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6 Tips for Traveling with a Service Dog

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Table of Contents

1. Bring your paperwork

2. find the right veterinarian, 3. pick your countries carefully, 4. obtain a pet passport, 5. research service animal regulations, 6. consider pet-friendly accommodations, if you’d like to travel with your service animal.

Traveling can be stressful, even when you’re just heading down the road. Want to compound the difficulty? Try adding in an animal. While many of us head off with our beloved pets in tow, the process can be much more complicated with a service animal. I know: My service dog and I have spent the past four years wandering the world together, which has taught me quite a few things about how it’s done.

Let’s talk about flying with a service dog, what to expect and ways to make traveling easier for both of you.

Did you know there is no internationally recognized service animal database? In fact, in the U.S., there’s no specific license for service animals. While this means more folks have access to aid from a service animal, it can also mean you’ll face more scrutiny, especially if you have an invisible disability. After all, there isn’t a magic piece of paper that’ll declare your animal certified for service.

But traveling with a four-legged passenger is always going to require paperwork, so bring it all with you — printed — in an easily accessible pocket. If you’re traveling internationally, this means bringing along your service animal's U.S. Department of Agriculture health certificate. If you’re going to fly, it also means completing an attestation of training.

And if you’re looking for a way to prove that your service animal is legitimate (because you will be asked when overseas), you’ll also want to bring along proof of training. Passing the Canine Good Citizen test from the American Kennel Club is a good start, and if your animal was trained by a professional organization, have a representative write a letter outlining the training methods, the name of your animal and that they belong to you.

» Learn more: How to fly with a dog

Where are you traveling? Depending on where you’re going, you’ll need some of the paperwork mentioned above, including the USDA-endorsed health certificate. This certificate lets other countries know that your animal is up to date on shots and is healthy overall.

Not all veterinarians are able to fill out health certificates, so you’ll need to find one that does. And although your vet may be able to fill these out by hand, the best ones can complete these digitally.

Because health certificates need to be endorsed by the USDA within a 10-day window, getting a paper certificate can mean waiting in line at an endorsing facility or overnighting your paperwork to an eligible office. Either way, you’re at the mercy of time and government bureaucracy to get your paperwork in order.

Those traveling with a service animal are exempt from USDA-charged fees associated with an international health certificate.

In contrast, vets who can upload a digital certificate can do so directly to the USDA, cutting out days' worth of waiting and money spent on shipping or gas. Note that not all countries accept these digital certificates, so you’ll need to research yours before traveling.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards for pet owners

Sure, I’d like to head to Australia with my service dog. It’s a beautiful country with tons to explore — what’s not to love? But although I can fly to Europe and land with my dog without an issue, the same can’t be said for Australia.

All animals, including service animals, are required to undergo a mandatory isolation period upon arrival to Australia. For travel from the U.S., that time period lasts 10 days. This is a significant chunk of time for a vacation, and the separation of a service dog from its handler can be traumatic. So it’s a no-go.

» Learn more: The most pet-friendly airlines

Do you travel to the European Union fairly regularly? If so, you’ve probably watched in horror as those USDA health certificate fees have stacked up. Rather than visiting the vet every few months, consider getting your service animal a pet passport on your next visit to the EU.

Issued only by vets within the EU, these booklets allow you to skip health certificates when you travel to the EU. Certain conditions must be met (such as making sure vaccinations are up to date), but this can make traveling with your service animal significantly easier.

Different countries have different laws when it comes to service animals. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees access pretty much anywhere within the U.S., the same can’t be said for the rest of the world.

While plenty of countries have regulations supporting access for service animals, some rules are outdated. Such is the case in the EU, where airlines are missing vital information as to what constitutes a “recognized service dog.” They’ve denied legitimate service animals on flights — so much so that the EU is trying to find a solution to the vaguely worded laws.

So you’ll need to do your homework when it comes to service animal regulations — wherever you’re traveling. Although you may be used to going to a restaurant with your service animal at home, regulations abroad may limit or otherwise restrict your options when it comes to traveling with that animal.

» Learn more: Emotional support animals may no longer fly for free

Do you need to book pet-friendly accommodations when traveling with your service animal? No, not usually, though this can depend on international regulations. But traveling with a service animal can already be difficult enough. If your hotel or Airbnb host doesn’t understand service animal laws or doesn’t believe your animal is legitimate, disputes can escalate quickly. It doesn’t matter that you’re right or that you have the right — it’s exhausting.

For an easier time, consider booking pet-friendly accommodations instead. This way, your hosts are already expecting the hair, fur and slobber that come with animals. Neither of you will be caught off guard or left upset.

» Learn more: The best hotels that allow pets

Service animals complete an important job. Whether they’re guiding those without vision or alerting for low blood sugar, their services can be lifesaving. Despite this, traveling with a service animal can be a tiring and poorly understood process, with little literature designed to help handlers. So use these six tips to make your next trip a little easier for you and that rock star by your side.

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Home Page › Blog › Flying With a Service Dog – The Ultimate Guide

Flying With a Service Dog – The Ultimate Guide

This article was last updated on October 24th, 2023, to reflect the latest updates in the DOT’s rules for air travel.

In this post, we will provide a comprehensive guide of everything you need to know to travel with your service dog or  psychiatric service dog (PSD) . 

Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) completely overhauled their rules for assistance animals on planes. Due to the DOT’s latest rules , U.S. airlines no longer allow emotional support animals on planes. 

The good news for service dog and PSD owners is that their canine companions remain protected. Service dogs are still allowed to accompany their handlers in the airplane cabin free of charge. The DOT, however, has radically changed the process of how airlines accept service dogs.

Even if you’re an experienced service dog owner who has flown for years with your dog, you’ll want to read this guide. This guide is also perfect for those new to flying with a service dog who need to know all the relevant information. 

We’ll answer common questions like who is  eligible to fly with a service dog , what the new paperwork requirements are, and where to order a  certification, license, or ID . We’ll also share some pro tips for dealing with flights and airports from experienced service dog owners. 

Table of Contents:

• What is a Service Animal?
• What is a “Disability”?
• Service Dog Tasks
• Training and Certifying a Service Dog
• Service Dog Verification by Airline
• Airline Forms
• What to Expect at the Airport
• Harnesses, Vests and ID Cards
• Larger Service Dogs
• Breed Restrictions
• Multiple Service Dogs  
• In-Flight Rules
• Reasons Airlines can Ban a Service Dog
• Practical Tips

1. What does the DOT consider to be a service animal?

First, let’s cover the basics. What does the DOT consider a service animal eligible for special treatment on flights? 

The DOT has essentially revised their definition of service animals to match the definition under the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) . 

A service animal for purposes of air travel is a dog, regardless of what breed it is, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for someone with a disability, including psychiatric, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities. 

“Service animal” does not cover  emotional support animals , comfort animals, companionship animals, service animals in-training, or animals other than dogs. That is unfortunate news for owners of service animals like capuchin monkeys or miniature horses, but the DOT felt that dogs were the most appropriate service animals for the interior of an airplane cabin. 

The critical difference between a service dog and a regular pet or an ESA is that a  service dog must be trained to perform tasks  directly related to the handler’s disability. That means even a service dog in training is not considered a full-fledged service dog until it has completed its training.

If you are looking to register your service animal and are ready to order an identification card for your Service Dog, click the button below.

2. What does it mean to have a “disability”?

A service dog brought on board a plane must be trained to assist with a disability. The term “disability” has a specific legal meaning under the DOT’s rules and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). 

A disability means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. “Major life activities” include working, sleeping, learning, and other essential life activities. 

The definition of  disability  covers physical impairments (for example, someone with limited mobility or sight impairment) and mental impairments. “Mental impairments” include emotional or mental illnesses and specific learning disabilities. 

The DOT’s new rules also specifically mention “sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental” disabilities. Psychiatric service dogs are commonly used by people with conditions like severe depression,  anxiety , PTSD, phobias, and autism. 

A licensed mental health professional can help assess whether you have a psychiatric disability. Many PSD owners obtain PSD letters from therapists and doctors who have assessed their mental health. It’s important to note that even though emotional support animals are no longer recognized as assistance animals for flights, PSD owners are still protected. 

Remember, however, that there is a crucial distinction between ESAs and PSDs: a psychiatric service dog must be trained to perform tasks directly related to the handler’s disability. ESAs, on the other hand, provide support just through their presence.

Wonder if your emotional disorder qualifies for a psychiatric service dog? Get an assessment by a licensed health professional.

3. What kinds of tasks do service dogs and psychiatric service dogs perform? 

Service dogs perform a wide variety of tasks, and it would be impossible to present an exhaustive list here. There is no official list of eligible tasks. The key criteria are that the service dog must be specifically trained to perform the task to assist the owner with their disability. 

