Air travel is a stressful endeavor for most people. If you’re traveling with a service dog, several additional layers of preparation, responsibility, and rights need to be considered to ensure a smooth travel experience. At Justice Speaks, we believe in empowering individuals with service dogs and ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to safely navigate every public space, including airplanes.
If you or a travel companion is traveling with a service dog, here’s what you should know.
Your Rights Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
If you’re traveling with a service dog on a plane, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is your primary source of legal protection. The ACAA is designed to prevent discrimination based on disability and requires all airlines to accommodate travelers with service animals, as long as they meet the required criteria.
ACAA Rights Include:
- Service dogs must be allowed to accompany their handlers in the aircraft cabin at no additional cost.
- Airlines may only deny boarding to a service dog if the animal poses a health and safety concern, causes significant disruption, or violates safety requirements (ie, blocking an emergency exit).
Responsibilities of Service Dog Handlers
Service dog handlers must be diligent with their service animals at all times, especially when traveling by air. Service dog handlers must act safely and respectfully on the aircraft. This allows a positive travel experience for everyone involved – the handler, the service dog, airline staff, and fellow passengers.
Pre-Flight Considerations
- Submit the DOT Form: Most airlines require travelers to complete the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before departure. This form confirms that service dogs are trained and capable of behaving appropriately in a public setting.
- Notify the Airline Ahead of Time: This is not always mandatory; however, giving your airline advanced notice can make boarding and accommodations smoother.
- Review Airline Policies: Every airline has slight differences in its service dog procedures. Therefore, it’s wise to review your airline’s specific rules before each flight to stay up to date.
During Air Travel
- Service dogs must be kept under control at all times, either on a leash, harness, or tether.
- Service dogs must stay at the feet or on the lap of their handlers, not in the aisle or occupying a seat.
- Be prepared to advocate for yourself or your loved ones in a respectful way. If you receive any pushback from airline staff, it’s good to know your rights and be able to articulate them well.
Best Practices When Flying with a Service Dog
Whether it’s your first flight or your hundredth, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some practical tips to ensure stress-free travel with your service animal:
- Choose your seat thoughtfully: Bulkhead rows offer more legroom, which is incredibly helpful for larger service dogs. Most airlines will accommodate this request if you speak to them soon enough.
- Exercise your service dog ahead of time: Tiring your service dog out before heading to the airport can help them settle in on the plane more easily.
- Bring the necessities: Pack a travel bag complete with your service dog’s documentation, a small mat or blanket, waste bags, and a portable water bowl.
- Locate relief areas: Most major airports have pet relief areas. Try to map these out in advance so you’re prepared.
How to Manage Challenges
Unfortunately, not all airline experiences go smoothly – whether you’re traveling with a service dog or not! If your rights as a service dog handler have been violated, you have options for recourse:
- File a complaint with the airline directly.
- Submit a complaint to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Reach out to advocacy organizations like Justice Speaks. We’re here to help you navigate and respond to situations just like this.
Flying with a service dog should never be a barrier. Service dog handlers are entitled to accessible and enjoyable travel experiences, just like everyone else. You can make every journey a positive one if you understand your rights as a service dog handler, fulfill your responsibilities, and adequately prepare.
At Justice Speaks, we believe that visibility, advocacy, and education are key to building a society where people with disabilities and their service dogs are welcomed everywhere, even in the air!
If you have questions about traveling by air with your service dog, contact our team at Justice Speaks. We’d love to help!
