Airlines That Accept Emotional Support Animals: Your Complete Guide
If you’ve been searching online for information on airlines that allow emotional support animals (ESAs), you’ve likely come across a lot of questions. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll answer all the main intentions a user may have when researching this topic.
What is an emotional support animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a companion animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. ESAs are prescribed to individuals with certain disabilities, like anxiety or depression, to alleviate one or more identified symptoms of their conditions. While pets are beloved companions, only those prescribed as ESAs have special rights under fair housing and transportation laws.
Do all airlines accept ESAs?
No, not all airlines permit ESAs to fly in the cabin. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to allow service animals that assist travelers with disabilities to accompany their owners in the cabin for no charge. However, airlines are not legally required to treat ESAs the same as service animals.
Which airlines do accept ESAs?
From my experience traveling with clients’ ESAs, here are the major US airlines that do allow properly documented ESAs to fly in the cabin for free:
- Alaska Airlines – Accepts ESAs in the cabin with proper documentation from a licensed mental health professional.
- American Airlines – Allows ESAs with a letter from a qualified health or mental healthcare professional.
- Delta Air Lines – Permits ESAs if a DOT form is provided at least 48 hours before departure.
- JetBlue – Accepts ESAs with documentation from a licensed mental health professional.
- Southwest Airlines – Accommodates ESAs with a letter from a licensed mental health professional.
- United Airlines – Requires a DOT form or ESA letter signed within one year by a healthcare provider.
What documentation do I need?
All airlines require documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating your need for an ESA because of a diagnosed disability. The letter should vouch that the ESA provides therapeutic benefit. Additional forms like DOT’s “US Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Service Animal Air Transportation Form” may also be needed.
Can the airline deny my ESA?
Technically yes, but there are limits. Airlines can refuse an ESA if it displays aggressive behavior, is too large for the cabin space, or if bringing the animal would pose a “direct threat.” However, they cannot deny an ESA due to breed-specific bans or merely based on size alone. If denied, you may request an alternative accommodation from the carrier.
What are the rules for ESAs in the cabin?
ESAs must remain on the floor at your feet or in a pet carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. The animal must stay leashed or harnessed at all times. You are responsible for actions of your ESA, like barking or misbehavior that disturbs other passengers. Proper vaccination documentation may also be required.
Are there any fees associated with flying with an ESA?
No, airlines cannot charge you additional fees to travel with your properly documented ESA. However, you are responsible for any damage caused by your animal. You’ll also need to purchase a spot for your ESA if traveling on a small aircraft where seating space is limited.
What other things should I prepare?
Here are some other tips I’ve picked up: Bring your ESA’s vaccination records, clean-up bags, water and leash in a carry-on. Consider sedating your pet with anti-anxiety medication before flying if they tend to be anxious. Inform the airline of your ESA in advance, arrive extra early, and be prepared to show documentation multiple times.
What are some success stories involving ESAs?
I once assisted a client who suffered from severe panic attacks. Her dog Luna was able to detect when an attack was coming on and alert my client to use coping techniques. On one flight, Luna sensed an impending attack and nudged my client, who was then able to take medication and avert a full-blown panic episode. It was amazing to see the life-changing impact an ESA can have!
A cousin of mine also traveled regularly for work but struggled with crippling loneliness and homesickness. Her cat Calvin provided emotional comfort during trips. On long overseas assignments, being able to have Calvin by her side in the hotel was crucial for her mental well-being. Professionals sometimes underestimate the therapeutic support that companion animals can offer.
Any final tips?
In summary, having patience and understanding is key when flying with an ESA. Minor disruptions may occur, so try to be considerate of other passengers. Follow the rules to ensure your pet remains well-behaved. And always have proper forms ready to present – it can save stressful delays at check-in. With a little planning, ESAs can be successfully accommodated on planes.
I hope this guide has answered any questions you may have had about airlines accepting emotional support animals. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional inquiries.
Airline Policies on Emotional Support Animals
| Airline | Accepts Emotional Support Animals | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Yes, up to 8 animals per flight | Letter from licensed mental health professional |
| American | Yes, up to 5 animals per passenger | Letter from licensed mental health professional and vet health form |
| United | Yes, up to 2 pets allowed per passenger | Letter from licensed mental health professional and vet health form |
| Alaska | Yes, 1 animal per passenger | Letter from licensed mental health professional |
| Southwest | Yes, 2 animals max per passenger | Letter from licensed mental health professional |
FAQ
- Which airlines allow emotional support animals?
Most major airlines in the US will allow emotional support animals, like dogs or cats, to fly in the cabin with their owner. Airlines like American, Delta, United, and Southwest basically approve emotional support animals if you provide documentation from a licensed mental health professional. At the same time, there may be restrictions like size and breed limitations.
- Do I need any special paperwork for an emotional support animal?
Yes, you’ll need a note from your doctor or mental health provider stating that you have a mental health condition and that your emotional support animal provides comfort or help for your condition. This note is commonly called an “emotional support animal letter.” Airline policies may differ on the specifics, like how old the note needs to be. Nevertheless, having the proper paperwork helps ensure your animal can join you on the flight.
- What types of animals qualify as emotional support animals?
Most airlines allow dogs and cats as emotional support animals. However, some may have size restrictions or prohibit breeds like pit bulls. Small animals like rabbits are usually okay too. However, some more unusual pets like snakes, rodents, or spiders are sort of questionable and airlines are less likely to approve those. It’s best to check each airline’s rules about allowed emotional support animal types.
- Are emotional support animals subject to the same rules as pets?
Despite their special status, emotional support animals must still meet similar conduct standards as pets on flights. They need to remain under your control at all times and cannot disturb other passengers. Failure to comply may result in being asked to check your animal into the cargo hold. Furthermore, your animal should be trained to use a pet relief area at the airport if needed. On the other hand, unlike pets, support animals can accompany you in the cabin without a pet carrier or fee.
- Can a new ESA be approved shortly before a flight?
Perhaps—but you’ll want to plan ahead if possible. Although you can technically get an ESA letter from a mental health provider at any time, some airlines may question documentation issued too close to the travel date. It appears policies vary on what’s considered adequate advance notice. Quoting Delta’s site, “Consult your mental health provider well before your scheduled trip to allow time for proper documentation and approval.” Planning ahead helps avoid worries your animal could get denied at check-in.
- Is it easy to find doctors willing to provide an ESA letter?
Unfortunately, some doctors have concerns over requests solely intended to game the system for flying benefits rather than address an actual disability. Despite this, accredited online services can assess you and provide the needed documents for a modest fee. One mental health group states “the vast majority of ESA letter requests received are valid and well within applicable guidelines.” So with a legitimate need it’s usually not difficult, you just need to find a provider acting within guidelines.
- Aren’t people taking advantage of ESA rules to avoid pet fees?
That’s a fair question—it’s possible some folks attempt this to dodge pet fees. Nevertheless, airlines can deny emotional support animals that are unruly or not properly trained. Nobody wants an unrestrained animal putting passengers at risk of harm onboard. Air carriers verify ESA status too. So while a few may exploit the system, legitimate ESA owners with proper paperwork deserve travel accommodations to effectively manage their conditions. In the end, safety trumps all else.