For individuals with physical disabilities, service dogs perform tasks such as:

• Pulling a wheelchair. 
• Guiding the visually impaired. 
• Guiding the hearing impaired. 
• Alerting the owner of an oncoming seizure. 
• Alerting the owner of a rise or drop in blood sugar levels. 
• Providing stability while going up and down stairs or other hazardous areas. 
• Retrieving items. 
• Opening and closing doors and drawers. 
• Pressing buttons (such as in an elevator). 
• Carrying bags and other objects

For individuals with psychiatric disabilities, psychiatric service dogs are known to perform tasks such as:

• Interrupting panic/anxiety attacks. 
• Using pressure and tactile stimulation to calm the handler. 
• Reminding the owner to take their medication. 
• Preventing behaviors like scratching. 
• Grounding and reorienting the handler during a panic or anxiety attack.
• Acting as a physical buffer in crowded areas. 
• Waking up the handler to prevent oversleeping. 
• Interrupting repetitive behaviors. 

A dog does not  qualify as a service animal  until it has fully completed its training. In addition, keep in mind that a proper service animal should be under your control at all times and have passed a public access test to be comfortable in all public settings. 

Airplanes and airports are crowded, hectic areas with many potential distractions. A service dog should be able to focus on the handler and their duties even in potentially stressful environments. 

As we’ll discuss in detail later, an airline can reject a service dog if it misbehaves or engages in disruptive actions. 

4. Does a service dog or PSD need to be professionally trained or certified by an organization?

A  service dog  does not need to be trained by a third-party trainer, school, or organization. These services may be helpful, especially for novice dog owners, but the DOT notes that “service animal users are free to train their own dogs to perform a task or function for them.” This is consistent with ADA rules.

That is good news for people who have the ability to train their service dogs but not the financial means to afford a professional trainer or help from an organization. 

In addition, a service dog does not need to be certified by an organization that it has completed its training. Registrations and certifications for service dogs are always optional and are not mandatory.

5. How can an airline verify that I have a service animal?

The DOT gives airlines three methods to determine whether someone is traveling with a genuine service animal. In addition, as we’ll discuss in the next section, airlines will require that service dog owners submit a new form created by the DOT prior to boarding. 

In addition to the DOT Form, there are three ways the airline’s staff can verify your canine companion is a service dog:

• Asking whether the animal is required to accompany the passenger because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform. It’s important to note that service dog owners have a right to a certain degree of privacy. Airline staff can never make specific inquiries about your disability or ask that you have your service dog demonstrate the task it has been trained for.
• Observing the behavior of the animal.  Airline staff can observe the general behavior of the service dog to see whether it remains under the control of its handler. A service dog can be barred from a flight if it is out of control, barking or growling repeatedly at other passengers or animals, biting, jumping on, or causing injury to others, or urinating or defecating in the cabin or gate area.  According to the DOT, a dog that engages in these types of disruptive actions demonstrates that it has not been successfully trained to behave in public settings. In such cases, the airline can deny boarding.
• Looking at physical indicators such as harnesses and vests. Lastly, an airline can look at physical indicators such as harnesses, vests,  ID cards, and tags  to weigh whether the dog is a service dog. Paraphernalia such as tags, vests, ID cards, certificates, and harnesses are frequently used by service dog owners to signal to members of the public that their service dog is on duty. These  accessories are especially helpful for psychiatric service dog  owners because their disabilities are invisible and not readily apparent. Having these accessories helps protect service dog owners from intrusive inquiries and unwanted interactions.  However, it’s important to note that service animal paraphernalia is not, by itself, enough to qualify a dog as a service dog. It’s just one factor the DOT says airlines can use to help determine whether they are dealing with an authentic service dog or not.

If you are looking to register your Service Dog so that you have a Service Dog ID card for your personal convenience at the airport, you may order one below.

6. What forms do I have to submit to fly with my service dog?

Perhaps the biggest change in how service dogs are accepted on flights is the newly created DOT forms. 

U.S. airlines require that all service dog owners complete and submit the DOT’s “Service Animal Transportation Form” (the “Transport Form”). This form must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure. If the reservation is made within 48 hours of the flight, the form can be submitted before the flight or at the gate). 

For a complete guide to completing the DOT Transportation Form, click on this link . 

In the DOT Form, the service dog or psychiatric service dog handler has to make the following certifications: 

• The service dog or PSD has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of the passenger with a disability;
• The service dog has been trained to behave properly in public; 
• The handler is aware that the service dog must be under their control at all times;
• The handler is aware that if their service dog misbehaves in a way that indicates it has not been properly trained, then the airline can treat the service dog like a normal pet; and 
• The handler is aware that they may be liable for damage caused by their service dog’s actions.

The handler must also certify that their service dog has been vaccinated. The form asks for a veterinarian’s name and contact but does not require the vet’s signature. 

The DOT Transportation Form also asks for the name of the dog’s trainer, which can just be the owner or handler if the dog was trained without the help of another person. 

The form is self-certifying, meaning that the handler is personally responsible for making all of the attestations and signing the form. 

The DOT’s form will be used for all airlines, eliminating the confusion that occurred in the past when each airline used their own special form. For your reference, a copy of the DOT Transport Form can be found below.

In addition to the Transport Form, the DOT also requires a separate form for flights longer than 8 hours called the “Service Animal Relief Attestation Form” (“Relief Form”).

In the Relief Form, the handler must certify that their service dog will either (i) not need to relieve itself while on the flight, (ii) can relieve itself during the flight without creating a health or sanitation issue, or (iii) refrain from relieving itself, or relieve itself without posing a health or sanitation issue (for example, through the use of a dog diaper). 

Like the Transport Form, this form is self-certifying but only required for flights longer than 8 hours. A copy of the Relief Form for reference can be found below.

7. What to Expect at the Airport

Before arriving at the airport, make sure you have submitted the DOT Transportation Form to your airline.

Some airlines have a link on their website to submit the form, while others accept them by email. If you booked a flight within 48 hours of departure, you can bring the form with you and submit it to an airline agent at the airport. 

It’s a good idea to arrive earlier than usual if you travel with a service dog. You will need to check in with the airline counter to confirm they have your DOT Transportation Form. Airline staff may also inspect your service dog to ensure it is clean, well-behaved, and under your control. 

While at the airport, it’s a good idea to have a paper or digital copy of your DOT Transportation Form in case anyone asks for it. Keep in mind that airport workers and airline staff can also verify you have a service dog by asking two questions: 

1. Is the service dog required because of a disability? 2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Airline and airport staff are not allowed to ask any other questions, ask for details about your condition, or demand that your dog perform its task. You have a right to privacy and dignity as a service dog owner. 

While at the airport and during your flight, your service dog should be harnessed or tethered at all times. Service dogs that are not fully under their handler’s control can be removed from the airport or plane. 

As we’ll discuss in the next section, it can also be very helpful to have service dog accessories while at the airport. 

8. Does my service dog need to have a harness, vest, or ID card?

The DOT allows airline staff to consider items such as harnesses, vests, and tags to determine whether an animal is a service dog. These items are popular with service dog owners because they distinguish their working animals from normal pets.

They may help manage uncomfortable interactions with the public and staff members and prevent intrusive inquiries about why the dog is present. These accessories can be especially helpful for psychiatric service dog owners whose disabilities are unseen. 

As a reminder, however, these items alone cannot qualify a service dog and are only for fully-trained service dogs. Airlines can weigh the presence of service dog paraphernalia along with other factors to determine whether a dog is indeed a service dog. 

As a practical matter,  service dog owners find these accessories especially helpful  in crowded areas with unfamiliar people, such as airports and plane cabins. They provide an easy way for airport and airline staff and other passengers to recognize that you are boarding with a service dog.

9. How big can my service dog be to fly with me?

Many service dogs are larger breeds, such as Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds. There is no absolute weight limit for service dogs, but airlines can require that a service animal fit within the handler’s foot space or on the passenger’s lap.

The DOT’s new rules require airlines to accommodate larger animals by moving them to another seat location within the same service class where the animal can be accommodated, if possible (such as if there is a seat next to an empty seat). 

If there is nowhere to place a larger service dog comfortably, the airline is required to offer the handler the opportunity to transport the service dog in the cargo hold free of charge or travel on a later flight if there is space available in the cabin for that flight. The airline is not required to upgrade the handler to a different class of service to accommodate your service animal.

Most service dog owners would be  vehemently opposed to letting their dogs fly in cargo . Fortunately, many larger service dogs can still be trained to fit into the passenger’s foot space on an airplane.

10. Can an airline deny my service dog because it is a certain breed?

Under the DOT’s new rules, an airline cannot prohibit a service dog solely because it is a certain breed. The DOT recognizes that all types of dogs can serve as effective service dogs and disallows airlines from stereotyping certain breeds.

As we’ll discuss in a  later section , the airline can still prohibit boarding if the service dog is acting aggressively or disruptive.

11. Can I bring more than one service dog aboard?

Some handlers have multiple service dogs, each fulfilling a different but important job relating to their disability. Under the DOT’s new guidelines, airlines can limit the number of service dogs a handler can bring onboard to two. 

The handler will also need to be able to comfortably accommodate both of the service dogs in their foot space or lap. For handlers with two large service dogs, they may want to consider taking additional steps to ensure their service dogs can be accommodated. 

