Delta Airline
Emotional Support Animal Policies
Have you ever dreamed of soaring through the skies with your furry friend by your side?
Delta Airlines makes that dream come true for many pet owners!
But before you and your emotional support animal take flight, let’s embark on a journey through the policies and procedures that’ll make your airborne adventure a breeze.
Fasten your seatbelts, because we’re about to explore Delta Airline’s fantastic world of Emotional Support Animal Policies!
Introduction to ESA
Before looking into Delta’s ESA letter policy, it’s important to understand what an ESA is and why people would require one.
Emotional Support Animals are companion animals that provide emotional comfort and support to people suffering from mental illnesses such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or depression.
These animals are not trained to perform certain jobs, but instead provide comfort by simply being present.
Under the protection of federal laws (Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)) you can live or travel with ESAs if you have a legit ESA letter.
Delta Airlines' Emotional Support Animal
To travel along with your emotional support animal, there are certain requirements you need to meet and rules your emotional support animal has to follow.
- In Delta Airlines’ emotional support animal policies, it is mentioned that there is no additional fee to travel with an ESA.
- However, the airlines do require you to get three additional forms to be completed by your licensed mental health professional (who could be your therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist) and a veterinarian.
- Delta warmly welcomes emotional support animals in an aircraft cabin, but you (the passenger) have to upload the required documentation (mentioned in the above line) at least 48 hours before a flight time.
- There is a helpline for this service as well if you need to talk regarding this matter.
According to Delta ESA, it is recommended to book the flight early so the staff can better meet your needs and the needs of your ESA.
Basic Requirements: Delta ESA Policy
Delta Air Lines has particular regulations for passengers traveling with Emotional Support Animals.
The following are the fundamental requirements:
1- ESA Letter
Passengers must produce a signed ESA letter for travel from a licensed mental health expert or medical doctor to Delta.
This letter should be written on the professional’s letterhead and should include their contact information, license information, and the date of issuance.
2- One Year Tenure
The ESA letter must be no older than one year from the date of the passenger’s anticipated first trip.
This requirement guarantees that the passenger’s ESA requirement is current and continuous.
3- Mental Health Diagnosis
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV or DSM-5), the ESA letter should specify that the passenger has a recognized mental health or emotional problem.
It should also state that the ESA’s presence is part of the passenger’s treatment plan.
4- Emotional Support Required Animal
The letter must explain why the passenger needs an ESA for air travel and how the ESA’s presence can ease the symptoms of the mental health condition.
5- Pet Information
The Emotional Support Animal letter should include information about the Emotional Support Animal, such as its breed and kind (e.g., dog, cat, or bird).
It should also indicate that the animal is well-behaved and capable of safe travel.
6- Training and Behaviour
Passengers must ensure that their ESAs are properly trained to behave in public. This includes obeying directions, remaining cool, and not engaging in disruptive behavior.
7- Health Documentation
ESAs must also comply with health and vaccination regulations.
Passengers should bring all essential veterinary records and make sure their pet is in good health before traveling.
Fly with Your Pet in Delta
If you like to fly with your pet on Delta Airlines, then the emotional support animal Delta’s basic required documentation, i.e. ESA letter has to be with you.
This ESA letter is issued by your mental health professional who will issue it on his or her letterhead, and it should not be more than one year old.
Upon check-in, you are required to submit this letter to the ticket agent.
The ESA letter must contain specific mandatory components your mental health professional or doctor’s license number, title, correspondence address (physical address), the jurisdiction of practice, and from where the license was issued in addition to contact numbers and his or her signature.
Delta Airline: ESA Policy: Do and Don'ts
Delta Airlines, like other major carriers, has a detailed Emotional Support Animal (ESA) policy in place to ensure the comfort and safety of all customers.
To ensure a seamless journey with your ESA, it’s critical to understand the dos and don’ts specified in Delta’s policy.
