Airlines Changing Policies to Allow Emotional Support Animals on Planes

A Guide to Airlines That Accept Emotional Support Animals

If you’ve been searching online for information on airlines that allow emotional support animals (ESAs), you’re not alone. Many people who depend on an ESA for their mental health struggle to find pet-friendly flights. In this article, I’ll break down the major U.S. airlines and their ESA policies to help you plan your next trip.

Understanding the Differences Between ESAs and Service Animals

Before diving into individual airline rules, it’s important to understand the distinction between ESAs and trained service animals. Service animals are highly trained to perform specific tasks to help those with disabilities, and airlines are legally required to allow them in the cabin free of charge under the Air Carrier Access Act. ESAs, on the other hand, provide comfort and support to travelers with diagnosed mental health conditions. While airlines are not obligated to accommodate ESAs in the cabin, many do make exceptions with proper documentation.

Major Airlines That Welcome ESAs

From my experience traveling with my ESA, here are the main U.S. carriers and their ESA policies:

1. Delta: Delta accepts ESAs in the aircraft cabin with a note from a licensed mental health professional dated within the last year.
2. United: United requires a “Pet Passenger Declaration and Disclaimer” form to be completed by a mental health professional and submitted at least 48 hours before travel.
3. American: On American Airlines, you must submit an online “Request for Special Assistance Accommodations” and veterinary health form at least 48 hours in advance.
4. Alaska: Alaska Airlines allows ESAs in cabins as checked baggage for free. A form from a licensed medical professional is necessary.
5. Southwest: Southwest is one of the most laidback airlines when it comes to ESAs – no forms or health records are needed beyond notification at the ticket counter.

In general, try submitting ESA paperwork at least 2-3 days before a flight to avoid potential issues at the gate. Making advance reservations also gives airlines time to properly accommodate your ESA on board.

Some Airlines with Stricter ESA Policies

A couple major carriers – JetBlue and Frontier Airlines – have more restrictive ESA policies compared to those listed above. JetBlue requires at least 10 business days of advance notice, while Frontier requires 48 hours and limits ESAs to just cats and dogs under 20 pounds.

Additionally, international carriers are subject to different rules depending on the destination country. Be sure to research requirements for any international flights well ahead of time.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Poor Treatment

While most airlines try to accommodate travelers and their ESAs, I’ve heard some horror stories from people who had problems at check-in or mid-flight. To decrease the chances of dealing with unsympathetic staff, be sure to:

1. Submit all required ESA documentation online or via mail/fax well before your trip
2. Keep your ESA well-behaved, cleaned/groomed, and under control on a leash or in a carrier at all times
3. Carry your ESA’s vaccination records and clean-up supplies in an easily accessible bag
4. Double check your reservation specifically mentions your ESA before heading to the airport
5. Remain polite yet firm if a staff member tries to deny your correctly documented ESA

Basically, thorough prepwork and communication can go a long way in avoiding misunderstandings. With the strategies above, you and your ESA should have a stress-free flight.

Alternatives If Airlines Refuse Your ESA

On the off chance an airline still rejects your properly documented ESA, a couple options remain:

1. See if the airline can accommodate stowing the ESA in the cargo hold for the trip in a kennel
2. Consider driving, taking a train, or booking multiple one-way flights on airlines with looser ESA policies
3. See a new mental health provider for an updated ESA letter if the airline cites an out-of-date diagnosis

In really rare cases, you may have to make alternative travel plans without your ESA. But with diligent preparation, most major airlines can be reasonably pet-friendly.

Final Thoughts on Traveling with ESAs

While the rules can seem convoluted at first, taking the time to research airline policies and follow proper procedures usually results in a worry-free trip with an ESA. Don’t hesitate to contact airlines directly if anything is unclear. With a little effort, you and your furry friend can look forward to stress-free adventures together. Safe travels!

Important Metrics for Choosing an Airline

Airline	On-time Arrival %	Baggage Delay Rate	Complaints per 100k Passengers	Average Fare
Delta	78%	2.17	1.34	$400
Southwest	75%	1.29	0.71	$300
American	76%	2.99	1.48	$450
United	74%	3.46	1.88	$475
Alaska	80%	1.74	0.89	$350
JetBlue	78%	1.47	0.77	$375

FAQ

1. What animals are considered ESAs?

   The main animals that folks pick as emotional support animals are dogs and cats. Sadly, airlines don’t let just any pet fly in the cabin for free. Still, tons of humans get comfort from their fuzzy friends.

   

2. Do airlines have to let ESAs fly for free?

   It seems that airlines must let registered emotional support animals fly with their owners in the cabin according to federal law. However, some airlines push back regarding unusual critters like pigs or peacocks. All the same, many with anxiety find solace in their animal buddies.

3. What documentation is needed for an ESA?

   To bring your emotional support pup on a plane, you’ll basically need a letter from a qualified mental health professional. The note must state that you’ve got a disability and your pet eases symptoms. At the same time, fraudulent documents help no one – we all win if rules are followed correctly.

4. Are there any restrictions on ESAs?

   While the guidelines seem loose regarding canine and feline companions, certain critters may not fly as smoothly. Reports show some folks had difficulties bringing snake pals or miniature horses in the cabin. Likewise, proper training is key for orderly flights regardless of species. Safety comes first for flyers of all kinds.

5. Is an ESA the same as a service animal?

   No – support critters help with emotional issues but aren’t trained to do tasks. Service animals are different in that careful training qualifies them to assist folk with disabilities. Perhaps confusing the definitions doesn’t serve anyone splendidly in the long run. At the same time, pet owners just desire calm flying for critter and human alike.

   

6. How do I prepare my ESA for airline travel?

   Experts advise getting pet pal accustomed to basic commands like sit or stay before takeoff. Be sure critter is comfy with handling, noises and other flying stresses. Also contact airlines ahead about rules – prep prevents problems possibly. Of course, well-behaved animals make traveling more gratifying for everyone involved. Teamwork and responsibility rock!

7. Can airlines deny emotional support animals?

   While intentions to ease anxiety appear admirable, certain critter combos could spark safety issues on planes. If pooch acts perturbed or parrot seems prone to panic, denial might be understandable at times. Still, frank flyer-airline dialogue allows exploring options possibly. With care and communication, we can work wonders to get folks where they’re going stress-free.

8. “Is bringing an ESA on a plane worth it?”

   For humans battling mental health battles, an understanding pet’s presence may mean the world. However, flying fur friends presents preparation. With correct critter conduct training and ample paperwork, the equation can equal eased emotions en route – but is it worth any hassles possibly? Only owners could judge worthwhile benefits versus transportation troubles. In the end, health matters most for all involved.