For example, on a flight likely to be full without an empty seat, the handler may want to consider purchasing an additional seat or taking a less popular flight. Otherwise, they risk the chance they may have to relegate their service dog to cargo which is a non-starter for many service dog owners.

12. What rules apply to my service dog during the flight?

During the flight, the airline can require the service dog to be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times, even if such items would interfere with the service animal’s work or the passenger’s disability prevents the use of these items. This is a more stringent approach than the ADA, allowing a disabled person to use voice commands or other signals where appropriate. 

Service dog owners should come prepared for flights with a harness, leash, or tether and anticipate that their service dog will have to be restrained during the flight and at the airport gate. 

In addition, as previously noted, all service dogs must be well-behaved during the flight and not create any significant disruptions. That means no barking, jumping on others, acting aggressively, or defecating/urinating in the open. A service animal cannot block a space that must remain unobstructed for safety reasons, the aisle, or access to the emergency exit.

If the service dog causes any damage to the airplane cabin, the owner is responsible for the damages. 

13. When is an airline allowed to deny boarding to a service animal?

There are four primary situations where an airline can deny boarding for a service animal:

• The service animal violates general safety requirements.  The most likely example of this issue would be if an animal is too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin.
• The service animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.  Airlines must make an “individualized assessment” of the service dog in question. They can’t rely, for example, on stereotypes regarding a service dog’s breed.  The airline also has to consider whether any mitigating measures can be taken – for example, using a muzzle to silence a barking service dog. 
• The service dog causes significant disruption in the cabin or airport gate areas, or its actions indicate it hasn’t been trained properly to be in public.  An airline can view a service dog as not having been properly trained if the service dog is running freely, barking or repeatedly growling at others, biting or jumping on people, or urinating or defecating in the open. 
• The transportation of the service dog would violate safety or health requirements of a foreign government.  For international flights, it’s important to make sure you understand what the foreign country’s rules are for the arrival of service dogs. For example, some countries may require information regarding the service dog’s health and vaccination status. 
• The passenger has not completed the DOT’s Transport Form or Relief Form.  As previously discussed, service dog owners will need to submit the DOT’s Transport Form and the Relief Form for longer flights before boarding the flight. 

If an airline refuses to accommodate your service dog for any reason, they must provide a written statement to you describing those reasons within 10 days. 

14. What are some other practical tips for flying with a service dog?

The first time flying with your service dog or PSD can be a nerve-wracking and intimidating experience. But fear not, thousands of service dog owners travel every day without incident, and federal rules protect your rights.

These are some practical tips and precautions to keep in mind to help ensure you have a smooth trip:

• Tip #1:   If necessary, visit your vet before your travel date to ensure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. The DOT’s Transport Form will require you to certify your service dog is vaccinated and will also ask for your vet’s contact information.  
• Tip #2:   Vests, tags, ID cards, harnesses, and other accessories can help you navigate a busy airport and crowded airplane cabin. 
• Tip #3:   Try to avoid overfeeding your service dog before a flight as they could suffer from air sickness, leading to an unpleasant accident during the flight. 
• Tip #4:   Let your airline know about your service dog and submit the DOT’s Transport Form as soon as possible. 
• Tip #5:   For first-timers, arriving at the airport a few hours early can ease some of the anxiety, especially if there are unexpected obstacles like a long security line or changed gates. Many airports also have stations where your service dog can have an opportunity to relieve itself one last time before boarding. 
• Tip #6:   Remember to bring a harness, leash, or tether – the airline can insist that your service dog is properly restrained and under your control at all times. 
• Tip #7:   Remember to pack all your pet’s grooming products, necessary medication, food, treats, water, and food dishes in suitably accessible compartments. 

Is there anything else I should keep in mind?

The DOT’s new rules went into effect on January 11 th , 2021. It’s important to know the rules we have discussed in this guide, but you should also contact the airline you’re flying with to ensure you’re clear on their policies and have submitted your paperwork to their satisfaction. 

Remember, to successfully fly with a service dog or PSD, preparedness is the key!

Register your Service Dog and order your custom Service Animal Identification Card and Certificate

About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.

54 comments

Thanks to this article, I understood some difficult issues.

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I can’t get enough of your insightful articles and engaging stories. Thank you for sharing your passion with the world!

We appreciate your compliments!

Hi. My son’s service dog is a German shepherd. Has anyone taken a transatlantic flight to Europe with this size dog? Trying to find out what seats to purchase

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Flying with a service animal.

At the end of 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it revised its Air Carrier Access Act regulation on the transportation of service animals by air. We are working to update the information provided below to align with the changes. While we take the time to update our information, check out a  summary of the changes  available on DOT’s website. You can also find some additional information in DOT’s  Aviation Consumer Protection’s article about service animals .

What disability law applies to airlines?

While the Americans with Disabilities Act covers airports and terminals, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) covers the airline, the services they provide, and the airplane itself. All U.S. air carriers’ operations and airplanes are covered by the ACAA. All foreign air carriers’ flights that begin or end at U.S. airports and the aircraft being used on these flights are covered by the ACAA.

What does the ACAA say about service animals?

The ACAA defines service animals differently than the ADA does. The ACAA defines a service animal as any animal that is individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability or any animal that assists an individual with a disability by providing emotional support. This means that the ACAA does not limit service animals to dogs.

Check out these TSA resources

The TSA has produced several helpful resources, including articles, brochures, and a video.  They provide a lot of information, including the definition of a service animal, the rights of an individual with a disability, and tips for the traveler.

Service Animals (Including Emotional Support Animals) is an online article about service animals and things to know before traveling with a service animal.

Traveling with Service Animals is a YouTube video produced by the TSA. (It includes both audio description and closed caption text.) It is a helpful video for individuals with disabilities who are traveling with a service animal to, from, or within the United States.

Air Travel with Service Animals: Here are some important things to know before you go... is a pdf document that answers some basic service animal questions.  It is also available as a tri-fold brochure .  

How are airlines required to accommodate service animals?

Airlines are required to allow service animals and emotional support animals traveling with individuals with a disability to sit with them in the cabin of the airplane. If requested prior to the flight’s departure, the traveler must be given a bulkhead seat. In the terminal, airlines must provide animal relief areas. Upon request, airlines must escort individuals traveling with service animals to these areas. On the airplane, the traveler must provide for the animal’s food, care, and supervision.

How do airlines determine if a service animal is really a service animal and not just a pet?

Airline personnel may ask questions and request documentation in certain circumstances. The questions that may be asked, and the level of documentation that may be required, will vary depending on the individual’s disability and the type of service animal.

An airline is required to permit the service animal to accompany the individual with a disability on the plane if an individual has an obvious disability and:

• The service animal is wearing a harness, tags, vests, or backpack; or
• The person provides identification cards or other written documentation; or
• The person provides credible verbal assurances that the animal is a service animal.

If airline personnel are not certain of the animal’s status, even after being told that an animal is a service animal, additional questions may be asked, including:

• What tasks or functions does your animal perform for you?
• What has the animal been trained to do for you?
• Would you describe how the animal performs this task or function for you?

For emotional support or psychiatric service animals (even if they are dogs), airlines may require very specific supporting documentation 48 hours in advance of a flight.

So, I can bring my emotional support animal?

Probably, unless your emotional support animal is an unusual animal like a snake, reptile, ferret, rodent, sugar glider, or spider. Airlines may also exclude animals that are too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin, pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or could potentially cause a significant disruption of cabin service. In addition, the ACAA requires foreign airlines to transport only dogs as service animals.

What types of documentation do I need to provide for my emotional support animal or psychiatric service animal?

Airlines can request specific documentation and/or 48-hours advance notice for emotional support animals and psychiatric service animals. The documentation must: 1) not be more than one year old; 2) must state that the person has a mental or emotional disability recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; and 3) state that the animal is needed as an accommodation for air travel or for activity at the traveler’s destination. The documentation should also state that the mental health professional is treating the individual; include the date and type of the mental health professional’s license; and include the state or jurisdiction in which the license was issued.

The documentation does not need to include the traveler’s diagnosis.

Traveling to Hawaii?

The Animal Industry Division has issued a Guide & Service Dog memo . It defines service animals under state law and describes the process for bringing a service animal into the state.  

What other ADA National Network resources do you have about flying with a service animal or emotional support animal?

The Great Lakes ADA Center has developed a webinar called “ Home, Community or Travel: Rules for Service Animals are not the same. ” It’s an hour and a half long webinar that answers questions about common disability laws, including the ACAA, and the protections they provide for individuals with disabilities and their service animals.

“ Air Travel for Individuals with Disabilities: Intersection of the Air Carriers Access Act and the ADA ” is a webinar developed by the Northeast ADA Center. This hour-long webinar provides an overview of the ACAA and the ADA on air travel – from booking a flight to boarding and deplaning. Issues such as emergency evacuation and traveling with a service animal are addressed.

The Northeast ADA Center has also created a helpful infographic, “ Service Animals on Airplanes ”, available on their Facebook page.

