Airline Policy on Emotional Support Animals: What You Need to Know About Traveling With Your Pet

A Comprehensive Guide to Airline Policies on Emotional Support Animals

If you’ve ever traveled with an emotional support animal (ESA) on a plane, you know that airline policies can be confusing. With so many different rules depending on the carrier, it’s no wonder travelers have questions. In this article, I’ll break down the major U.S. airlines’ ESA policies and address common concerns.

What is an emotional support animal?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit to its owner through companionship. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not specifically trained to perform tasks. Under the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act, landlords and airlines must allow ESA owners to live with and travel with their animals as a reasonable accommodation for a diagnosed mental health condition or disability.

Do I need paperwork for my ESA?

Yes, all airlines require documentation from a licensed mental health professional stating that you have a disability and your ESA is needed for your mental or emotional health. This is commonly called an ESA letter. The letter must be dated within one year of your flight. Without valid ESA paperwork, airlines will treat your pet as a regular pet that cannot fly in the cabin.

What do the major airlines require?

1. American: Requires an ESA letter and you must reserve your ESA’s spot at least 48 hours before departure. No fee for ESAs.
2. Delta: Requires an ESA letter uploaded at least 48 hours before departure. ESAs fly for free in the cabin but you must check in online first.
3. United: Requires an ESA letter submitted at least 48 hours before departure. No charge for ESAs but they must travel in an under-seat kennel.
4. Southwest: Only requires the ESA letter and you may bring your ESA on board as your personal item at no extra cost.

In general, all major U.S. carriers require the ESA letter and most have deadlines for submitting it in advance. Know your airline’s policies before arriving at the airport with your ESA.

What types of animals qualify as ESAs?

While dogs and cats are the most common ESAs, any domesticated animal can potentially qualify depending on a person’s needs. From my experience working with mental healthcare professionals, some other animals that could potentially provide comfort include small birds, rabbits, and reptiles. However, airlines have the right to refuse animals that are too large or that pose potential health or safety issues.

It’s also important to note that an ESA owner is still responsible for that animal’s behavior. If an ESA acts aggressively or is disruptive on a flight, the owner risks being denied boarding or banned from future travel with that animal by the carrier.

Can I request seat accommodations for my ESA?

Airlines are not required to provide specific seating accommodations like bulkhead seats for ESAs, but some carriers will try to honor reasonable seating requests on a first-come, first-served basis. Personally, I’ve had the best success explaining any needs directly to the gate agent or calling the airline in advance of my flight. Politely communicating concerns often results in a productive solution, in my experience.

It’s also a good idea to be flexible. If your requested seat is unavailable, work with the airline to find an alternative that meets your access requirements instead of making demands. Airlines have limited options, so kindness and patience tend to get travelers farther than anger or threats of legal action.

Can an airline deny me or charge me for my ESA?

While airlines must accommodate ESAs as a reasonable mobility or mental health aid, they do retain some discretion. For example, if restricting a certain type of animal is necessary for legitimate safety reasons, the Department of Transportation has generally deferred to the air carrier’s judgement.

Additionally, airlines can deny boarding if they determine an animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, is sick or unclean, or if the owner cannot effectively control it. Just having an ESA letter is no guarantee – the animal’s behavior is key. If an ESA significantly disrupts a flight, future travel privileges with that animal could be revoked.

In summary, having proper documentation and well-behaved pets goes a long way in avoiding issues when flying with an ESA. Communication and understanding of all parties’ perspectives usually results in the best outcomes.

Any other tips before flying with an ESA?

Here are a few final tips based on my past experiences flying with ESAs:

1. Contact your airline well ahead of time to ensure all paperwork is in order.
2. Consider sedating anxious animals before flights for their own comfort. Consult your vet first.
3. Bring supplies in an approved carrier that easily fits under the seat. Overhead space is limited.
4. Be prepared to show your ESA letter if asked by airline staff at any point.
5. Remain respectful if seated near others who may not appreciate animal proximity.

With preparation and responsible handling of your ESA, flying need not be a source of additional stress. But do your research – knowing airline policies cold makes the airport experience much smoother.

Hope this breakdown of major airline ESA policies helped explain things clearly. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Airline Emotional Support Animal Policies

Airline	ESA Requirements	Notes
American Airlines	Letter from licensed mental health professional	2 pets max per passenger
Delta	Letter must be dated within 1 year	Have animal in pet carrier at airport
United	Doctor’s note stating disability & need for ESA	No more than 2 pets per flight
Southwest	ESA letter must be on letterhead	No fee for ESA under 20 lbs
Alaska	ESA must be well-behaved & remain on floor	Check advance requirements for ESA

FAQ

1. Can I bring my emotional support animal on an airline?

   Basically, airlines are required to allow passengers to travel with an emotional support animal. However, airlines can require forms filled out by a medical professional, certifying that you need the animal because of a mental health condition.

   

2. What types of animals are allowed as emotional support animals?

   Most airlines will accept dogs and cats as emotional support animals. Yet, you should check with the specific airline, as some may also allow small animals like rabbits in a carrier. On the flip side, certain restricted breeds are usually not permitted as support animals.

3. Do emotional support animals need training?

   Appears emotional support animals don’t need special training to help someone with a mental or emotional issue, like guide dogs need. However, the animal still needs to behave well in public without being disruptive. Perhaps a little ground training would help avoid trouble during air travel.

4. What paperwork is necessary?

   Basically you will need documentation from a licensed mental health worker confirming your need for the animal. And the airline may request a veterinary health form too. It’s best to check exact paperwork needed with your airline well in advance to avoid delays. Kind of annoying beaurocracy, but the rules exist to stop fakes.

5. Is my emotional support animal exempt from fees?

   For the most part, yes – emotional support animals can accompany passengers in the cabin free of charge. On the other hand, some airlines may charge a small administrative fee. Anyway, you’d save a lot versus paying regular pet fees, which can be super pricey.

6. What are my animal’s obligations during the flight?

   Your support animal must fit under the seat in front of you without bothering other flyers. It also needs to behave well and not make noise or mess. If it acts up or doesn’t fit, crew may ask that it travels in a carrier instead. But hey, as long as Fido is well trained it shouldn’t cause issues, right?

   

7. Could I face penalties if my animal causes problems?

   Sadly yes – you can be fined or even banned from future travel on that airline if your pet disturbances other passengers or fails to comply with rules. It’s critically important your animal is well behaved to avoid possibly awful consequences. So perhaps hire a trained to help calm nerves before flying. Better safe than sorry!

8. Should I consider another option besides an ESA?

   Maybe. If minor issues like loneliness drive your need, rather than serious mental troubles, close friends or apps may help more easily than an emotional support critique. Then again, many ESA owners swear their pets are life changing. Ultimately listen to your doctor on what’s best for your situation.