This portion will serve as a guide to assist you efficiently negotiate Delta Airlines’ ESA policy.
Do's
A)- Check Delta’s ESA Policy Ahead of Time
Visit Delta’s official website and examine their ESA policy before your flight. Policies and procedures are subject to change, so staying current is critical.
B)- Do Request an ESA Letter
Make certain that you have a legitimate Emotional Support Animal letter from a licensed mental health provider.
This letter must be dated within one year of your flight and include certain details as specified by Delta.
C)- Contact Delta ahead of time
Notify Delta at least 48 hours before your journey of your plan to travel with an ESA.
This enables them to plan for your requirements and make any necessary arrangements.
D)- Arrive to the airport early
Arriving early provides you plenty of time to check in with your ESA and resolve any potential concerns or questions.
E)- Maintain Control Over Your ESA
Throughout your journey, make sure your ESA is well-behaved and under control.
This includes the use of a leash, harness, or carrier as needed.
That is why basic training for ESA or at least leash training would be considered very helpful to keep pets obedient in public.
F)- Follow all safety precautions
Follow all safety and security guidelines given by Delta employees.
This includes wearing your seatbelt, stowing your ESA during takeoff and landing, and adhering to any crew orders.
G)- Carry the Required Documentation
When traveling, bring all essential papers, including your ESA letter, veterinarian records, and any other relevant documents.
Don'ts
A)- Don’t Expect Your ESA to Always Fly for Free
Delta no longer provides complimentary flights to ESAs.
You must buy a ticket for your ESA, and the cost will vary based on the route and destination.
B)- Do Not Arrive at the Airport Unless Notified
Failure to notify Delta of your ESA in advance may result in delays or issues during your journey.
C)- Do Not Ignore Your ESA’s Behaviour:
Make certain that your ESA always acts appropriately.
Excessive barking, hostility, or failure to use a litter box (if applicable) may result in expulsion from the flight.
D)- Remember to Include Proper Training and Socialisation
Before departing, ensure that your ESA is well-trained and socialized.
This can assist both your animal and your fellow passengers to feel less stressed.
E)- Do Not Ignore Veterinary Requirements
As per Delta’s policy, you must comply with all veterinarian regulations and possess all appropriate health documents for your ESA.
F)- Don’t Ignore State and International Laws
If you are traveling across state lines or overseas, be sure you are aware of any additional ESA restrictions and requirements.
G)- Don’t Assume All Delta Flights Are ESA Compliant
Please keep in mind that Delta’s ESA policy may not apply to all flights, particularly those operated by partner airlines.
For exact flight information, contact Delta.
Additional Form
Delta Airlines Emotional Support Animal Form
You need to fill up the Delta Airlines Emotional Support Animal Form (actually these are now three forms that need to be filled and provided to the airline authorities before your departure).
These completed forms are required to be submitted at least 48 hours before your flight time, and they can be uploaded at Delta’sDelta’s webpage https://www.delta.com/mytrips/.
As per Delta Airlines ESA policy, the three forms include a veterinary health form, a medical/mental health professional form, and confirmation of animal training.
Delta or even other airlines may verify ESA letters by contacting your mental health professional.
Fly With Pet in Delta: Service Pet Vs ESA
Please keep in mind that Delta Airlines’ laws and regulations are subject to change, so for the most up-to-date information on ESAs and service animals, please visit their official website or contact their customer care.