Service Animal Resource Hub Main Page

1-800-949-4232

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Service Animals

Inform the TSA Officer

Inform the TSA officer about your service animal.

Screening in Standard and TSA PreCheck® Lanes

You and your service animal will be screened by the WTMD. You may walk through together or you may lead the animal through separately on a leash. If you alarm the WTMD, you and your service animal will undergo additional screening, including a pat-down.

For metal detector screening, please consider using items (harness, vest, or leash) on your service animals that have little to no metal.

If you opt not to be screened by the WTMD, you and your service animal will undergo a pat-down.

TSA will not separate you from your service animal.

Accessories

Service animal collars, harnesses, leashes, backpacks, vests and other items are subject to screening. Please consider using items that have little to no metal. Items that are necessary to maintain control of the service animal do not need to be removed.

If you need to relieve your service animal and exit the security checkpoint, you and the service animal will need to go through the screening process again. Request to move to the front of the line upon your return.

Medication for service animals must go through X-ray or inspection screening. Please separate medications and inform the TSA officer that you carry these items for your service animal.

I am traveling with a trained service dog

We welcome fully trained servicedogsthat are individually trained to perform tasks or work for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Dogs are the only trained service animals we accept. Service animals in training, emotional support animals, and therapy animals may qualify to travel as pets in accordance with our pet policy .

Your trained service dog must be harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered to you at all times at the airport and onboard the aircraft. They must also be trained to behave and under your control. A dog that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, disrupts cabin service, or engages in disruptive behavior will be denied boarding.

Documentation requirements

You'll need to present a completed digital or printed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form at the ticket counter or gate on your day of travel. The form must be dated on or after the date you purchased your ticket. A service animal vest, harness, ID card, or registration certificate will not be accepted in place of the form.

At the airport

You are required to check in with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter to present the required form. Our Employees may also ask fact-finding questions to determine whether your dog is a trained service dog or eligible to be accepted as a pet, including asking what work or task your dog has been trained to perform.

Service dog relief areas are available at each of the locations we serve.

Onboard the aircraft

You may sit anywhere onboard the aircraft except for in an emergency exit seat . Your dog must be sitting at your feet or in your lap (if it is no larger than a child under the age of two). If your dog is using a carrier, it must be stowed under the seat in front of you for taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Your dog is not permitted to block any exits or exit paths, extend into the aircraft aisle, occupy an aircraft seat, occupy a tray table, or encroach upon a neighboring seat.

Additional information

Acceptance restrictions, policies, and documentation requirements for trained service dogs vary by destination when traveling to Hawaii , Puerto Rico , or internationally . You're responsible for researching and complying with the animal travel and acceptance laws, requirements, and procedures of each location on your itinerary.

You can tell us in advance if you'll be traveling with a trained service dog by managing your reservation online.

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Service animals

Flying with a service animal.

Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.

A service animal is defined as a dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability, including but not limited to:

• Visual impairments
• Mobility impairments
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Our team members are trained to ask certain questions to determine if your animal is a service animal acceptable for travel.

Please note, service animals in training, emotional support animals, and comfort animals may travel as pets, not as service animals. All requirements and applicable fees will apply.

Forms and advanced notice

If you're traveling with a service animal on flights operated by American, we recommend that you electronically submit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form that verifies your service animal's health, training, and behavior to the Special Assistance Desk at least 48 hours before your flight. We’ll notify you as soon as your document is approved.

You can also present the completed form at the airport on the day of travel. Be sure to arrive early.

DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (PDF) Opens a PDF form in a new window.

This form is compatible with the latest version of JAWS and NVDA screen readers, and it may be completed and signed on a desktop or mobile device using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Get Adobe Acrobat Reader Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

If your trip includes a flight on a partner airline you’ll need to contact them and complete all required forms for traveling with a service animal.

Flights to the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a temporary suspension of dogs, including service dogs, traveling to the U.S. from countries considered high-risk for dog rabies.

Only service dogs with an approved CDC Dog Import Permit, or that meet CDC U.S. vaccination and microchip requirements may fly on American.

• CDC notice of temporary suspension Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
• Apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
• Submit an approved CDC Dog Import Permit

Flights over 8 hours

If you have a flight over 8 hours in your itinerary, the Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Sanitation Form is also required stating your animal won’t need to relieve itself or can do so in a way that doesn’t create a health or sanitation issue.

DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (PDF) Opens in a new window

Instructions

• Read and complete the DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form
• Complete the DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form if applicable
• Submit at least 48 hours before your flight, or present the completed form at the airport on the day of travel
• Keep the form with you during your trip

Submit the DOT Service Animal form

Service Animal ID

Once you’ve submitted your form and it’s been approved, we’ll send you an email with your Service Animal ID (SVAN ID). You can add the SVAN ID when booking future travel with this animal and be approved without resubmitting forms. Keep in mind, your SVAN ID will expire after 1 year from the date of signature or when the animal’s vaccination expires, whichever is first.

Service Dog Pass™

Handlers with a Service Dog Pass ID (SDP ID) can enjoy a more seamless travel experience thanks to our partnership with K9s For Warriors and Service Dog Pass. You can add an SDP ID instead of an American-issued Service Animal ID (SVAN ID) when booking travel with us and be approved without submitting forms.

Service Dog Pass Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travel requirements

• Animal must be harnessed, leashed or tethered at all times
• Animals under 4 months of age may not travel as a service animal
• Animal must be clean and well-behaved
• Animal must be able to fit at your feet, under your seat or in your lap (lap animals must be smaller than a 2-year old child)
• Final approval for travel will not happen until you arrive at the airport and it is determined that the animal will safely fit at your feet.
• If the animal is in a kennel, it must fit under the seat in front of you with the animal in it.
• An individual is limited to 2 service animals

Animals may not:

• Be seated in an exit row
• Protrude into or block aisles
• Occupy a seat
• Eat from tray tables

If your animal is too large or too heavy to be safely accommodated in the cabin, you may need to:

• Rebook on a flight with more open seats
• Buy a ticket for the animal
• Transport the animal as a checked pet.

Animal behavior

Animals must be trained to behave properly in public and they won’t be permitted in the cabin if they display any form of disruptive behavior that can’t be successfully corrected or controlled, including but not limited to:

• Biting or attempting to bite
• Jumping on or lunging at people

If this behavior is observed at any point during your journey and isn't corrected or controlled, the animal will be considered a pet. All requirements and applicable fees will apply.

If you don’t complete or meet all the requirements, your animal may be able to fly as a pet. All requirements and applicable fees will apply.

Destinations with restrictions

Trained service dogs can travel in the cabin to / from all Hawaiian islands. All other animals (with the exception of service dogs) must first go through Honolulu for acceptance by Hawaiian quarantine officials.

Your service animals must meet our travel requirements as well as the quarantine restrictions and documentation requirements set by the state of Hawaii. You must provide applicable documentation for both at check-in.

Hawaiian animal quarantine information Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Dogs traveling to LHR need approval from the Heathrow Animal Reception Center (HARC). You should contact them as soon as possible, but at least 7 days before your flight. The HARC charges a fee (£410) for animals that do not meet the criteria for assistance animals.

British Airways doesn’t accept emotional support animals on any of its flights.

To fly to LHR:

• Notify the HARC via email
• If approved, a letter will be sent
• Print the letter and provide it at check-in

Contact the HARC Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

To fly with service dogs, email Scotland’s animal travel agency at least 48 hours before your flight. You'll need to carry an ID card or valid certificate from the organization that trained or supplied the animal.

Email Scotland’s animal travel agency Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Service dogs need pre-approval letters from the Animal Reception Center in your destination city. You’ll need to travel with the letter and any required health documentation.

Get pre-approval letter Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Service dogs can travel in the cabin to / from Ireland. All dogs must be fully compliant with the rules for entering Ireland. You’ll need to notify the Irish Authorities in advance to arrange a mandatory veterinary compliance check upon arrival.

Advance notice and veterinary compliance check Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Service dogs can travel in the cabin to / from India. All dogs must be fully compliant with the rules for entering India. You’ll need to notify the Indian Authorities to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at least 7 days ahead of travel.

Animal Quarantine & Certification Service

Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Government of India Kapashera, New Delhi- 110097

Tel.: +91-11-25063272, Fax: +91-11-25060647, E-mail: [email protected]

Visit the Government of India’s Animal Quarantine & Certification Services site for more information.

Animal Quarantine & Certification Services Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Service dogs can travel in the cabin. You'll need to contact the Animal Quarantine Service no less than 40 days before your arrival.

Animal Quarantine Service Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Only dogs can be accepted as service animals; emotional support animals of any kind cannot be accepted.

Requirements for service animals Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Only dogs can be accepted as service animals; emotional support animals of any kind cannot be accepted. You’ll need to contact the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department at least 10 days before your arrival to complete all requirements.

Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

Service and emotional support animals require an animal import permit from the Guyana Ministry of Agriculture. You must travel with and provide the import permit at check-in.

