There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding travel these days. With new coronavirus cases reported around the country every day, it’s understandable to have questions. How will normal things be done from now on? Can I still take my ESA on a plane? Are there pet restrictions on flights during the pandemic?
Today, we’re answering those burning questions in this week’s emotional support animal news report.
Can ESAs Fly Commercial During the Pandemic?
Since March, airlines have been adapting their policies to the global pandemic we’re living through. They have all seen a drastic decrease in air traffic. Some have completely halted flights to some parts of the world. But the changes didn’t stop there.
All major airlines have been more thorough with their cleaning protocols. Moreover, they have pledged to improve air circulation and disinfection. Some airlines have gone so far as to block off seats, as is the case with Southwest and Delta. By not allowing their planes to fly at full capacity, they are better prepared to enforce social distancing.
But what about people with disabilities? What provisions are being made to ensure disabled passengers have the same rights as their able-bodied counterparts?
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is more important than ever now. It grants people with mental and emotional disabilities the right to travel with their assistance animals. Since emotional support animals help their owners cope with their disabilities, it only makes sense for them to travel in the cabin.
Despite attempts to scrap the ACAA, emotional support animals can still travel with their owners. None of the major airlines’ ESA policies have changed during the pandemic. Disability rights continue to be upheld by law and enforced by airlines in the United States.
Thus, if you need to travel with your ESA soon, there is nothing to worry about. Your animal companion will be allowed to board if you have all the correct documents. Each airline has different requirements, but you’ll always need your emotional support animal letter!
Keep in mind you will still have to follow the new-and-improved regulations for air travel. These include wearing a mask (unless your disability makes it impossible for you to do so) and keeping six feet away from other passengers and crew, as best as you can.
Source: https://runwaygirlnetwork.com/2020/06/21/us-airlines-seek-to-honor-disability-rights-while-enforcing-mask-use/?fbclid=IwAR2INAMrhKofeSdBu4hqvCB_XBHcm8bpoQRg256dqYS2-ruaJss7qEnjb_Q
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
We’re happy to see airlines continue to honor their commitment to passengers with disabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things, but luckily, the ACAA hasn’t been one of them.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to take care of our mental health. An emotional support animal can help with that. CertaPet is here to make the process of getting an ESA as seamless as possible. To get started, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional for a virtual appointment. If you qualify, they’ll issue you an ESA letter in no time!