| spect | Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) | Service Animals |
Definition | Provide emotional comfort and support to individuals with mental health conditions. | Specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. |
Advance Notification | Required at least 48 hours before the flight. | Not required, but recommended. |
Acceptable Species | Dogs, cats, and small household birds are allowed. | Dogs are primarily accepted, although miniature horses are also permitted under specific conditions. |
Additional Documentation | Requires a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. | Typically does not require additional documentation beyond standard vaccination and health records. |
Vaccination and Health Records | ESAs should have current vaccination and health records as required by state and local laws. | Service animals should have current vaccination and health records as required by state and local laws. |
Behavioral Requirements | Must be well-behaved and under the control of the owner. | Must be well-behaved and under the control of the owner. |
Seating Arrangements | ESAs must be seated in the passenger’s lap or on the floor in front of the passenger’s seat. | Service animals typically sit on the floor at the passenger’s feet. |
Fees for Air Travel | Passengers traveling with ESAs must pay a fee for their animal. Fees vary based on the route and destination. | Service animals travel for free. |
Advance Notice of Disruption | Delta may require up to 48 hours’ advance notice if the ESA has a disruptive behavior history. | No advance notice required. |
Relief Areas | ESAs must be able to relieve themselves in a container or in an area that does not create a mess or disruption during the flight. | Service animals should be able to relieve themselves in designated areas, if needed, prior to boarding. |
Animal Age Limit | ESAs must be at least 4 months old. | Typically, there is no specified age limit for service animals. |
Time Restrictions | For flights over 8 hours, ESAs may not be permitted in the cabin. | No specific time restrictions for service animals. |
Documentation Check | Delta may require additional documentation if the passenger’s mental health condition or the ESA’s behavior raises concerns. | Typically, service animals do not require additional documentation. |
Compliance with State Regulations | Passengers must comply with any state and local regulations regarding ESAs. | Passengers must comply with any state and local regulations regarding service animals. |
Carrier Requirements for Restraints | ESAs should be properly restrained in a carrier or on a leash or harness. | Service animals should be on a leash or harness, or they should be in a carrier, if necessary. |
Final Words
Delta Airlines’ ESA policy is intended to accommodate passengers using ESAs while still providing a safe and enjoyable flight experience for all passengers.
By following the dos and don’ts mentioned in this guide, you may guarantee that you and your Emotional Support Animal have a pleasant flight with Delta Airlines.
Remember that ESA ownership that is courteous and responsible benefits not only you, but the entire flying community.
There is no doubt that you are emotionally attached to your ESAs, and wherever you go, they need to travel with you.
Your mental health professional’s recommendation in the form of an ESA letter, issued on his or her letterhead carrying the contact numbers, address and license number, is what is needed if you get on board an aeroplane.
Be prepared and get the letter well before time and provide to airline authorities before 48 hours.
FAQs
What is Delta Airline's ESA policy?
Delta Air Lines has revised its policy on Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and will no longer allow them beginning January 11, 2021.
Why did Delta change its ESA policy?
Delta implemented this modification to prioritize the safety and comfort of all passengers and to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation rules.
Can I still travel with my ESA on Delta after the policy change?
No, Delta no longer accepts ESAs on its flights, regardless of the date of booking. Service animals and specific mental service animals are the only ones allowed.
What is the definition of a service animal according to Delta's policy?
A service animal, according to Delta, is a trained and certified canine, or in some circumstances, a miniature horse, that supports a disabled passenger. Emotional support animals are no longer eligible.
What documentation is required for traveling with a service animal on Delta?
Passengers traveling with a service animal must fill out the Service Animal Behaviour Acknowledgment form, which confirms that the animal has been trained to act responsibly in public.
Are there any fees associated with traveling with a service animal on Delta?
Delta does not charge service animals any additional costs. However, if your assistance animal takes up a seat or a foot space, you may be required to pay for an additional seat.
Can my service animal sit in my lap during the flight?
If the animal is small enough to sit comfortably without obstructing the aisle, it must be seated on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on a passenger’s lap.
What should I do if I encounter issues with my service animal on a Delta flight?
Passengers who have problems with service animals on Delta flights can seek assistance from Delta officials or flight attendants.
Can Delta require advanced notice for passengers traveling with service animals?
Delta recommends that passengers fly with a service animal at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee a smooth experience.
Where can I find more information about Delta's service animal policy?
You can learn more about Delta Air Lines’ service animal policy by visiting their official website or contacting their customer service department.