Importation of Animals to Guyana

Only dogs can be accepted as service animals; emotional support animals of any kind cannot be accepted. You’ll need to complete the St Vincent and the Grenadines Animal Import Permit Application and submit it to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. You must travel with and present the import permit and a valid health certificate at check-in for your service dog.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Agriculture

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

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Trained Service Animals

Service animals are accepted in cabin for qualified individuals with a disability. Delta accepts only trained service animals that are dogs. Customers traveling with a trained service dog(s) must complete the required DOT form(s) available on this page. Delta no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals.

We know how important it is to travel smoothly with your trained service dog. For questions, call 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services).

The CDC Issued a Temporary Suspension for Dogs from High Risk Countries Into the U.S.

The CDC has an ongoing, temporary suspension prohibiting the entry of dogs, including trained service animals, into the United States arriving from high-risk countries for rabies. Dogs from high-risk countries must appear healthy, be microchipped and be at least 6 months of age. For dogs with a travel history in high-risk countries, please review the CDC’s guidance on importation .

In-page Links

• Traveling with a Trained Service Animal , Go to footer note
• Inappropriate Animal Behavior , Go to footer note
• Trained Service Animal FAQ , Go to footer note

Traveling with your Trained Service Animal Guidelines

On Delta flights, trained service animals are expected to be seated in the floor space below a customer’s seat or seated in a customer’s lap - they are not permitted to occupy seats. Trained service animals and their associated items travel for free. The size of the animal must not exceed the “footprint” of the passenger’s seat.

• Items include a kennel, blanket, food or similar item

NOTE: If you encounter any issues with your trained service animal while at the airport or on board, please ask to speak to a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO). These trained Delta representatives are ready to assist passengers with accessibility needs and protect your rights when you travel by air.

Trained service animals are defined as only dogs specifically trained to assist a person with a disability. Customers may travel with up to two trained service animals. Trained service animals must be properly cleaned and must not have a foul odor.

Delta requires customers complete the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form for validation prior to their flight attesting to the animal’s health, training and behavior.

• To protect public health, Delta Air Lines requires all dogs including service animals to be current on all vaccinations. Dogs can be vaccinated against rabies at a minimum of 12 weeks (three months) of age and must wait an additional 30 days for the vaccine to become effective.
• For travel booked 48 hours or more prior to departure, customers should submit this documentation in advance for validation through the Accessibility Service Request Form located in My Trips .
• For travel booked less than 48 hours prior to departure, customers may present the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form at the check-in counter or departure gate.
• For flights scheduled for 8 hours or more, customers should also submit a DOT Relief Attestation Form , attesting that the dog will not relieve itself in the aircraft or can do so in a sanitary manner.

DOWNLOAD RELIEF ATTESTATION FORM         OPEN SERVICE ANIMAL AIR TRAVEL FORM

Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for download free of charge at https://get.adobe.com/reader , is needed to open the PDF version of the DOT Relief Attestation Form.

Inappropriate Animal Behavior

We understand how important your animal is to you. We will only refuse transportation of a trained service animal if it engages in disruptive or aggressive behavior such as:

• Jumping on customers, flight attendants or staff
• Relieving themselves in the gate area or cabin
• Barking excessively, not in response to a handler’s need or distress
• Eating off seatback tray tables
• If you’re traveling with a trained service animal, you should select a seat that offers space for your animal. Trained service animals must be seated in the floor space below a seat, or in a customer’s lap. No animals may occupy seats that are designed for customers or to eat off tray tables.
• Please understand that with larger trained service animals or customers with multiple trained service animals, we may need to re-accommodate you if the animal encroaches on other customers or extends into aisles, which would be a violation of FAA regulations.
• If you would like additional time to board the aircraft, pre-boarding is available to accommodate you during the boarding process. Please be sure to arrive at the gate with enough time to make arrangements with the gate agents prior to departure.
• It is important to remember that some locations such as Hawaii, U.K. and other island nations have additional requirements,  quarantine laws may not permit the entry or transit of animals . Contact us at 404-209-3434 or visit the local government’s consulate to learn the requirements for any transit points as well as for your final destination.

Trained Service Animal FAQs

In most circumstances, a service animal in training does not meet qualifications for a trained animal and cannot ride in cabin. However, a service animal in training may travel with a professional trainer en route to the owner.

Yes, all airports in the United States are required to provide a designated animal relief area. Although Delta Air Lines is not responsible for providing care, food or supervision to the areas, we can assist with identifying the location of an animal relief area and escorting a customer to the area, including through security if necessary.

The Delta Sky Club policy for trained service animals is the same as the policy for these animals on a Delta aircraft.

Qualified individuals with a disability are permitted to travel with a maximum of only two service dogs. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that they have adequate space to accommodate both animals and for completing the required DOT documentation for each animal. Delta requires customers complete the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form prior to your departure.

Though it is not required, extra seats may need to be purchased to provide enough floor space to accommodate the extra animal. Animals cannot sit in seats at any time (including during taxi or boarding). They must be placed in the customer’s lap or on the floor in the foot space of the customer. All animals must behave appropriately in a manner fit for public access.

• Trained service animals may be placed at the customer’s feet at any seat that is not in an exit row as long as no part of the animal extends into the aisle. Animals must be of a size to not exceed the “footprint” of the seat.
• The animal or animals may not extend into the foot space of another customer who does not wish to share foot space with a service or support animal.
• Trained service animals animals may ride in the customer’s lap for all phases of the flight, including ground movement, take off, and landing, provided the trained animal is no larger than a lap held child (under 2 years of age).
• The animal cannot occupy a seat.
• Customers seated in Delta One seats, at times when the seat is not reclined, must keep animals larger than the size of a lap child in the foot space of the seat.
• All animals must remain with the customer at all times.
• If no single seat will accommodate both animal and customer without causing an obstruction, the customer may check the trained service animal as baggage, at no charge, or purchase an additional ticket for the animal, allowing the animal to occupy that space on the floor. The customer can buy a second ticket at the same rate as the original ticket.
• There is no guarantee of additional space beyond 1 seat per ticket.

Delta Air Lines policies and procedures still apply to customers with memberships in the NSAR or any similar entity. Review the policies and procedures or call our accessibility assistance line at 404-209-3434 .

Travel fees

There is no charge to transport trained service animals or their assistive devices, whether they are transported in the cabin or in the hold as checked baggage, or as an oversized animal in cargo. The animal's kennel (whether empty or occupied) is considered an assistive device and does not incur baggage fee.

Trained service animals do not count toward a customer’s carry-on allotment.

Airport restrictions

Some airports have additional state and local requirements for transporting trained service animals through their airport.

JFK Upon arrival to John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport, all trained service animals arriving from an international pre-cleared station are required to clear TSA.

Hawaii Requirements

Trained service animals may travel to Hawaii under certain conditions. Trained guide dogs and service dogs, only, are accepted with certain provisions, including making advanced arrangements and verifying availability.

Per HDOA, customers must follow the steps outlined in the link below to come into Hawaii without quarantine. You may contact the HDOA at:

hdoa.hawaii.gov; 808-483-7151 [email protected]

• The trained service animal must be traveling with the customer with a disability. All animals are inspected upon arrival in Honolulu International Airport (HNL) at the Animal Quarantine Holding Facility, which operates 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily
• Customers that have guide dogs or trained service dogs may request inspection at the HNL terminal between 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. if notified and approved by HDOA 7 days or more before travel

For more information: Hawaiian Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Website: HDOA.Hawaii.gov Phone: 808-483-7151 ; email: [email protected] Animal Control Disease Branch Phone: 808-837-8092 or 808-483-7106

Acceptance policies for service animals vary by country. This includes requirements for pet passports and animal health documentation. In particular, please pay close attention to the CDC High Risk Rabies Country list, which restricts animals from traveling into the United States in most instances.

If any country/territory on the route prohibits entry of such an animal, the animal will not be permitted to fly.

Attention Cuba: Trained service animals are not recognized as service animals by Cuban authorities and will be treated as household pets (dog or cat only) upon arrival. For an animal to travel to Cuba, the customer must request and have in their possession, a household pet certificate from their local Cuban embassy/consulate.

Documentation Requirements: In order to receive a pet certificate from the embassy/consulate, customers  will need the following:

• Animal's Pet Passport (where applicable) showing all vaccinations up-to-date
• Health Certificate for the animal's trip (Request this from a veterinarian)
• Certificate of good health
• Photocopy of the Passport of the person travelling with the animal
• Payment of the consular fee for this service
• Stamped self-addressed envelope for the return of the documents
• Note: If the application is made by mail or via a third party, an extra consular fee will be charged for the pertinent Consular service.
• All payments must be made in cash or by a bank-certified check. All cash sent by mail will be refused and returned at the risk of the applicant.

U.K. Requirements: Delta will transport trained service dogs to London (Heathrow and Gatwick), Manchester and Edinburgh with the proper documentation and compliance to U.K. regulations for transporting animals.

