Do you have an ESA? Or are you thinking of getting one? In any case, you will need a lot of information if you are going to travel with one.
In most cases, traveling with an ESA is easy. Sure, every airline has its own rules and regulations but these rules are really easy to follow for most of the ESAs.
Unless you have cockapoo as an ESA, you should have no trouble getting one onboard.
But of course, for that, you need to know all about the policies of most airlines.
Well, they are fairly simple. And I have compiled a list of the most important rules for your convenience.
So, have a look at these rules.
Rule #1: The ESA Letter
The one thing that you will always need while traveling is your ESA letter. This is a letter that is given to you by a healthcare expert.
This letter confirms that you need an ESA with you. You can easily get your ESA letter online. All you have to do is look for a legit website that will get you in touch with a licensed healthcare expert.
Rule #2: ESA Behavior
The behavior of your ESA is very important to the airline you will be traveling with. If your norwegian forest cat is not trained and tends to get aggressive then you can’t travel with it.
The airline cannot put the safety of other passengers at risk so any animal that shows aggressive behavior will not be allowed to travel aboard.
So, make sure that you train your animal well.
Rule #3: ESA Grooming
Another very important factor as far as traveling is concerned. Your ESA may be very well-trained but if it is not groomed then you won’t be allowed to travel with it.
Again, this puts other passengers at risk.
So, make sure that your animal does not have any allergies or infections.
Try out a professional groomer for this purpose. Or check the ears, nose, and nails of your ESA for signs of infection.
Rule #4: The Size of the ESA
Look, you can’t just take any animal on to a plane. Most airlines only allow animals like cats or dogs. That too if they are small in size.
They should not disturb the other passengers or take their space. They should not block the aisle.
Basically, your animal should fit in your lap or at the foot of your own seat like dogo argentino. That’s it.
Any animal that is bigger is a strict no-no.
Rule #5: Documentation
While your ESA letter is the most important document that you have, some airlines demand further documentation to accept an ESA onboard.
This includes a health form that confirms the vaccination of the animal. It is a certificate that confirms that the animal is well behaved, etc.
Now, you will have to get in touch with the airline you are traveling with to find out which documents they require.
Rule #6: Exotic Animals
There are many airlines that strictly forbid the entrance of an exotic animal even if it is an ESA. In short, you can’t take a peacock on board.
Similarly, there is a great range of animals that are banned on most airlines.
You will have to contact whichever airline you are thinking of traveling with and ask them for a list of animals that they have banned.
Rule #7: One Animal Policy
This is a very common policy that is followed by almost all airlines. One person may only bring one anatolian shepherd on the plane. No more.
This is due to the fact that accommodating one animal is hard enough. More than one could cause chaos.
So, if you have multiple ESAs then tough luck because you can only take one of them with you.
Rule #8: Reptiles / Insects
That list of banned animals? It always includes animals like reptiles or insects. There is no way that you will ever be allowed to take one on a plane.
Every airline that I can think of has a policy of banning such creatures from a flight.
So, don’t even think of getting a snake as an ESA. Cause you won’t be able to take it with you anywhere.
Rule #9: Certain Breeds Banned
Many airlines are now banning certain breeds of animals from coming on board. For example, Delta allows ESAs onboard but is banning the entry of a Pitbull because they think it is dangerous.
This is a fairly new policy but you need to be careful about it.
Just contact the airline you will be traveling with and ask about this new policy.
Rule #10: Transport as Pet
If you already have an ESA and it violates one of the above-mentioned rules then you will just have to transport it as a normal pet.
This means that you will have to pay extra for your hypoallergenic dogs.
If the animal is not that big then you can buy an extra seat for it.
But if it is big in size then it will travel separately with other such animals.
Want an ESA Letter?
If you don’t have an ESA letter then you should get one right now or else you will have to leave your ESA behind.
Just search online for a website that can get you an ESA letter. Remember, an ESA letter not an ESA registration. The truth is that many websites will try to scam you.
You have to be vigilant and get in touch with the website that can get you in touch with a healthcare professional.
So, get started on your search.