experience and Flight
Even with forms submitted, there are important considerations for the day of travel.
At the Airport:
Arrival Time: Arrive at the airport with ample time before your flight. This allows for any unforeseen questions about your service animal and for you to locate service animal relief areas.
Check-in: While service animals fly free, you should still inform the agent at check-in that you are traveling with a service animal, even if you have an SVAN ID. They may verify your documentation or ask to see your physical forms.
Security Checkpoints: Your service animal will need to go through security just like you. Be prepared to remove their harness or vest if requested by TSA. You may be asked to walk your animal through the metal detector, or you and your animal may go through a manual screening.
Service Animal Relief Areas: Most airports have designated service animal relief areas. Ask airport staff or look for signage to locate these before and after your flight.
Onboard the Aircraft:
Placement: Your service animal must be able to fit comfortably at your feet, under the seat in front of you, or in your lap (if small enough and not larger than a 2-year-old child). Service animals are not permitted to:
Occupy a seat.
Protrude into or block aisles or emergency exit rows.
Eat from tray tables.
Control: Your service animal must remain harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times while in the airport and on the aircraft. If using a tether, it must be secure and prevent the animal from roaming freely.
Behavior: Your service animal must be well-behaved throughout the journey. Any disruptive behavior that cannot be successfully corrected or controlled (e.g., excessive barking, growling, biting, jumping on others, urinating/defecating in an unsanitary manner) may result in the animal being treated as a pet, subject to fees, or even denied travel.
Step 7: International Travel Considerations
If your travel includes an international segment, there are additional crucial steps to take.
Country-Specific Requirements: Each country has its own specific import requirements for animals, including service animals. You are responsible for knowing and complying with these regulations. This may include:
Additional health certificates.
Specific vaccinations beyond rabies (e.g., parasite treatments).
Microchip requirements.
Quarantine periods.
Entry permits.
Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country and any transit countries well in advance to ascertain their requirements.
CDC Dog Import Permit (for travel to the U.S. from high-risk rabies countries): The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has specific rules for bringing dogs into the United States, including service dogs, especially from countries considered high-risk for dog rabies. You may need an approved CDC Dog Import Permit. Check the CDC website for the latest requirements and a list of high-risk countries.
Partner Airlines: If your itinerary includes flights on American's partner airlines, you must also contact those airlines directly to understand and comply with their individual service animal policies and documentation requirements.
Remember: International travel with a service animal can be complex. Start your research early and be meticulously prepared with all required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How To's for Service Animal Travel on American Airlines
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to flying with your service animal on American Airlines, with quick answers to guide you:
How to obtain the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form?
You can download the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form from the American Airlines website (typically in their "Special Assistance" section) or directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation's official website.
How to submit the service animal forms to American Airlines?
American Airlines generally prefers electronic submission. Look for an online portal or a dedicated link on their website (aa.com) under "Special Assistance" or "Contact Us" to upload your completed DOT forms.
How to know if I need to submit the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form?
You need to submit the Service Animal Relief Attestation Form only if any single flight segment in your itinerary is 8 hours or longer.
How to submit the forms if my flight is booked less than 48 hours in advance?
If you book your flight within 48 hours of departure, American Airlines must allow you to submit the completed DOT form at the departure gate on the day of travel. However, electronic submission in advance is always recommended if possible.
How to get an American Airlines Service Animal ID (SVAN ID)?
After you electronically submit your DOT forms and they are approved by American Airlines, you will typically receive an email with your unique Service Animal ID (SVAN ID).
How to re-use my Service Animal ID (SVAN ID) for future travel?
Once you have an SVAN ID, you can often provide this ID when booking future travel with the same service animal, potentially simplifying the approval process and avoiding resubmission of full forms for each trip.
How to ensure my service animal behaves properly during the flight?
Ensure your service animal is well-trained for public settings, remains under your control, and is harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times. Any disruptive behavior can lead to the animal being treated as a pet or denied travel.
How to find service animal relief areas at the airport?
Most airports have designated service animal relief areas. You can ask airport staff, look for signage, or check the airport's website for maps and locations.
How to handle international travel with a service animal on American Airlines?
For international travel, you must comply with the specific import requirements of your destination country and any transit countries. This often involves additional health certificates, vaccinations, and potentially a CDC Dog Import Permit if traveling to the U.S. from a high-risk rabies country. Always research country-specific rules well in advance.
How to contact American Airlines for further assistance with my service animal?
You can contact American Airlines' Special Assistance desk or their general customer service line for further questions or guidance regarding traveling with your service animal. Their official website (aa.com) is also a valuable resource.