In order for a customer to transport their dog or cat , they must:

• Contact the appropriate Animal Reception Center (ARC) in the city they are traveling to for more information and instruction on what will be needed to enter the U.K. After booking, customers must contact the ARC directly to plan for the arrival of their pet and to ensure that all required documentation is completed in advance for the U.K. Customs clearance of their dog or cat.
• Pay all appropriate fees and charges related to U.K. acceptance of trained service dogs. A current list of charges can be provided by the ARC for the city they are traveling to.

LGW—London Gatwick Animal Aircare Co. Ltd. Gatwick Airport Horley, Surrey, RH6 0SQ (0)129 346 2180

LHR—London Heathrow City of London Animal Reception Centre City of London Guildhall, PO Box 270 London EC2P 2EJ MAN—Manchester Pets on Jets Building 300 World Freight Terminal Manchester Airport M90 5BA (0)161 489 8220

EDI-Edinburgh Airport's small animal Border Inspection Post [email protected] (0)131 317 7277

For any questions related to the U.K. Pet Travel Scheme contact DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

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What are the requirements for traveling overseas with a service or emotional support animal?

Jun 1, 2023 • knowledge, information.

• Step 1: Check our APHIS Pet Travel website to confirm that your service or emotional support animal qualifies to travel as a pet.  
• Step 2: If your animal can travel with you, there is import and export information on our APHIS Pet Travel website. If your animal does not qualify to travel with you as a pet, please review our import regulations   and export regulations  webpages . 
• Step 3: Research your destination country’s entry requirements using the pulldown menu on the Pet Export page. Step-by-step instructions are provided. Please read the instructions fully and carefully. Many steps must be done within a certain time frame of travel.    
• Step 4: Determine the type of health certificate required and download the appropriate form(s).   In most cases, an accredited veterinarian will need to examine your animal, verify vaccines, and complete, sign, and date the health certificate.
• Step 5: If your family veterinarian is a USDA-accredited vet, have them complete the paperwork. If they are not, you can use our ‘Locate an Accredited Veterinarian’ tool to find an accredited vet in your area. Once your paperwork is complete, USDA endorsement may be required. Your endorsement office may be out of State so factor in appropriate time to submit your paperwork. Endorsement is often required within a certain number of days of the travel date. We cannot overstate the importance of reading the country-specific instructions carefully and understanding the required timeline when preparing your animal’s paperwork for overseas travel.
• Step 6: You can find contact information for your State’s Endorsement office here . Country guidelines will specify if a digital endorsement is acceptable or if a hard copy is required.
• Fee Information: USDA does not charge endorsement fees for service animals (dogs) belonging to individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  According to the ADA, service animals are dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.   The USDA does charge user fees to endorse health certificates for emotional support animals and any other animal not officially covered by the ADA. You can learn more about the distinctions between service and emotional support animals here .
• Step 7: Check with your airline or shipping line on their requirements. Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies for transporting animals so ensure you are aware of their requirements as well.  If applicable, you will also need to check with your airline on any documentation required for a service or emotional support animal to travel with you in an airplane cabin.
• Other factors to consider: Some countries require an isolation or quarantine period, lasting from weeks to months, before an animal is eligible for entry into that country. If this pertains to your destination country, you will need to plan accordingly.  If you are traveling with a dog to a high-risk country for dog rabies, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you will need to take additional steps to bring your dog back into the United States. For a list of countries click here , and for the full notice click here .

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Traveling with Service Animals

Service animals—defined as a dog that’s individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability—are welcome on board JetBlue flights. Find all the requirements and need-to-knows for you and your service animal to travel easily and comfortably.

Important Info

Notification, service animals in mint, countries with high risk of rabies.

Warning:  

It is a Federal crime to make materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, entries, or representations knowingly and willfully on the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form to secure disability accommodations provided under regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (18 U.S.C. § 1001).

Things to know about traveling with service animals on JetBlue:

• JetBlue accepts trained service dogs only. 
• JetBlue requires all service animals to be under the control of the handler at all times—in the airport and on the plane—and harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered. 
• The behavior of all service animals will be assessed at the airport to ensure safety requirements are met.   
• Notification of service animal travel must be completed at least 48 hours prior to your flight.
• We recommend starting this process as soon as you book your reservation. 
• If you have booked your flight within 48 hours of departure you may complete the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at the airport with a Complaints Resolution Official. Please arrive early and we will provide the accommodation if we can do so by making reasonable efforts, without delaying the flight.
• Service animals in training are not accepted for travel on JetBlue. 
• If you are traveling with a large service animal or two service animals, your animal(s) must fit within the footprint of the seat(s) you have purchased. If your animal(s) is too large to fit in the seat(s) foot space you have purchased, you may purchase additional seat(s) to guarantee travel or wait for a flight that has sufficient empty seats available. 
• No animal is ever allowed to occupy a seat. 
• All animals must remain on the floor, unless the animal is small enough to fit fully on the traveler's lap without touching any part of the seat, tray table, or nearby travelers. 
• Upon request, assistance will be provided by a JetBlue crewmember to and from the animal relief area. Please ask an airport crewmember for assistance.  

Notification of service animal travel must be provided up to 48 hours in advance of the first originally scheduled departure time. We recommend providing notification as soon as you book your reservation. You may choose the best process for your travel from the following options. 

to streamline service animal travel notification. We recommend processing your service dog(s)’ US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form through the portal to ensure your service dog(s) will be added to your reservation prior to travel. 

If you prefer, you may mail a hard copy of a completed US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form to: 

JetBlue Airways    Attn: Customer Accessibility   6322 S 3000 E  G10  Salt Lake City, UT 84121 USA 

 and Service Animal Forms Portal form approval with you when you travel.     

If your trip includes a flight on a partner airline, you'll need to contact them separately as their process may be different. 

Additional documentation may be required at the airport:   

• Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands require vaccination documentation for the animal to be admitted into the destination.    
• It’s your responsibility to have the required documentation for your service animal(s).  
• If one of the two notification processes above has not been followed, the customer may bring or request the US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form to the airport for an onsite review/assessment with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO).

JetBlue permits service animals to accompany you in any seat except the emergency exit row, unless the animal obstructs an aisle or other area that must remain unobstructed in order to facilitate an emergency evacuation.   

• In our Mint seating, you will forfeit the lie-flat feature in order to accommodate your service animal on the floor.  
• If your service animal is small enough to fit fully on your lap without touching any part of the seat, the lie-flat feature may be used.   
• All animals must remain on the floor, unless the animal is small enough to fit fully on the customer's lap without touching any part of the seat, tray table or nearby travelers. 
• If you’re traveling with a large service animal or two service animals, your animal(s) must fit within the footprint of the seat(s) you have purchased and not prevent a nearby traveler from utilizing the amenities of their seat. If your animal(s) is too large to fit in the seat(s) foot space you have purchased, you may purchase additional seat(s) to guarantee travel or wait for a flight that has sufficient empty seats available. 
• JetBlue requires all service animals to be under the control of the handler at all times—in the airport and on the plane—and harnessed, leashed or otherwise tethered.

In accordance with the CDC guidelines on dog importation from certain countries, and taking into account JetBlue network limitations, JetBlue will not accept service animals on flights to or from:

• Colombia (BOG, CTG, MDE)
• Ecuador (UIO)

 for vaccinated animals.

• Dominican Republic (SDQ, STI, PUJ, POP)
• Ecuador (GYE)
• Guatemala (GUA)
• Guyana (GEO)
• Haiti (PAP)
• Honduras (SAP)

Important note: Customers may travel with service animals to the above destinations from any JetBlue city.

Dogs entering from the above-listed cities must provide the following documentation in order to be cleared for travel to the US:

• Have a valid US-issued rabies vaccine certificate OR CDC Dog Import permit
• Have proof of microchip
• Be at least 6 months old
• Be healthy upon arrival

To request advance written approval from the CDC, follow the instructions at  How to Apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit . For other international destinations, documentation requirements vary by country. Customers are responsible for understanding each country's animal import requirements and acquiring all necessary documentation before traveling with a service animal.

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Our team cares for your pet as much as you do.

From our Pet Transport Services team, who specialize in making all the travel arrangements for your pet, to our Pet Handlers, who care for your pet during the travel process – we all love your furry family member !

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Why choose pet express for your international pet transport service, caring team.

Caring for your pets is our job, and we put the welfare of your animals above all else, always. Pet safety is always our top priority. But we also care for you. We’re here to answer your questions, support your decisions and make sure you feel comfortable and confident in our pet shipping service at all times.

Family-Owned & Operated

We’re a family – owned and operated company, and we take that family approach into our care for you and your pet’s journey. When you work with us, you and your furry friends are family.

Highly Knowledgeable

Whether it’s juggling veterinary protocols, understanding the quarantine requirements of countries worldwide, or ensuring your pet has access to food and water while they travel, we have the information you need. We make the entire pet shipping experience hassle-free and are dedicated to transporting your family safely right to your front door. 

Solutions-Focused

We find solutions, not problems. Our pet shipping services are comprehensive and suitable for any big trip. We’ve transported pregnant pets, handled breed restrictions, dealt with cancelled flights and managed it all through a global pandemic. We have a ‘make it happen’ attitude because we know how important your pets are to you.

