Carrying a psychiatric service animal or emotional support animal can be hectic since you are not accustomed to the laws of airlines. Most of the passengers are worried about documents, bills, seats, and the accommodation of their animal in the flight. Southwest Airlines has a clear set of rules concerning service dogs and pets, which are usually misconstrued.
This manual describes the PSD and ESA policies of Southwest Airlines in easy language so that you may prepare properly and travel without any tension.
Knowing the Animal Travel Rules at Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines adheres to the U.S. Department of Transportation rules on animals in the cabin. Within these regulations, special access is granted to the trained service dogs only. ESAs are no longer treated as assistance animals and must follow standard pet rules.
Knowing this difference is very important because it affects fees, documents, and seating options.
PSD in Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines allows psychiatric service dogs to travel in the cabin free of charge. However, only dogs qualify as service animals. Other animals, regardless of training or emotional benefit, are not accepted as service animals.
A psychiatric service dog must be individually trained to perform tasks related to a mental health disability. Simply providing comfort or emotional presence does not qualify the dog as a service animal under airline rules.
Documentation Needed for Psychiatric Service Dogs
- Before flying, passengers will be required to fill out the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
- This form certifies that the dog is well-trained, healthy, and well-behaved in social surroundings.
- The DOT form should be dated at the time of purchasing the ticket or later.
- It may be displayed digitally or printed at the airport when checking-in or boarding.
- A letter for a PSD is not necessarily obligatory, but it may be useful to carry one.
- The letter is signed by a licensed mental health professional and explains the reason why a PSD is required.
- The airline employees are not allowed to demand any medical details. The letter can prevent delays or misunderstandings at check-in.
What Is a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter?
A psychiatric service dog letter is a document that certifies that one has a qualifying mental health disability and is benefiting from a trained service dog. The person who writes it is often a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist.
To be allowed this letter, a mental health professional should assess your situation and identify the need to have a psychiatric service dog as a medically necessary service.
Emotional Support Animals and Southwest Airlines Policy
ESAs are not considered to be service animals by Southwest Airlines. It implies that emotional support animals are not provided with free flights and special treatment.
In case you intend to bring an emotional support animal, it will be regarded as a normal pet according to the Southwest pet policy.
Explained Southwest Airlines Pet Fees
- Southwest charges a fixed fee per pet carrier, not per pet.
- The same fee applies whether the animal is an emotional support animal or a regular pet.
- For flights within the U.S. mainland, the pet fee is $125 each way.
- For travel between the Hawaiian Islands, the pet fee is $35 each way.
- If your flight is canceled and you do not rebook, the pet fee is refundable.
Booking a Flight With a PSD or ESA
You need to reserve your seat as a passenger when booking your flight. Online booking of animals is not required at Southwest. But you must inform airline employees at the airport that you are traveling with a service dog or pet. If you are travelling with a PSD, then the agents at the airport will evaluate your documents and animal status after you check in.
Before you get to the airport, you are supposed to ensure that all the documents are ready. Coming early will enable one to avoid delays, especially when travelling with an animal.
Situations Where Southwest May Refuse an Animal
In the case of an aggressive or disruptive animal, Southwest Airlines can refuse to board it. This applies to service dogs and pets.
Excessively barking, growling, biting, lunging, and relieving themselves in public places may not be permitted to fly. One must always behave well and be under control.
Seating and Carrier Rules for Animals in the Cabin
- Animals should not be permitted to sit on emergency exit rows or obstruct aisles and walkways.
- Service dogs should remain on the floor at the feet of the handler or on the lap in case of a very small dog.
- During taxi, takeoff, and landing, pets carried by the carriers should be placed under the seat before the passenger section.
- Pet carriers should be well-ventilated and leak-proof.
- The carrier should fit well under the seat in front of you.
- Southwest has a single carrier of pets per passenger.
- The pet carrier would be considered a carry-on bag or a personal bag.
Special Travel Rules for Certain Destinations
To travel to Hawaii, one will have to do some additional preparation, as animal entry laws are tough. Service dogs have to pass all documentation and vaccinations to prevent quarantine.
In the case of Puerto Rico, dogs and cats require a valid health certificate stating that they did not originate from a rabies-quarantined area.
Flying With an Animal: Helpful Tips
Planning can help ease your trip. Pre-travel preparation of an animal, keeping it calm and under control, and making pets used to carriers before taking them away, is recommended before the flight.
Being on time, being well-organized, and adhering to the rules of the airlines will help you and your animal to be less stressed.
Conclusion
Under DOT regulations, Southwest Airlines can have psychiatric service dogs on board without a fee. However, ESAs will be required to travel as pets and pay pet fees.
The knowledge of these policies before boarding your plane assists in avoiding unexpected things. Ensures a secure and comfortable travel. Flying with Southwest Airlines can be a good experience for you and your animal, though with proper preparation.