Industry Experts

International pet transportation is constantly changing, even more so now. We keep abreast of all the most recent regulations, airline protocols and individual country requirements to ensure your pet arrives at its destination happy and well.

Caring Partners

We wouldn’t leave your pet transport needs with anyone who wasn’t as caring and supportive as we are ourselves. We’ve chosen to work with only the best industry partners, such as Canine Companions for Independence.

We are the pet transport people.

Since 1978, our pet transportation business has been trusted by families to safely relocate their pets all over the world.  We are a family-owned and operated business that believes that the pets who move with us are very special, and so are our values: we love pets, we are the experts in pet transport, we are genuine when it comes to our knowledge and care, and we strive to exceed expectations.

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Wherever Your Pet Needs to Go, We’ll Get Them There

Moving your beloved pets can be emotional and confusing, especially when every country has their own set of rules and regulations. We transport pets cross country or anywhere in the world. And whether they’re going to Sydney, Australia, Florida, USA, or London, UK, we always ensure the process is smooth and seamless for both you and your multiple pets, no matter where you need them to go.

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Air travel is as safe for pets as it is for people. Airlines have staff that are trained in pet shipping and who will care for your beloved pet on their journey. And, of course, we take care of everything to ensure your pet has a happy and safe journey.

Where does my pet travel on the plane?

Where can i get a strong, comfortable travel crate, how much will it cost to relocate my pet, will my pet have to stay in quarantine, what we’re talking about on the blog.

Our entire team are pet owners as well as pet relocation specialists . So, when we say that we live and breathe pet relocation, we really mean it.

On the blog, we write about location relocation requirements, how to keep your pet healthy and happy during their pet transport service and everything in between. Check it out.

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Experience makes all the difference when taking part in dog or cat shipping. International destinations (and Hawaii) have rules and restrictions that must be adhered to. Using our experienced pet transport service knowledge of dog and cat breeds and sizes, airline restrictions and direct routing (even through COVID changes), we make sure your pet arrives happy and well at their new home. We’ll even transport them right to your front door.

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American Airlines Pet Policy: Flying With Dogs, Cats, and More [2024]

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Service Animals on American Airlines

Checked pets on american airlines, petembark through american airlines cargo, final thoughts.

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When flying with a furry friend, you’ll encounter various rules and restrictions, so it’s important to understand the requirements that apply to you. American Airlines’ animal transportation program has numerous fees and rules to keep in mind, with many intricacies that can impact whether or how you’re allowed to travel with your pet. We’ve broken down these policies into a simple, user-friendly guide.

Carry-On Pets on American Airlines

You can travel with your pet in the cabin when traveling to these destinations:

• Between the U.S. and Canada
• Puerto Rico
• Within the 48 contiguous United States

There is a $150 charge per kennel , which is waived for service animals.

If you’re traveling with a pet in the cabin, you’re required to pay a pet transport fee and also have a kennel for the animal, which must be able to slide under the seat in front of you. This kennel will not count as your carry-on item, so you can bring additional baggage on board, such as your suitcase.

Any pet that’s too large to fly in the cabin won’t be able to fly . You can only check oversized pets if you’re part of the military or foreign service on orders.

If you’re traveling with a hard-sided kennel, it must meet these dimensions (length + width + height):

• Mainline Flights on American : 19 x 13 x 9 inches (48 x 33 x 22 centimeters)
• Regional Flights on American Eagle : 16 x 12 x 8 inches (40 x 30 x 20 centimeters)

If you’re traveling with a soft-sided kennel, it must be smaller than 18 x 11 x 11 inches (46 x 28 x 28 centimeters).

American recommends traveling with a soft-sided kennel rather than a hard one. You’ll need to shimmy it under the seat in front of you, which can be more difficult with a rigid object. Seat dimensions vary by aircraft, so American’s reservations line can help answer any questions and ensure the carrier fits.

Sherpa, a brand of pet carriers, also sells an airline-approved American Airlines Pet Carrier :

Pets must fit comfortably inside the kennel, which must be secure, padded, and made of water-repellant material with ventilation on at least 3 sides. The pet carrier — and your pet — must stay under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.

If you’re flying on American’s Airbus A321T plane, the premium A321 flying cross-country (mainly from JFK and BOS to LAX, SFO, and SNA), there is a specific compartment in the forward cabin for pets during take-off, landing, and turbulence. You must store your pet in the compartment during those designated times, but you can take the carrier back to your seat during other phases of the flight.

If you’re flying in business or first class, you won’t be able to take your pet as a carry-on on the Boeing 777-200, 777-300, 787-8, or 787-9. If you must fly on one of these aircraft, plan on sitting in the Main Cabin, where you can slide your pet under the seat in front of you.

No matter the type of pet or aircraft, American won’t accept any sedated pet. While sedation may calm your animal and make the travel experience easier, there are potential health complications that American doesn’t want to be responsible for.

If transporting your pet is important to you, always have a backup plan in case of foul weather, cancellations, or other disruptions en route.

Service animals are allowed on American Airlines, but only for these circumstances:

• Mobility impairments
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Visual impairments

You’ll need to complete a Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation form , which signals to American Airlines that your animal is trained to perform the functions it needs to.

American Airlines does not allow any animals in training, emotional support animals, or comfort animals. These may travel as pets, not service animals.

Your animal must be clean, well-behaved, and ready to travel at your feet or in your lap. The airport ticketing staff will make the final decision about whether your animal is accepted. No animal can be placed in the exit row, protrude into the aisle, occupy a seat, or eat from any tray table.

American Airlines doesn’t accept checked animals for most passengers. To check a pet, you must be a member of the U.S. military or the U.S. State Department Foreign Service, both on active orders. There is a $200 kennel fee (or $150 if flying to or from Brazil).

If you meet these qualifications, American has several requirements:

• You must contact American Airlines’ reservations department at least 48 hours before travel to let them know you intend to bring the animal onboard.
• When arriving at the airport, you must physically check in at a ticket counter and present your U.S. military or foreign service orders.
• American won’t accept animals more than 4 hours before the flight , but you’ll still want to leave plenty of time to check your animal and get through security. You’ll need to have your pet checked in a minimum of 2 hours prior to departure.
• The ticketing agent will have you complete a checklist with them, and you’ll need to provide a certificate of health.

This certificate of health must be issued by a veterinarian and needs to be:

• Within 10 days of your travel
• Within 60 days of your return (when traveling on the same ticket)
• Within 10 days of your return (when traveling on a separate ticket)

It’s worth noting that American has several temperature-related restrictions:

• From May 1 through September 30 , you cannot check a pet through Las Vegas (LAS), Palm Springs (PSP), Phoenix (PHX), or Tucson (TUS).
• For cold weather, no destination along the route can be below 45 degrees.

Check out American Airlines’ rules and regulations for traveling with a cat or dog .

Pets that don’t qualify as carry-on or checked pets can travel in the cargo hold with PetEmbark through American Airlines Cargo.

First, you must determine if you have an eligible breed or type of pet, ensure the pet is healthy enough to fly, and meet certain requirements. Then, ensure you have the right kennel for your animal as American Airlines doesn’t provide kennels.

You must file a request to transport you r animal at most 10 days before departure (and at least 24 hours before departure).

Your animal must be dropped off at specific American Airlines Cargo drop-off locations within 4 hours of departure. These are usually located away from the terminal buildings. You’ll need to attach a bag of food to the kennel and ensure the animal has been fed and provided water within 4 hours prior to the flight. This will also be an opportunity to recheck temperatures along the flight route. Once this is done, you’ll leave your animal with the staff, and you’ll be able to track its progress along the way.

You can pick up the animal at the destination American Airlines Cargo facility as long as you have 2 forms of ID and the waybill. American Airlines Cargo facilities are only open during certain hours, so be sure to call before you go.

Rates are significantly higher for cargo and start at $415 for domestic flights. To calculate the specific rate for your flight, visit the Rates & Fees page, and select your routing under Pets & Animals Rates .

American Airlines has several rules and regulations to keep your pet happy and safe as you travel. When traveling with a pet, it’s always a good idea to purchase your tickets well in advance of your anticipated travel date, have all appropriate documentation ready, and be ready to follow agent instructions once you get to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strict is american airlines with carry-on pets.

For safety reasons, all airlines are very strict about carry-on pets. Certain aircraft cannot accommodate pets, and on other aircraft, only a certain number of pets will be allowed onboard.

Do you have to pay for pets on American Airlines?

Yes, there is a $150 fee to carry on a pet.

How much does it cost to board a dog on American Airlines?

American Airlines doesn’t board dogs overnight, but there is a fee of $150 (carry-on) to $200 (checked) for the pet to be transported on the plane. A pet in the airplane’s hold incurs a higher cost through American Airlines Cargo; the rate varies and is determined by the routing.

How can I get my pet to fly for free?

American Airlines permits credentialed service animals to fly for free.

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About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

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Moscow parks – leisure, nature and historical

Moscow is the most green megapolis in the world. There are over a hundred parks and green spaces like gardens, squares and boulevards. You will definitely bump into a few of them wherever you go. Whether you are interested in memorial, historic parks, parks of wildlife or you just want to have a calm break from the speedy city life – city parks have something special for everyone.

Moscow leisure parks

The leisure Moscow parks are undoubtedly the most popular and famous with the locals and travelers. Today such parks provide a great number of exciting entertainments for Muscovites and city guests, adults and children.

The Gorky Park

Gorky Park opened in 1928 and was the first holiday park in the Soviet Union with playgrounds, a sports stadium, exhibition halls and attractions for kids. Today it has a fresh, vibrant appearance. The park features bike rental stations, a comfortable business area with Wi-Fi, an outdoor movie theatre and a greenhouse where you can buy fresh greens such as basil and lettuce. To contemplate the sky and the stars, go to the observatory and look through the telescope while listening to fascinating stories from astronomers. Enjoy many sports in the park: volleyball, handball, football or a peaceful jog around the beautiful surroundings.

Zaryadye Park

Opened in September 2017, Zaryadye is the youngest on our list. Located just a few minutes away from Red Square, it includes various activities like the floating bridge with its thin V-form extension, an ice cave, also concert hall and an amphitheater. The entire territory of the park was divided into four zones of Russia: forest, steppe, tundra, and the floodplains.

Neskuchny Sad

By walking along the Moskva River’s bank from the Gorky Park towards Vorobievy Gory (Sparrow Hills) you’ll reach Neskuchny Sad («Not Boring» garden), a wonderful place in the Moscow center, one of Moscow’s oldest parks, charming slice of wildlife. The park mostly consists of pristine forest, dotted with old summer pavilions, ponds and quaint little stone bridges. There are a lot of opportunities for different activities lots of children playground, a ping-pong and chess clubs, football fields and tennis courts, horse riding, tree climbing and having rest in one of the nice cafes.

Museon Park

Hermitage Garden

Hermitage Garden has always been known as an amusement, entertainment center with theatres, shows, cafes, summer pavilions, pergolas since 1830. Shalyapin, Sobinov, Nezhdanova – great Russian opera singers starred on the garden stage. Famous Russian composer Rakhmaninov conducted the orchestra. Sara Bernar, Maria Yermolova, outstanding actresses, played in the open air performances. Tolstoy and Lenin had a stroll in the garden. So lots of celebrities from different epoques liked it a lot and spent their time in Hermitage Garden. You can find here three theatres in the garden: Hermitage, Sphere and New Opera. During winter an ice rink works here and in summer a musical stage is assembled to host jazz and brass band festivals.

In Sokolniki Park visitors can play billiard, chess or draughts, table tennis, as well as go cycling, roller blading and swimming in the summer and ice skating or skiing in winter. Each season is highlighted by special memorable and bright events, for example, Summer Jazz Festival or Baby Fest (for future mums), open air beach disco parties, Ice Cream Day, International Clown Festival and many other shows and exhibitions. The park has an observatory, kids center and a co-working zone with free Wi-Fi which is really nice for spending high quality work time there.

Moscow nature parks

The nature parks are national reserves with the amazing forestry and incredible variety of animals and plants there. The breath of wildlife and the chance to be closer to the virgin nature excites both children and grownups. Hundreds of different species of animals can be found in Moscow nature parks. The richest woodlands with old and even ancient trees, like a 200 years pine-tree in the Elk Island National Nature Park, are the point of passionate interest for visitors.

Aptekarsky Ogorod

Aptekarsky Ogorod (Apothecary Garden)

Aptekarsky Ogorod (Apothecary Garden) is one of the oldest gardens in Moscow. It was founded in the XVIII century by Peter the First (great Russian emperor). A larch that he planted himself still grows in the garden, so it’s more than 250 years old. At the time of its foundation, it was a garden with herbs and medicinal plants and was used as an educational center for doctors. Today there are the orangery with its tropical palms, the carp pond, and the immense trees that dot the landscape and turn wonderful golden shades in the autumn. Several restaurants and cafes work here making it a very nice spot for relaxation no matter what season it is. You can book a special tour or join the guided excursion group.

Losiny Ostrov

Losiny Ostrov (Elk Island Park)

Losiny Ostrov (Elk Island Park) is located at the north of Moscow. It covers 22 km from the west to the east and 10 km from the north to the south and it’s one of the most beautiful national parks in Moscow. Two rivers, Yausa and Pechorka begin here. You can find lots of fields, ponds, meadows, streams in the park as well as elks. Here you can enjoy guided tours, available in English. You can choose a guided tour about flora and fauna of the area, you’ll learn why elks are there, which animals are their neighbors. Or enjoy another excursion, which is totally devoted to historical past of ancient tribes once lived there, you’ll know about old Russian mythology, rituals and traditions.

Serebyany Bor

Serebyany Bor (Silver Forest)

Serebyany Bor (Silver Forest) is a famous pine forest in the west of Moscow. The park has 230 forms of plant life, and is also home to watersports complex, providing a lot of activities for visitors. The layout of Serebryany Bor is unusual, as it is located on an artificial island between a meander in the Moscow River and a channel. There is an artificial lake, the Deep Gulf and picturesque Bezdonnoe (Bottomless) Lake in the depths of the forest. Serebryany Bor’s beaches are the cleanest in the city and very popular among Muscovites. On weekends it is difficult to find a free spot here, especially because a whole range of services are offered to visitors, from simple deckchairs to catamaran and yacht rides. Driving is prohibited on the territory of the island so be ready to use trolleybus to reach the entrance.

Botanichesky Sad

Greenhouse of Botanical Garden

Main Botanical Garden of The Russian Academy of Sciences is the largest and most famous is Moscow. The garden is a real museum of nature with a very rich (more than 18000 types) collection of plants. The park was founded in 1945 at the place of the 17th century Apothecaries’ Gardens. The garden’s collection is turned into botanical expositions, made with use of modern receptions of landscape architecture. Here you can see a tree nursery, a shadow garden, hothouse complex, collection of flowers, a rosary, exposition of coastal plants, garden of continuous blossoming, Japanese garden and expositions of cultural plants and natural flora plants. The biggest part of Garden is the Tree nursery occupying the space of 75 hectares. About 2 thousand wood plants grow here. Another big exposition of the Garden is nature Flora, divided into six botanic-geographical collections: European part of Russia, Caucuses, Central Asia, Siberia and Far East. Pride of the Main Botanical Garden is the collection of tropical, coastal and water plants, which is considered as the best in Europe. The Japanese garden, a great model of Japanese landscape gardening art has a 13-level stone pagoda of the 18th century, stone Japanese lamps, ponds, falls and streams, tea lodges and more than 100 species of the most character Japan plants. It is especially decorative in spring, during Oriental cherry blossoming and in fall, when foliage blazes in crimson colors.

Moscow historic parks

Historic nature parks and estates once were the mansions of the Moscow aristocracy. At that far times the estates were outside the Moscow city limits, but after the city expansion and urbanization, they became easily accessible.

Kolomenskoye

Kolomenskoye Museum and Park

The chief attraction of the park is undoubtedly the stone Church of the Ascension of the Lord. It was constructed in 1532 by order of Tsar Vasily III to commemorate the birth of his son and heir, Ivan the Terrible. But there is a lot more to see in the park: the pretty Church of the Icon of Our Lady of Kazan – with its bright azure domes and plenty of gold. Further into the park there is a charming Church of the Beheading of St John the Baptist, built by Ivan the Terrible to mark his coronation.

Kuskovo Park

Kuskovo Park is one of the oldest country estates in Moscow. It was given to General Sheremetev by Peter the Great in 1715, but was left to fall into neglect before being plundered by Napoleon’s troops in 1812. Nowadays the estate has been restored to its former glory and is a good example of Russian 18th Century imperial architecture. The palace is a fine and rare example of wooden neoclassicism. It was completed in 1775, and the rich interiors remain unchanged since 1779. It includes a room hung with exclusive exquisite Flemish tapestries, an abundance of silk wallpaper and an impressive collection of 18th century European and Russian paintings. The palace looks onto the lake, which is surrounded by smaller pavilions: pretty Italian, Dutch and Swiss Cottages, Blank’s Hermitage and the old Orangery, where the State Ceramics Museum is located now, an extensive and absorbing collection of porcelain from the 18th century to the present day. On the other side of the lake is a large wood popular with local cyclists and joggers.

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Man missing in Arizona may have tried to travel through Grand Canyon in homemade raft with small dog

The National Park Service was looking for a man who went missing at Grand Canyon National Park.

Thomas Lee Robison, a 58-year-old resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico, was believed to have been attempted to travel down the Colorado River with his small dog on a wooden raft when he disappeared, the National Park Service said in a news release.

The National Park Service said Robison's vehicle was found abandoned at Lees Ferry within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on Sunday.

Robison is described as a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes. He weighs 160 pounds and is 5 feet 10 inches tall. His dog is an 11-year-old Welsh Corgi.

Officials were conducting a missing person investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Grand Canyon Dispatch at 928-638-7805.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .